Tottenham 1 West Brom 0 - analysis

Identical scoreline. Very different feelings.

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Identical scoreline. Very different feelings.

There are 1-0 losses and 1-0 losses. And two days after a dismal defeat by a single goal at home to Everton, a reshuffled, patched-up Albion repaired their damaged pride despite another narrow reverse.

In fact, the final score was pretty much the only thing last night's valiant loss had in common with the tame New Year's Day giveaway at The Hawthorns.

The outcome might have been the same on paper, but the manner in which Roy Hodgson's side slipped to defeat to Tottenham was entirely different to the way they sleep-walked to their previous loss.

There was little that was adventurous about the Baggies' performance, which was designed almost entirely to frustrate a Tottenham side who are capable of sweeping aside the lesser lights of the Premier League.

But given the crippling injury problems that meant Hodgson's starting XI all-but picked itself and the scale of the challenge, the Baggies departed the capital with plenty of encouragement.

The defensive battleplan very nearly worked, thanks to a show of discipline and endeavour from Hodgson's players. And the full-time ovation that greeted the men in red confirmed that the travelling supporters approved.

For 63 minutes Albion kept their imposing hosts at bay with a combination of organisation and conviction.

And, once long-time nemesis Jermain Defoe had broken their brave resistance, the Baggies conjured a late but spirited attacking display that gave Harry Redknapp's title-chasers some nervy moments.

It was an ultimately frustrating evening for Hodgson, and one that could become more costly after winger Jerome Thomas joined the lengthening Hawthorns injury list.

But with his starting line-up featuring four virtual Premier League novices and his substitutes' bench including a half-fit James Morrison, the Baggies head coach had plenty to smile about, not least the confident display of teenager George Thorne in his first top-flight start.

The pattern that most expected for the game began to develop early on, with Tottenham forcing five corners in the opening four minutes.

Gareth McAuley was then on hand to place his body in the way of a clever shot from Luka Modric from inside the visitors' box.

Hodgson's men survived the early storm despite struggling to escape the confines of their own half.

There was a brief moment of attacking promise when neat footwork and a smart pass by Jerome Thomas sent Peter Odemwingie racing clear but his cross towards Graham Dorrans was cut out superbly by Benoit Assou-Ekotto.

A further wave of Spurs pressure followed and the Baggies were indebted to Ben Foster for a superb fingertip save to turn a Rafael van der Vaart effort over the bar.

The second half began in a similar vein, although the Baggies might have stunned their hosts when captain-for-the-evening Nicky Shorey forced a corner and Dorrans' delivery proved a fraction high for Craig Dawson, who skimmed a difficult header wide.

Yet Spurs' relentless pressure finally paid off on 63 minutes when a trademark Assou-Ekotto overlap sparked a goalmouth scramble that Albion could not survive.

They failed to clear the initial cross and, when the ball dropped for Gareth Bale, the Welshman stayed composed to feed Defoe, who turned away from Dawson to find the bottom corner for a fourth goal in his last three games against Albion. Hodgson's men were forced to take more chances in their hunt for an equaliser and they enjoyed a couple of promising moments.

Baggies substitute James Morrison weaved through a series of challenges but found a shortage of team-mates in the box when he finally delivered a cross.

And Simon Cox cleared the crossbar with an attempt from distance.

Somen Tchoyi was sent on for the final few moments in the hope of a moment of inspiration.

And the unpredictable Cameroon star almost produced one, powering through the centre and letting fly from distance with a shot that keeper Brad Friedel beat away.

But Hodgson's men could not deliver a telling touch and, after five tense minutes of added time, Spurs' win was confirmed.

By Steve Madeley.