Bordeaux 1 - 2 Tottenham

Tottenham's Jermain Defoe was on the scoresheet for Spurs as they edged a close 2-1 victory over French side Bordeaux. Spurs' manager Martin Jol opted for a mixture of reserve players and few first team memebers for his sides' opening game of the season. Newcomers Dimitar Berbatov and Benoit Assou-Ekotto both made their first starts for Spurs in Albertville. But it was striker Defoe who stole the show and looked sharp alongside Berbatov in attack scoring a typical Defoe-esque strike to put the Spurs ahead (Murphy assist). Bordeaux struck back before the end of the first half through a Micoud goal. Youth player McKenna then clinched the winner towards the end of the match. Jol told Spurs club website: “It was good to see Benoit adjusting when we played with three in the centre of defence (from a 4-4-2) in the second half. He’s quick, dynamic and he has to cope with the English game but I think he will do that."

“Berbatov is a stylish striker who will score goals. We were a little tired in the second half and that meant we couldn’t really create enough for him because he will always be on the end of attacks."

He showered most of the praise on Defoe saying: “Jermain started training with us on Monday, just three days ago, so I was pleased for him. I know if he faces onto goal, five out of 10 it’s a goal. He’s back and the first thing he did was score a goal."

Fantasy Insider's view:
Not much can be taken from this match apart from the fact that Defoe looks hungry for goals. He looks set to challenge Keane for his starting spot this season. Keane will have his chance to reply as he should start against Nice on Friday evening.