Sunday's Premier League clash at White Hart Lane pitted Tottenham Hotspur against Stoke City.
The visitors led 2-0 at the interval courtesy of goals from Bojan and Jonathan Walters.
Spurs had one back after 77 minutes through Nacer Chadli, but they could not find a second, while they finished with 10 men following a late red for Kyle Naughton.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Sports Mole's Premier League coverage continues from White Hart Lane as Tottenham Hotspur welcome Stoke City. Neither side has particularly impressed this season, but Spurs enter the match off the back of a 2-1 win over Aston Villa. Right, before anything else, let me bring you up-to-speed with the team news from London - Harry Kane starts for the hosts.
TEAMS
SPURS: Lloris; Naughton, Fazio, Kaboul, Rose; Capoue, Mason; Chadli, Eriksen, Townsend; Kane
STOKE: Begovic; Bardsley, Shawcross, Wilson, Pieters; Walters, N'Zonzi, Sidwell, Moses; Bojan; Diouf
So there we have it. The big news in the Spurs camp is that Kane will lead the line this afternoon, with Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor both on the bench. There is also a start for Andros Townsend, while Federico Fazio is selected at centre-back alongside the club captain Younes Kaboul.
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For Stoke, Bojan retains his place in the XI, with former Manchester United striker Mame Biram Diouf leading the line. There is just one change from the team that faced West Ham United last weekend, with Phil Bardsley returning at right-back place of Geoff Cameron, who has dropped to the bench.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, the statistics certainly make good reading for Spurs fans. Tottenham have won six and lost just one of their last nine league fixtures against Stoke - with their only defeat occurring in the league at the Britannia in December 2011.
Stoke have also won on only one of their six trips to White Hart Lane in the Premier League – losing three times in the process. In total, the Potters have beaten Tottenham in London just twice in 41 attempts. The omens are strongly pointing towards a home victory this afternoon it must be said.
Last season, Spurs were 3-0 winners in this stadium, before they recorded a 1-0 victory over Stoke at the Britannia. That said, Spurs have incredibly lost three of their last four league matches at White Hart Lane, with their recent form at home a serious worry, even at this early of the season.
A total of 14 points from 10 matches has left Spurs in ninth position in the table, three points off the top four. The supporters were ready for a meltdown after a 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle United towards the end of October, but the capital side have since won their last three games in all competitions.
The first of those victories arrived in the League Cup against Brighton & Hove Albion, before Mauricio Pochettino's side beat Aston Villa 2-1 in the Premier League despite falling one goal behind. On Thursday, Spurs also recorded a 2-1 win, this time against Asteras Tripolis in the Europa League.
Despite three wins on the trot in all competitions, this has been Spurs' worst start to a league season since 2008, when Juande Ramos was sacked after eight matches. Incredibly, they also have six fewer points than at this stage last season, which points to teething problems under their new manager.
It would be fair to say that Tottenham are entering a vital stage of the season. After the international break, Pochettino's side travel to Hull City, before facing Partizan in the Europa League on November 27. Next comes a home match against Everton, before they make the trip to current leaders Chelsea.
Stoke, meanwhile, have had a fairly mixed season thus far. A total of 12 points from 10 games has left Mark Hughes's side in 13th position in the table. They have won just one of their last five games in all competitions, with that success arriving at home to Swansea City in the Premier League.
Last time out, Stoke led West Ham United 2-0 at the Britannia, but the London outfit scored two second-half goals to secure a 2-2 draw. Prior to that match, Stoke had lost back-to-back games against Southampton – one in the Premier League and one in the League Cup.
It is worth remembering that Stoke won at Manchester City earlier in the season, but since then, the Potters have only earned one point from three away matches. There is a big result in them, but it has been questioned whether they are as solid as they have been in recent seasons.
Stoke are also entering a vital stage of the season, with some tough matches on the horizon. Indeed, their run could not be much harder. In their next seven in the league, they face Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea. A poor run could see Hughes's side in trouble at Christmas.
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Thus far this season, Spurs have scored 13 times in their 10 matches, with Nacer Chadli bagging five of those. Stoke, meanwhile, whose top scorer is Mame Biram Diouf on three, have notched just 10. Down the other end, Stoke have conceded just 12 times, while Tottenham have conceded 14.
