WFootball: Spurs Book Place in Last 32
 

Dempsey and Defoe calm Tottenham nerves with late strikes


Tottenham 3-1 Panathinaikos


6 December 2012, BBC


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Spurs' Emmanuel Adebayor celebrates scoring their first goal of the game with team-mate Jermain Defoe. Photo: PA


TOTTENHAM booked their place in the last 32 of the Europa League with a nervy win over Panathinaikos at White Hart Lane tonight.

Emmanuel Adebayor put the home side in front after 27 minutes, scoring only his second goal of a disappointing season when he coolly slid the ball home after an immaculate through-ball from Clint Dempsey.

However, Spurs' season-long difficulties in stringing together a performance for a full 90 minutes once again returned and Zeca aided by negligent defending by Kyle Walker, powered a header into the net from eight yards after 53 minutes.

The Greeks then began to come more and more into the game, and to create more and more chances.

Eventually Dempsey - having one of his most impressive games for Spurs since his summer move - eased the nerves of the home crowd.

Walker whipped in a wonderful freekick from the right and Dempsey, having eluded his marker, powered his header past the keeper off the crossbar.

A few minutes later Jermaine Defoe continued his recent excellent form with a fine finish and Spurs were through to the knock-out stages.

Full report in tomorrow's Irish Independent.