Tottenham give Ramos winning start
LONDON, England — Tottenham Hotspur gave Juande Ramos a winning start to his managerial career at White Hart Lane as they beat second-flight Blackpool 2-0 in the fourth round of the English League Cup.
Ramos, who replaced the sacked Martin Jol last week, saw his new charges reach the quarterfinals of the competition through a goal in each half by Robbie Keane and Pascal Chimbonda.
Ramos restored fit-again England goalkeeper Paul Robinson to his starting line-up and it was his clearance, flicked on by Dimitar Berbatov that set up Keane for his third goal in four games and ninth of the season on 18 minutes.
Shaky defense has been Tottenhams’ Achilles heel this season and a spirited Blackpool had their moments as Gary Fletcher-Taylor’s effort rattled the crossbar before Chimbonda headed home Steed Malbranque’s corner in the 58th minute.
Tottenham’s arch-rivals and Premier League leaders Arsenal extended their unbeaten run with a comfortable 3-0 win over another second-flight side Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
Croatian striker Eduardo Da Silva put Arsenal ahead after just eight minutes with a thunderous shot and Arsene Wenger’s young team were dominant throughout as Da Silva scored a second early in the second half.
Brazilian youngster Denilson rounded off the scoring with a deflected shot.
Holders Chelsea owed a dramatic odd-goal in seven victory over Leicester City at Stamford Bridge to a pair of late goals by Andriy Shevchenko.
The Ukrainian is starting to find his goalscoring touch under new manager Avram Grant and spared his blushes after they fell 3-2 behind to a Carl Cort effort with just under 15 minutes left.
A pair of Frank Lampard goals had put Chelsea 2-1 ahead before DJ Campbell and Cort scored to give them an almighty scare.
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s Manchester City rebounded from their 6-0 rout at Chelsea on Saturday by beating fellow Premier League side Bolton 1-0 at the Reebok.
Brazilian Elano settled a scrappy affair with a late penalty.
Liverpool welcomed back old boy Robbie Fowler to Anfield and his Cardiff side gave a good account of themselves before Steven Gerrard scored the home side’s winner late on. Fowler came closest to scoring with an early free kick. E-mail to a friend