Have a look at what myself and Barney Corkhill had to say about this match here...
Little under 10 minutes until kickoff at White Hart Lane and the atmosphere is building. Will it be more home misery for Spurs? Let's hope for a goal-fest this lunchtime in north London.
Just a reminder that there will be a minute's silence before kickoff for Remembrance Sunday. Football takes centre stage here, but it is important to remember those that lost their lives in battle.
There are three early kickoffs in the Premier League this afternoon, with Sunderland hosting Everton and West Brom welcoming Newcastle United. Right, we are just about ready to open proceedings here.
The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. The minute's silence was also wonderfully observed inside White Hart Lane. The focus now switches to the football and it should be a cracker of a match in London. It is the home side that get the first period underway.
As expected, the home side have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes, with the likes of Mason and Capoue enjoying touches in the middle of the park. It is important that Spurs keep the crowd with them in the opening stages of this contest - frustration does quickly set in here.
It has been a fast start from Spurs, with the capital side pressing high up the pitch and Stoke thus far unable to put some passes together. It must be said that the weather is beautiful in London this afternoon - just perfect for a game of football. The tempo has been high in the opening moments here.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to take the lead as Chadli finds the head of Kane at the far post, but Begovic just manages to make the save. Good opportunity there.
Diouf is in trouble at the moment as the striker collides with Lloris after attempting to collect a long punt from Begovic. It was a nasty collision, but Lloris only had eyes for the ball it must be said.
GOAL! Spurs 0-1 Stoke (Bojan)
Stoke open the scoring at White Hart Lane as Bojan picks up possession inside his own half before driving towards the Spurs box and finishing into the bottom corner. A real stunner from the striker.
SUB! Stoke are forced into a change as Cameron replaces Bardsley, who leaves the field with an injury. Well, it has been a lively opening nine minutes to this Premier League contest.
Not too much in the way of a response from the home side, but the crowd are doing their best to raise the volume inside the stadium. Stoke's gamelan has worked perfectly thus far, with the Potters sitting in and playing on the counter. It is the visitors that lead with 10 minutes on the clock.
Possession football from Spurs in the last couple of moments, but they are finding it difficult to play through the Stoke defence. Kaboul brings the ball forward before attempting to slide a pass towards Kane, but Moses is back to clear the danger. Still 1-0 in the early stages of this contest.
Bright work from Eriksen gains Spurs a free kick just outside the box as N'Zonzi brings the midfielder to the ground. The resulting set piece is taken by Eriksen, but his effort just curls high of the crossbar.
Another half-chance for the away side as Bojan feeds Moses inside the Spurs box, but Naughton is across to make a vital block. The pressure continues from the resulting corner, but Wilson just flicks his effort high of the crossbar. The home side do not look too comfortable from set pieces at the moment.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, with both sides guilty of losing possession too easily in the final third. Spurs are doing their best to work the ball around the edge of the box, but they are running into a brick wall time and time again. Their struggles continue.
Half-chance for the home side as Kane beats Cameron to a high ball inside the box, but his header drops into the arms of the goalkeeper. Stoke are down the other end with Moses moments later, but the midfielder is forced inside and eventually the danger is cleared by Kaboul.
You just get the feeling that the home side need to score the next goal if they are to turn this game around. Stoke threw away a two-goal lead last weekend - surely not again? Bojan continues to look dangerous for the visitors, but this time the attacker is challenged on the edge of the box by Fazio.
BOOKING! Cameron is booked for a late challenge on Townsend.
A quick free kick brings a half-chance for the home side as Eriksen finds Mason, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. A little better from the hosts there.
BOOKING! Strange booking as Begovic goes into the book for time wasting. In truth, it had been coming. The goalkeeper was taking far too long in possession of the ball.
Stoke are going to be pressed into yet another change here...
SUB! Indeed the change is made as Wilson hobbles off, leaving Muniesa to enter the field. The visitors have been forced into two defensive changes thus far. Not ideal!
