Middlesbrough turned in an impressive display as they defeated a new-look Tottenham side 2-1.
Wheater and Mido on target as Tottenham struggle in opener
Middlesbrough turned in an impressive display as they defeated a new-look Tottenham side 2-1 on the opening day of the season. Juande Ramos handed debuts to four of his summer signings but Tottenham were not allowed to settle as Boro had the better of a lively first half. Alonso Alves missed a glorious opportunity to open the scoring, while David Wheater somewhat harshly had a headed goal disallowed for a foul. Tottenham briefly looked more likely to break the deadlock following the introduction of Dimitar Berbatov as a substitute, but Wheater put Boro 1-0 ahead from close range in the 71st minute. Mido then returned to haunt his former club four minutes from time as he turned home Didier Digard's attempted shot. Robert Huth headed a David Bentley free-kick into his own net deep into stoppage time but just a few seconds later the final whistle went with Boro deserved winners.Bright start
Ramos handed full debuts to goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes, Mexican Giovani dos Santos, Croat Luka Modric and Bentley as his new team of nations took shape. However, the absence of leading scorer Berbatov from Spurs' starting line-up suggested the Bulgarian's desired move to Manchester United could still happen before the closure of the transfer window. Middlesbrough introduced new signing Justin Hoyte prior to kick-off after the England Under 21 full-back completed his move from Arsenal earlier in the day. However fellow new boys, the Frenchman Didier Digard and Dutchman Marvin Emnes, were named among Gareth Southgate's substitutes. In the absence of Berbatov, Tottenham employed a lone striker in the shape of Darren Bent with the diminutive dos Santos the most advanced member of a five-man midfield. Wingers Aaron Lennon and Bentley were clearly under instructions to supplement a threadbare attack and the latter flashed an angled drive beyond Brad Jones' right hand post in the 15th minute. Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing had tested former PSV Eindhoven keeper Gomes five minutes earlier and the home team should have gained the initiative in the 18th minute. Turkey forward Tuncay Sanli raced clear of the Spurs' defence before squaring the ball to an unmarked Afonso Alves 12 yards out. However, the Brazilian hesitated, allowing Tottenham full-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto an opportunity to divert a weak shot over the crossbar. The hosts were beginning to make their presence felt and only a controversial decision by referee Martin Atkinson denied the Teessiders a first half lead.Disallowed
Downing whipped in a 32nd minute corner and Wheater broke free of marker Michael Dawson before heading beyond Gomes at the far post. However, a wild celebration was short-lived as the defender was penalised for pulling his opponent's shirt. Alves almost atoned for his earlier miss only to see a crisp right foot shot narrowly clear the crossbar and Gomes was forced to make another low save from his fellow countryman on the stroke of half-time. Berbatov and Gareth Bale replaced dos Santos and Lennon 25 minutes from time as Tottenham launched a late bid to steal all three points and the former played in captain Jermaine Jenas with his second touch. The England international midfielder drew goalkeeper Jones forward only to shoot weakly at the Australian's feet.Response
Boro's response was perfect and it was Wheater who tapped home the goal his first half efforts deserved. Downing's cross from the left was met by Alves and Gomes could only push his shot onto the crossbar. Wheater was on hand to convert at the far post and when Mido added a second against his former club Tottenham's miserable day was complete. Huth's late own goal meant little to either side and Tottenham will now go in search of their first points against Sunderland next weekend.| Middlesbrough | Team Statistics | Tottenham Hotspur |
| 2 | Goals | 1 |
| 0 | 1st Half Goals | 0 |
| 7 | Shots on Target | 2 |
| 5 | Shots off Target | 4 |
| 5 | Blocked Shots | 2 |
| 7 | Corners | 9 |
| 12 | Fouls | 14 |
| 3 | Offsides | 1 |
| 1 | Yellow Cards | 2 |
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 |
| 72.6 | Passing Success | 87.4 |
| 27 | Tackles | 15 |
| 81.5 | Tackles Success | 66.7 |
| 35.2 | Possession | 64.8 |
| 52.2 | Territorial Advantage | 47.8 |