Tottenham-2 vs. Wisla Krakow-1.

Darren Bent’s 73rd minute header gave Tottenham their first win of the season as they narrowly defeated Polish opposition Wisla Krakow 2-1.

David Bentley grabbed his first goal for Spurs on the 31st minute, only for Wisla to equalise exactly 67 seconds later.

Aaron Lennon’s cross was cooly converted by Bentley who started the match, unlike in Monday night’s defeat to Aston Villa. However Tottenham’s defence failed to hold an onrushing Wisla, who hit back quickly after going 1-0 down.

Thomas Jirsak scored an away goal for the visitors with a delightful chip which totally bamboozled Spurs keeper Gomes, eager to make up for his Monday night mishap.

Spurs had to work very hard for the win as Wisla created a number of chances. The Polish outfit were well-disciplined and played a very tight formation, which stifled Juande Ramos free-flowing Tottenham team. Frustration was evident form the Spaniard, who was well aware that former Tottenham manager, Martin Jol, was sacked in this respective fixture last year, as Spurs lost to Getafe in this competition after a simarly poor start to the season.

Ramos put his best side out but big summer signings Luka Modric, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Verdan Corluka all missed out, Modric injured and Corluka and Pavlyuchenko cup-tied.

Spurs started with Jermaine Jenas in mid-field with Giovani Dos Santos and Darren Bent upfront in a clear, attacking 4-4-2.

Indeed, the attacking formation looked set to work wonders in the opening few minutes, Spurs got forward at every oppurtunity and looked the more likely to net first.

Alas, Spurs failed to muster up any shots, their first attempt came in the 23rd minute when Jonathan Woodgate had a header comfortably saved. Indeed, Bentley’s goal was one of the first clear cut attempt’s on goal.

Jirsak found the equaliser nearly immediately, ensuring the first half ended at 1-1. But Darren Bent’s late header gave the victory to Tottenham.

MANAGER REACTIONS: JUANDE RAMOS;

“We were in a bad run of results and we needed a win to give confidence and calmness to the team.

“Let’s hope this starts a positive run leading to better results. However, Bent has played every minute this season and one day we will have to give him a rest otherwise it will be too much for him.”

MATCH FACTS:

Tottenham: Gomes, Gunter (O’Hara 57), Woodgate, King, Bale, Bentley, Jenas, Zokora, Lennon (Campbell 57), Giovani (Assou-Ekotto 70), Bent.
Subs Not Used: Cesar, Huddlestone, Gilberto, Dawson.

Booked: O’Hara.

Goals: Bentley 33, Bent 73.

Wisla Krakow: Pawelek, Singlar, Baszczynski, Cleber, Diaz, Boguski (Malecki 72), Sobolewski, Cantoro, Zienczuk, Pawel Brozek (Niedzielan 79), Jirsak (Lobodzinski 61).
Subs Not Used: Juszczyk, Guedes Filho, Glowacki, Barreto.

Booked: Sobolewski, Malecki.

Goals: Jirsak 34.

Att: 35,751

Ref: Lucilio Cardoso Cortez Batista (Portugal).