Tottenham Hotspur welcomed Stoke City to White Hart Lane on Sunday looking to keep pace with the top four in the Premier League.
Spurs entered the half-time interval with a one-goal lead courtesy of a cool penalty from Spanish international Roberto Soldado.
Stoke continued to struggle in the second period and it was 2-0 just past the hour mark when Mousa Dembele scored from distance, before Aaron Lennon made it three 20 minutes from time.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Our Premier League coverage continues from White Hart Lane as Tottenham Hotspur welcome Stoke City to North London. Spurs enter the match off the back of a 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion on Boxing Day, while nine-man Stoke suffered a 5-1 thrashing at Newcastle United. Both will be hopeful of returning to winning ways this afternoon.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, both have won one of the last five matches, with the further three ending in draws. As mentioned, the corresponding meeting between the two sides last season ended in a goalless draw, but Spurs were 2-1 winners when they travelled to the Britannia Stadium in May.
What’s more, Spurs have lost just two of their last 38 home league meetings with the Potters, winning an incredible 28 times in the process. Meanwhile, Stoke have won just three of their 10 previous Premier League meetings with the team from North London. However, this is a season where past statistics appear to have little relevance in terms of results.
New Spurs boss Tim Sherwood is in the process of making subtle changes to his team - mainly the decision to play with two strikers, something which former manager Andre Villas-Boas was not prepared to consider. His first league game ended in a 3-2 win over Southampton on December 22, but they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to West Brom on Thursday.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Spurs continue with Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado in attack, while also Paulinho comes into the centre of midfield. There is no Kyle Walker for the home side, meaning that Kyle Naughton starts at right-back. Stoke, meanwhile, are still without first-choice goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, but Ryan Shawcross does start. Full teams to follow.
TEAMS:
SPURS: Lloris; Naughton, Dawson, Chiriches, Fryers; Lennon, Paulinho, Dembele, Eriksen; Adebayor, Soldado
STOKE: Sorensen; Cameron, Pieters, Shawcross, Wilkinson; Palacios, N’Zonzi, Ireland; Walters, Crouch, Assaidi
So there we have it. Zeki Fryers is also given a rare league start for Spurs this afternoon, but Erik Lamela remains on the bench as he continues to adapt to English football. Nacer Chadli is also on the bench for the home side. Stoke boss Mark Hughes leaves Charlie Adam and Matthew Etherington on the bench, meaning that Jonathan Walters and Wilson Palacios are both in the XI.
As it stands, Spurs sit eighth in the table having collected 31 points from their 18 matches. They have won nine, drawn four and lost five of their 18 league fixtures, but they are just five points off the top four after an incredible season in the Premier League. They might have had a tough time in recent weeks, but Champions League football is still very much on the agenda.
Spurs’ home form this season, however, has been extremely poor. They have won just three of their nine league games at White Hart Lane, scoring just eight times in the process. Meanwhile, they have only managed to score more than one goal in two of their last 11 home games in the top flight – a quite incredible statistic for a side as attacking as Tottenham.
To put their home form into context, 11 teams have taken more points on their own patch then Spurs have managed at White Hart Lane. That is in contrast to their away form, however, where they have won six, drawn once and lost twice, taking 19 points in the process. Like Manchester United, they have struggled at home, but impressed on the road.
Goals have been a problem for Spurs this season with just 19 goals in their 18 games. Roberto Soldado is currently their top scorer in the league with four goals, which is an indication of their problems. Down the other end, they have conceded 24 times, with recent injuries to key defenders certainly taking their toll.
Incredibly, Spurs kept seven clean sheets in their opening 10 league matches, but have not kept one in any of their last eight. The return of Emmanuel Adebayor has provided an injection of goals, but there are still underlying problems as Sherwood attempts to balance his desire to attack with solidarity down the other end.
Stoke, meanwhile, were beaten 5-1 at Newcastle United on Thursday. They were 1-0 up in the latter stages of the first period, but were reduced to nine men when Glenn Whelan and Marc Wilson were handed their marching orders in quick succession. However, that defeat by the Magpies was just their second loss in their last nine league matches.
Stoke boss Mark Hughes was hit with a charge of improper conduct, however, following the clash with Newcastle. The Welshman kicked a ball onto the field of play in frustration following referee Martin Atkinson’s decision to dismiss Whelan and he was consequently sent to the stands. Hughes has until January 2 to respond to the charge.
The Potters have not particularly enjoyed their trips to London in the Premier League. In total, they have played 29 league matches in the capital and scored more than once in just two of them – netting 17 times in total. In addition, their away record this season – won one, drawn two and lost six - is the worst in the division.