Decent spell of pressure from the home side as they force two corners in quick succession, but the danger is cleared on both occasions. Spurs have looked short of ideas in the final third thus far, while Stoke are causing problems on the counter. Bojan in particular has been very bright in London.
CHANCE! Brilliant chance for Stoke to score their second as Shawcross meets a corner from the left, but his effort is just wide of the post. Spurs are living dangerously at the moment.
The home supporters are becoming increasingly frustrated as attack after attack breaks down in the final third. It is the same old story at the moment, with Stoke looking comfortable after 32 minutes. Mason is lucky to escape a card in the middle of the park after checking the run of Steve Sidwell.
GOAL! Spurs 0-2 Stoke (Walters)
The visitors have their second after 33 minutes as Diouf beats Rose to the ball before squaring for Walters, who finishes past Lloris from close range. What a turn-up at White Hart Lane.
Stoke have a half-chance to score their third as a straight ball finds Diouf, but the striker cannot run away from the challenge of Fazio, who clears for a corner. The home side are all over the place at the back and the supporters are letting their team know. They really cannot concede a third here.
Sidwell has been excellent for Stoke thus far, with the midfielder winning possession time and time again. It would not be a surprise if Pochettino looked to make changes at the interval - it has just not worked thus far. Little over five minutes of this first period remaining at White Hart Lane.
Half-chance for the home side as Chadli finds himself inside the box, but Shawcross manages to make the challenge and clear for a corner. The resulting set piece is delivered towards the near post, but Begovic is on hand to punch clear. Finally some extended pressure from the hosts.
Diouf continues to threaten for Stoke after combining with Cameron outside the box, but the striker had just moved into an offside position. Not too much from the home side in the final minutes of this half. I suspect that there will be some harsh words exchanged at the interval.
Opportunity for Stoke to threaten from a free kick, but Moses's delivery is cleared by Fazio.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional five minutes at the end of the first period and we are into the second of those. Can Spurs get one back before the interval?
BOOKING! Good pressure from the home side in the latter stages of the half, but Stoke remain strong under aerial pressure. Moments later, Capoue goes into the book for Tottenham after a pull on N'Zonzi, who had threatened to launch a counter for the visitors.
Stoke remain strong in the latter stages of the half, with Shawcross coming across to challenge Mason. It does appear that the home side will indeed be trailing 2-0 at the half-time break.
HALF-TIME: Spurs 0-2 Stoke
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Stoke leading 2-0 courtesy of goals from Bojan and Walters. Spurs have had some decent moments, but largely struggled to create clear opportunities. Boos surround White Hart Lane as both sets of players trudge off the pitch.
STATS! Spurs have had more of the ball with 58% possession, while they have had seven attempts, just two of which have been on target. Stoke have also had two attempts on target, both of which found the back of the net. There have also been three yellow cards in the first 45 minutes.
BENCH WATCH! The home side certainly have attacking options on their bench this afternoon, with the likes of Adebayor, Dembele, Lamela and Soldado all in reserve. Stoke, meanwhile, have already made two changes, but they still have options in the shape of Crouch, Ireland and Adam.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes. Can Spurs turn this one around? The visitors get the second half underway inside a muted White Hart Lane.
SUBS! Two changes for the home side at the interval, with Lamela and Dembele entering proceedings in place of the disappointing Townsend and Eriksen.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the early stages of the second period, but there is a better tempo to the home side's work in the final third. You just get the feeling that Spurs need to score an early goal in this half. The frustration will grow stronger as long as the score is 2-0.
Spurs have upped the tempo in the second period, but they are still struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. Stoke, meanwhile, remain a threat on the counter attack, with Moses and Bojan both lively in wide positions. It has been a fairly low-key start to the half in terms of chances.
It is really scrappy at the moment, with both sides struggling to find their rhythm in the final third. Moses has a problem after clashing with Kaboul, but it appears that the winger will be fit to continue.
Stoke gain a free kick in a wide position as Sidwell, who combined with Bojan, was brought to the ground by Naughton. The resulting free kick is delivered by Moses, but Kane heads over his own crossbar. A third goal for Stoke would surely end this match as a contest. Can they find a killer blow?
