Tottenham Hotspur 2, Sunderland 0

Nov 9 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

TOTTENHAM Hotspur had plenty to laugh about at the weekend and most of the jokes were at Darren Bent’s expense. It was nervous laughter, though – unsure, uncertain and undeserved.

Spurs may have moved back into the Premier League’s top four with the win, but that does not change the fact that a much-vaunted side supposedly with lofty Champions League aspirations had been out-played at home by a Sunderland one missing three of its best players.

Even in victory, Spurs knew they had lost something.

Points win prizes, but psychologically, Sunderland landed a David Haye-like blow on Harry Redknapp’s over-hyped team.

It was not quite David and Goliath – we shall leave that to Britain’s new heavyweight champion of the world – but the Black Cats are no longer looking lightweight as they start to consistently punch their weight under Steve Bruce. Of course, Sunderland can not afford too many of these afternoons.

You are ultimately going to be doomed to fail if you constantly play well and lose, but in the frustration of a defeat there should also be optimism and belief. Play like this again away from home and the journey back to Wearside will be one of celebration, not commiseration.

It was easy to mock Bent on Saturday and most of White Hart Lane did. A former Spurs player who was publicly ridiculed by Redknapp last season when he missed an easy chance in front of goal – their relationship never recovered – came back to north London with a point to prove.

Instead, in front of the watching England manager Fabio Capello, Bent embarrassed himself in his big moment. Climbing off the floor after he had been clattered by the on-rushing Heurelho Gomes, Bent took the spot-kick, wilted and sent a tame shot to the goalkeeper’s left which he saved easily.

His call-up to the England squad last night offers him the chance of redemption in the Italian’s eyes but it was a horrible moment for the likeable 25-year-old and it was seized upon with relish by those who have Redknapp’s interests at heart. Bent, though, has nothing to be ashamed of. He is the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League, his £10m move to Sunderland has been an enormous success, he is happy on Wearside and his performances in red and white stripes justify his international recognition.