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www.skysports.comTwo of the best striking partnerships in The Premiership were on show at The Riverside - but it was Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov who took all the plaudits as they fired Spurs to a 3-2 win at Middlesbrough.
Boro, even with new permanent signing Jonathan Woodgate at the heart of their defence, had few answers to Keane and Berbatov - who were simply awesome, whilst Ledley King was in superb form for Spurs as he did a great job of keeping Mark Viduka and Yakubu Aiyegbeni at bay for much of the game.
Keane and Berbatov combined on 12 minutes to put Spurs ahead as the Irishman finished with great aplomb, before Berbatov added his own name to the scoresheet just after half-time with a great volley.
Boro had some hope when Viduka got a deserved goal, but Keane fired home to secure the win with seven minutes left.
Emanuel Pogatetz did head home in injury time for Boro but they did not have enough time to press for an unlikely and what would have been an undeserved equaliser.
Boro had created the first chance of the day when Yakubu tested Paul Robinson after just three minutes - but it was Spurs who were into their stride quickest.
And it was Keane and Berbatov causing all sorts of problems for the home defence.
The Bulgarian particularly was looking sharp, he fired at Mark Schwarzer with his opening salvo before slicing wide from the edge of the box with only the Australian to beat.
On 12 minutes and the Spurs striking duo did open Boro up. Berbatov found room and worked his magic to create the opening inside the box for Keane, who lashed it past Schwarzer.
Spurs were comfortable and Berbatov and Keane were seemingly producing chances at will, and it was not until the introduction of Adam Johnson just before the break that seemed to inject some much need pace and enthusiasm into Boro's game.
On the stroke of half time Viduka did have a good chance to level as he was fed by his partner Yakubu - but the Australian, looking to beat Robinson at his near post, could only find the side netting.
Boro would have looked to begin the second half with some real intent - but within two minutes of the restart they found themselves two goals behind and it was a great piece of skill from Berbatov.
Hossam Ghaly went unchallenged down the right until he came to the box he then looked up and played the ball into the midriff of Berbatov - but instead of bringing the ball down, he volleyed a great strike which found the corner of the net past the despairing dive of Schwarzer.
Finally Boro woke from their malaise and a great run from Johnson as he turned Ricardo Rocha and Steed Malbranque before the Frenchman hacked him down from behind, seemed to lift the home crowd.
King showed he was back to his best with a great challenge on Viduka as he was lining up a shot.
Spurs were still looking dangerous on the counter and before Boro even scored, the game could and should have been put well beyond them as Malbranque broke before playing a wonderful through ball to Keane, but his dinked effort past Schwarzer flew wide of the post.
Finally Boro did find their range and it was their main danger man Viduka who got his reward as he headed home a Stewart Downing cross as he came in from the right.
The home side were now running riot and should have levelled just two minutes later - and again it was Viduka but he was denied by a world-class save from Robinson.
A tremendous move from Boro saw Julio Arca play George Boateng in down the right, he pulled the ball back for Viduka - who looked to have a simple side foot finish - but Robinson somehow manage to turned back on himself and save with his left hand to keep Spurs ahead.
Robinson again denied Viduka on 76 minutes as the Australian blasted an effort at goal, but the England number one was able to palm it away.
From that Spurs broke with the recently introduced Aaron Lennon and it did not take the England star soon to make an impact.
He worked his way down the left, held off some weak defensive challenges before cutting the ball back for an unmarked Keane - who turned brilliantly before lashing the ball into the net.
Still Boro to their credit refused to give up and Pogatetz headed home unmarked from a Fabio Rochemback corner with just a minute left.
Boro frantically looked to get the ball forward, but to no avail as Spurs held on for a hard-fought but deserved three points which sees their Uefa Cup hopes remain
What a result! Gutted I couldn't be there. I had serious doubts about coming away from The Riverside with even a point. Gotta hope this gives us the momentum to crack on with the last three games of the season. Charlton away next isn't easy given their predicament. But there's hope still that we'll finish top seven!
I almost put an application in for a ticket, but didn't at the last minute.
Oh well, always next year....
And I do have a Hot Chocolate to look forward to when I go into work tomorrow :5:
Bet u enjoyed your hot chocolate yesterday Madsue !
I'm still waiting for it!Originally Posted by spurslady
I think he was avoiding me on Monday, yesterday he got tied up with things, so apparently I will get my drink when I go in today! He has no excuse as I'm working late today...
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