Latics late flurry not enough for a point at White Hart Lane

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 3
Bale 29, 64
Modric 34

WIGAN ATHLETIC 1
McArthur 80

Report by Paul Chialton

A disappointing night for Wigan Athletic at White Hart Lane slipping to a 3-1 defeat against title-chasing Tottenham Hotspur and remaining at the foot of the Barlcays Premier League table.

James McArthur's first goal for the Club did spark somewhat of a revival for the visitors with ten minutes to go, finding space inside the area and seeing his shot deflect off Scott Parker and over Brad Friedel into the back of the net.

Although late, the goal sparked somewhat of a revival in Roberto Martinez's men with Conor Sammon going agonisingly close minutes later, just unable to get something on Ronnie Stam's cross to make for an interesting finale.

But despite an encouraging fight-back from the visitors the damage had already been done, with the outstanding, often unplayable, Gareth Bale hit twice either side of the break and midfield maestro Luka Modric firing in from the edge of the area to give substance to the home side's dominant first-half display.

Spurs can count themselves lucky to have finished the game with eleven men after Benoit Assou-Ekotto's dangerous challenge on Franco Di Santo forced the Argentine off the field with a gashed shin; referee Lee Probert deciding the incident was not even deserving of a foul never mind a caution.

The introductions of McArthur and Sammon added more spike to Latics after the break, playing with more confidence going forward and asking more questions of the Spurs defence in trying to force a way back into the game and try to finish the evening with a bit of momentum.

The home side continued to show threat on the break but spent large spells of the second-period inside their own half, with Latics just unable to find that final ball to really threaten Brad Friedel's goal.

McArthur almost had a second in the closing stages, getting in-front of Younes Kaboul but converting another Stam cross narrowly over before the Dutchman himself caught a sight of goal but couldn't get a shot away to test the keeper.

Jean Beausejour debuted for Martinez's team, playing the full 90 minutes at left full-back and despite being caught out for Bale's opening goal at the back post had a largely impressive first game in the blue of Wigan Athletic.

The Chilean international showed a good understanding with Victor Moses going forward and composure in defence bringing a new dimension to the formation and looking to be a very wise acquisition.

Tottenham: Friedel; Walker (Sandro, 70), Kaboul, King, Assou-Ekotto, Parker, Van Der Vaart (Livermore, 30), Modric, Kranjcar, Bale, Adebayor (Lancaster, 79)

Subs: Cudicini, Dawson, Rose, Pienaar

Latics: Al Habsi; Boyce, Caldwell, Figueroa, Stam, Beausejour, Watson (Crusat, 87), McCarthy, Gomez (McArthur, 70), Moses, Di Santo (Sammon, 74)

Subs: Pollitt, Gohouri, Jones, Rodallega