That is in contrast to their home form, where they have beaten the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City this season. At the Britannia in the Premier League, they have lost just once in their last nine matches, winning four times in the process. If they can find a way to win on the road, a top-10 finish could be in sight for Mark Hughes’s side.
As it stands, Stoke sit 11th in the table. They have won five, drawn six and lost seven of their 18 league games this season. The fact that they sit in the top half of the table but are just five points outside of the relegation zone is a clear demonstration of the proximity of the teams at the bottom of the table. Every match becomes vital.
Goals have also been hard to find for Stoke this season with just 18 strikes in their 18 league matches. Their top scorer is Charlie Adam, who has four goals. Down the other end, the Potters have conceded 26 times, but 20 of those have come on the road. Their home defensive record stands alongside the best in the division.
Here’s a word from Spurs boss Sherwood prior to the match. He told reporters: "I think we will improve. It has been difficult because it has been hectic and the number of the games means we have not been able to give too much instruction to the boys in training. It's a new voice and we are asking them to play in a slightly different manner and hopefully they are going to get better and better at it."
PREDICTION: You just get the feeling that this is a match that Spurs simply have to win, for confidence if nothing else. The home supporters will expect three points, but Stoke will be hoping to quieten the crowd in the early stages. That said, I am expecting Spurs to shade it. My score prediction is 2-0 to the home side.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just a reminder that Chelsea also entertain Liverpool at Stamford Bridge this afternoon. Remain with Sports Mole and you will not miss a moment. Spurs get the first period of action underway.
Not a full house inside White Hart Lane this afternoon, but there is a strong atmosphere. It is a crucial afternoon for both of these sides. Bright start from the home side as Naughton gathers possession down the right, but Pieters is across to clear the danger. Early control from Spurs in the middle of the park.
Early opportunity for Spurs to threaten from a free kick as Cameron fells Soldado just outside the penalty box. The resulting set piece is taken by Eriksen, but his effort is straight into the base of the wall. Eriksen has another chance to deliver moments later, but Shawcross clears under pressure from Soldado.
Seems to be an early problem for Walters as the Stoke forward is forced off the pitch with an injury. The experienced Republic of Ireland international does return to the field, however, following a period of treatment. Walters tangles with Fryers moments later on the edge of the Spurs box, but the referee is not interested.
Spurs continue to force the issue as Lennon drives into the Stoke box, but he just loses control at the vital moment. We have just seen another replay of the incident involving Fryers and Walters and the Spurs defender is perhaps a shade lucky. He made contact with the Stoke forward on the edge of the box.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of a number of late challenges. Eriksen has another chance to deliver a set piece into the Stoke box, but again he hits the wall. Stoke continue to defend impressively as Lennon attack down the right once more.
Stoke just cannot keep the ball at the moment as Spurs continue to break down the right with Lennon their main threat. The England international feeds Adebayor moments later, but Pieters is on hand to make a fine block. The resulting corner also causes concern to Stoke, but Dawson can only fire high and wide of the crossbar from close range.
Not too much from Stoke in terms of an attacking threat in the last few moments, with Walters their only outlet on the counter. Lennon continues to worry the away side with a series of mazy runs into the box, but Pieters and Shawcross have been nice and compact thus far. Still goalless with 15 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for Spurs to take the lead as Lennon drives into the box before putting it on a plate for Adebayor, but the striker makes a hash of his effort. It falls for Eriksen moments later, but Sorensen makes the save. Golden opportunity for the home side to open the scoring.
CHANCE! Two golden chances in less than one minute for Spurs as Adebayor finds Soldado just inside the box, but the Spanish international's low effort just whistles wide of the post. The pressure is building on Stoke, who are really struggling to keep hold of the possession.
Half-chance for Stoke as Ireland finds Crouch just inside the Spurs box, but the striker just loses control at the vital moment. Spurs are on the counter moments later with Adebayor, but he asks too much from Naughton and the move breaks down. It has been an enthralling 20 minutes of Premier League football at White Hart Lane.
UPDATE: Chelsea and Liverpool are currently level at 1-1 at Stamford Bridge. Skrtel handed the away side an early lead, but Hazard has equalised in the last couple of moments. Earlier this afternoon, Arsenal beat Newcastle 1-0 and Everton beat Southampton 2-1.
Sorensen has been called into action in the last couple of moments to deal with a series of crosses, but Spurs have not threatened since having those two clear chances five minutes ago. Just a few signs that Stoke are starting to warm to their task as they enjoy a period of possession just inside the Spurs half.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Stoke fairly comfortable in dealing with the threat from the home side. Fryers has a half-chance as he finds some space just outside the box, but his low effort is straight into the arms of Sorensen. Little over 20 minutes of the first period remaining in North London.