Half-chance for Stoke as Shawcross meets a corner from Moses, but his header was always moving wide of the post. Little over 30 minutes remaining and still the visitors lead 2-0 in north London.
CHANCE! Tottenham have a free kick in a wide position as Cameron brings Chadli to the ground. The resulting set piece is delivered by Lamela and met by Kane, but his header just drops wide of the post. So close for the England forward, but Stoke retain their two-goal lead.
Both managers have already made two changes and it will be interesting to see when/if the final two are made. Stoke have another half-chance as Moses delivers a dangerous cross towards Walters, but the forward cannot make contact and the home side restart play with a goal kick.
Adebayor will soon enter the field for the home side, which is not much of a surprise...
... SUB! The change is made as Adebayor replaces Capoue.
Half-chance for the visitors this time as Diouf threatens to meet a loose ball inside the box, but Kaboul manages to clear at the vital moment. It was poor from Adebayor, who lost possession with his first touch. The boos are ringing around the stadium with little over 20 minutes of this clash to play.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, with Stoke comfortable in dealing with the danger. Spurs have just not been able to break through this Stoke defence.
BOOKING! Mason is booked for a poor challenge on Sidwell.
Rose clashes with Walters right under the nose of the referee, but it does appear that no action will be taken. Rose did appear to raise his arms towards the Republic of Ireland international.
BOOKING! Kaboul is now booked for a lunge on Walters.
It is all very untidy at the moment, with the home side guilty of making a number of rash challenges. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining and still Stoke lead 2-0 in north London.
Stoke come close to scoring a third as a poor clearance from Fazio falls to N'Zonzi, but the midfielder fires high and wide of the crossbar. Again, really poor from Spurs in their own back four.
Spurs have a free kick in an advanced position as Muniesa brings Kane to the ground...
... SAVE! Lamela takes the free kick, but Begovic is across to make a stunning save. That is brilliant work from the Bosnian, who has had hardly anything to do.
GOAL! Spurs 1-2 Stoke (Chadli)
Spurs are back in this late on as Chadli converts a stunning volley at the far post. That is right out of the top drawer from the Belgian and suddenly there is life inside the stadium.
Can Tottenham claim a late point or even better in this match? Stoke threw away a two-goal lead against West Ham last weekend. Hughes will now look to his leaders to just calm things down here.
Half-chance for Mason as the midfielder meets a loose ball outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Stoke live to fight another day. This is going to be some final 10 minutes or so.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments, with both sides committing numbers in the final third. You just get the feeling that there will be at least one more golden chance for the home team late on. Stoke, however, remain a threat on the counter attack with the pace of Moses.
SUB! Stoke make their final change as Ireland replaces Bojan.
RED CARD! (Naughton) Spurs are reduced to 10 men as Naughton brings Moses to the ground after the winger had flown past the right-back. Correct decision from the referee.
Stoke play the resulting free kick short, but it does not cause any harm as the home side clear the danger. Spurs only have 10 men, but they still have five minutes to find an equaliser here.
CHANCE! Ireland comes close to scoring a third for the away side after poor defending from Spurs, but Lloris is on hand to make a brilliant save.
Spurs pressure with two corners in quick succession, but the latter drifts straight out of play for a goal kick. Moments before, Kane went down outside the box under pressure from Shawcross, but the referee was not interested. Little over one minute of normal time remaining in north London.
Spurs have a free kick just outside the box as Shawcross fells Lamela...
... Kane's low free kick is straight into the wall. Poor from the striker it must be said.
We are into the second of five additional minutes at White Hart Lane.
More frustration for the home side as Lamela fouls Shawcross, leaving Stoke with a free kick inside their own half. Is there going to be one more chance for the home side in the final moments?
Time is running out as Stoke gain another free kick inside the Spurs half when Rose brings Diouf to the ground. This one is almost over, with Spurs heading for another home defeat.
Half-chance for Adebayor as the striker meets a cross from the left, but his header was always moving wide of the post. That should be just about that for this one.
FULL-TIME: Spurs 1-2 Stoke
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to an end, with the away side winning 2-1. More misery for Spurs! Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Until next time!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
