Tottenham 1 Sunderland 0:ROMAN PAVLYUCHENKO has been called many things by Harry Redknapp and a section of the Tottenham Hotspur support, who sometimes struggle to suppress their frustration at his work ethic. But the Russia striker could luxuriate here in a more positive label: Premier League match-winner.
On as a 26th-minute substitute for the injured Aaron Lennon, with Redknapp having berated him for taking an age to strip, Pavlyuchenko brought a sluggish Tottenham to life with a thumping second-half finish after a flash of genius from Rafael van der Vaart.
His talent has never been in doubt and only his third goal of a difficult season was further evidence of this. Redknapp would happily listen to offers for him next month if, of course, he were allowed to upgrade in the department but Pavlyuchenko’s high wages have proved a stumbling block. If he has felt like an expensive indulgence, the points he secured had tangible worth.
Pavlyuchenko, though, was in no mood to savour his moment.
He was the first player off the pitch at full-time, at a brisk walk, straight down the tunnel. He was too quick for Joe Jordan, the Tottenham assistant manager, who looked to have made for him. It was not quite a snub for Jordan. In many ways it felt like typical Pavlyuchenko.
Tottenham came alive after the goal and they could afford Luka Modric to table a contender for the miss of the season. After Emmanuel Adebayor, released by Van der Vaart, had forced Kieren Westwood to parry, Modric had the goal at his mercy but scooped over the crossbar from eight yards. Tottenham created and missed other chances.
Martin O’Neill had tasted the elation of victory over Blackburn Rovers in his first game as Sunderland’s manager last weekend but, even in defeat, he could take the positives. He was entitled to be happy at the way his team settled and performed for the majority of the first hour.
With his midfield working diligently and his defenders doing the basics correctly, they kept Tottenham at arm’s length with surprising comfort. Sunderland might even have nicked the lead in the 33rd minute but Sebastian Larsson’s low cross was behind the onrushing Kieran Richardson. Larsson also saw a curling 25-yard free-kick saved by Brad Friedel.
O’Neill had made a statement with his team selection. The captain Lee Cattermole and Nicklas Bendtner were available after suspension and injury respectively, and arrests on vandalism charges jointly, but O’Neill kept faith with the starting XI that had beaten Blackburn. It is an old trick but a proven way to win respect.
Tottenham were flat in the first half and it was disconcerting to see Modric exiled to the left flank, in the absence of the injured Gareth Bale, and Van Der Vaart moved to the right, after Lennon had limped off. Tottenham lacked natural width and also seemed to marginalise their creativity.
Redknapp cursed on the touchline. Pavlyuchenko went the closest to scoring for Tottenham in the first half when Westwood pawed Scott Parker’s cross back on to him and the ball flew narrowly wide. When Sandro was played in by Van der Vaart he dragged his shot wide.
Sunderland continued to make it an even contest in the early stages of the second half and there was mounting anxiety among the home support. With Titus Bramble outstanding at the heart of the Sunderland defence, the visitors looked bedded in for a point.
Bendtner had replaced Connor Wickham at half-time and the former Arsenal striker was fired up to make the difference. He fluffed his big chance, though; a difficult left-footed volley in the 88th minute.
When Tottenham scored, they resembled the boxer who suddenly puts together a combination blow. After Wes Brown had cheaply conceded possession, Modric drove a ball forward to Van der Vaart whose visionary reverse flick carved open the chance for Pavlyuchenko and his right-foot shot found the corner.
Guardian Service
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