The moans and groans have started around White Hart Lane as another Tottenham attack breaks down in the final third. Stoke boss Mark Hughes will be fairly pleased with what he as seen from his side in the opening 26 minutes. You just get the feeling that Spurs need to score the first goal in this contest. It would just settle everyone down.
Subdued atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment as Spurs continue to dominate possession, but without really threatening to take the lead. This is a replay of what we have seen from Spurs in this stadium this season. Adebayor finds some space inside the Stoke box moments later, but Cameron is across to make the challenge at the vital moment.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Stoke on the counter as Assaidi cuts inside two defenders before preparing to curl one towards the bottom corner, but he just loses his footing at the vital moment. The on-loan Liverpool attacker calls for a penalty under the challenge of Dawson, but the referee is not interested. Still goalless with 31 minutes on the clock.
Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about at the moment as each Lennon cross is dealt with by the Potters. Ireland attempts to craft something down the other end, but he asks too much from Walters, before another Lennon cross is cleared down the other end.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for Spurs as Fryers delivers a sensational cross onto the head of Soldado, but he can only direct his header wide of the post. The pressure is starting to build as we enter the latter stages of the first period at White Hart Lane.
Stoke just cannot keep hold of the possession at the moment as Spurs continue to force the issue in the final third. The pressing from the home side has been extremely impressive in this half.
PENALTY TO SPURS!
The home side are awarded a penalty as Shawcross is adjudged to have handled Adebayor's effort inside the box. Soldado with the chance to send his side into the lead.
GOAL! Spurs 1-0 Stoke (Soldado, pen)
Soldado does indeed take the chance as he slots his effort into the bottom corner. Relief inside the stadium in the latter stages of the first period. That is a big blow to Stoke at this stage of proceedings.
It has been a positive response from Stoke with Walters and Crouch seeing more of the ball in the final third, but Spurs have pressed well in the opening 41 minutes of football. Paulinho continues to impress in midfield as he wins a free kick from Pieters, but Shawcross rises highest to clear the danger.
N'Zonzi is perhaps lucky to remain on the field as he raises his arm into the face of Adebayor in an off-the-ball incident, but the referee does not take any action. Stoke just need to be a little bit careful here as their frustration continues to grow. Little over two minutes of normal time remaining in the first half.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the latter stages of the first period as Spurs continue to keep possession of the ball. Neither manager will be too disappointed with what they have seen thus far, but Stoke will have to be more adventurous in the second half. Little under one minute remaining in the first period.
HALF TIME: Spurs 1-0 Stoke
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Spurs leading 1-0 courtesy of a penalty from Soldado after 37 minutes. In truth, the home side have utterly dominated proceedings, although Stoke will feel that they should have had a penalty when Dawson tripped Assaidi inside the area.
STATISTICS: Spurs have dominated the possession with 70%, while they have had 10 attempts to Stoke's zero. That said, just two of Spurs' attempts have been on target. The away side have also had no corners and no free kicks, which is an indication of the first period.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Lamela, Chadli and Bentaleb, but they are without the services of Defoe and Townsend. Stoke, meanwhile, have the likes of Jones, Pennant, Adam and Etherington in reserve.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could be decisive in terms of the final result. Right, the away side get the second 45 minutes of action underway at White Hart Lane.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I would expect that to change if the score remained 1-0 in around 15 minutes time. Paulinho has an early effort on goal, but he can only fire high and wide of the crossbar at the vital moment.
All-action football from Spurs at the moment with Stoke struggling to come to terms with the intensity in the second period. Eriksen tries his luck from outside the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of Sorensen. Surely Stoke have to look to test Lloris in this half. It has been a poor showing from the Potters in the opening 50 minutes of football.
Stoke make their first change of the match as Charlie Adam, who is their top scorer in the league this season, replaces Ireland, who had reportedly been suffering with an illness prior to the match. Better from Stoke as a flick from Walters falls for Crouch inside the Spurs box, but Dawson is across to clear the danger.
Handbags between Shawcross and Dembele leads to both players entering the referee's book. The resulting free kick, which was awarded to Spurs, is taken by Eriksen, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Not too much in terms of clear chances in the early stages of the second period. Still Spurs lead 1-0.
Opportunity for Stoke to threaten from a free kick as Dembele, who has just been booked, fouls Walters on the edge of the box. The resulting set piece is taken by Adam, but his effort whistles wide of the post. Wonderful effort, but Lloris was comfortable in the Spurs goal. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining.
Half-chance for Spurs as Soldado drives down the right before driving a cross into the Stoke box, but Sorensen is on hand to claim under pressure from Adebayor. It would not be a surprise if Mark Hughes looked to introduce Jones in the next five minutes or so. Either to support Crouch or replace the England striker.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for Soldado as Lennon puts it on a plate for the Spaniard inside the box, but his effort is straight at Sorensen from close range. It just is not happening for the former Valencia striker in open play.
At some stage Stoke are going to have to force the issue down the other end. However, at 1-0, they are always in the match. It would probably be fair to assume that another Spurs goal would make sure of the three points this afternoon. Still no sign of pressure from the Potters with little under 30 minutes remaining.
Crouch causes problems for Lloris as he jumps with the Tottenham goalkeeper, but the Stoke forward cannot make contact at the vital moment. There appears to be a slight problem for Paulinho moments later as he limps off the pitch. His replacement is Capoue, who has played in defence in the last couple of weeks.
Another half-chance for Spurs as Eriksen finds some space on the edge of the box before attempting to curl one into the bottom corner, but Sorensen is on hand to make the save. Stoke enjoy a period of possession moments later, but the move breaks down with Walters. Little under 25 minutes of football remaining in this Premier League encounter.
GOAL! Spurs 2-0 Stoke (Dembele)
Spurs score their second in spectacular fashion as Dembele bobs and weaves on the edge of the box before thumping a powerful effort into the bottom corner. That is his first Premier League goal for 15 months.
That is a real blow to Stoke's chances in this match. At 1-0, the away side would always have a chance, but 2-0 is a different story. They just cannot get the ball at the moment as Spurs continue to dominate possession. This could get a lot worse with still more than 20 minutes of football remaining in North London.
Stoke make their second change of the match as Jermaine Pennant replaces Palacios, who has struggled to influence proceedings this afternoon. The Potters certainly need something to fall their way in the final third. It would not be a surprise if Tim Sherwood also looked to alter proceedings in the final stages.
GOAL! Spurs 3-0 Stoke (Lennon)
Spurs have their third of the match after 69 minutes as Lennon thumps one into the top corner after Adebayor had lost control on the edge of the box. It is turning into a grim Christmas period for Stoke City.
White Hart Lane is bouncing at the moment as the home side continue to dominate possession. Stoke had the opportunity to enter the second period with an attacking mentality, but have really struggled to create any real chances of note. I would be surprised if Spurs didn't add to their tally in the latter stages.
More frustration for Stoke as Pennant loses possession in the final third under contact from two Spurs defenders. Not too much to report in terms of attacking football from the home side, however, as they continue to dominate possession of the ball. Little over 15 minutes of the second period remaining.
Spurs make their second change of the match as Lamela replaces Lennon, who has been the pick of the players this afternoon. The England international deserves his goal there is no question about that. The expectant White Hart Lane crowd want more goals in the latter stages of this match.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Lamela to score with his first touch as Adebayor finds the attacker inside the Stoke box, but Sorensen is across to make a fine save. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining as Spurs continue to threaten to run riot.
Another half-chance for the home side as Adebayor finds some space on the edge of the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Stoke threaten on the counter moments later with Crouch, but his cross is straight into the arms of Lloris.
Spurs make their third and final change with little under 10 minutes remaining as Chadli replaces Adebayor, who has had another impressive afternoon for the Premier League side. It will be damage limitation for Stoke, meanwhile, as Muniesa replaces the injured Wilkinson.
Spurs have had 20 attempts at this stage of proceedings, while Stoke have had one, which tells you all that you need to know. A half-chance does arrive for Stoke moments later as Crouch meets a cross from Pennant, but his header is high and wide of the crossbar.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments as Spurs continue to dominate possession of the ball. Overall, boss Sherwood can be pleased with his side's performance this afternoon. Little over two minutes of normal time remaining as Dawson carries the ball into the Stoke half.
Comfortable for Spurs in the latter stages as they continue to keep possession of the ball, with Stoke seemingly prepared to accept a three-goal loss at White Hart Lane. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes and we are indeed into the first of those. Can Spurs add to the scoreline late on?
It's good work from Lamela as the Spurs attacker collects possession outside the Spurs box before combining with Soldado, but Shawcross is across to clear at the vital moment. Stoke attempt to break with Pennant, but the former Arsenal winger is crowded out at the vital moment.
FULL TIME: Spurs 3-0 Stoke
So there we have it. The referee brings the match to an end with Spurs collecting all three points with a 3-0 win. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to stick around for all of the reaction. Until then!
