Football: Leeds' performance keeps Graham looking ahead
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Your support makes all the difference.Tottenham Hotspur 1 Leeds United 0
It is likely to be a busy summer at Elland Road. Although George Graham has taken Leeds United clear of the relegation zone since succeeding Howard Wilkinson as manager, he is determined to strengthen his squad in order to mount a challenge for honours next season.
After Saturday's disappointing performance by his side at White Hart Lane, Graham indicated that changes were imminent. "Overall, this game has proved to me that our squad is lacking strength in depth," he said. "I had to name three young midfield players on the bench, and that is not an ideal situation. I am looking to bring new faces in, but they must be players for the long term and not just short-term signings."
It would be no surprise if Tony Yeboah were among those leaving Elland Road in the coming months. The Ghanaian striker, who has not been on the best of terms with his manager, ripped off his shirt off in disgust when he was substituted with 20 minutes remaining and hurled it in the direction of Graham before storming angrily down the tunnel. Graham said afterwards: "It was a display of petulance, and he will be fined - that's all I am prepared to say on the matter."
Graham agreed that Spurs had dominated the first half but said he was pleased with his team's improved second-half display. Meanwhile, Gerry Francis, the Tottenham manager, had good reason to be pleased with his side's performance, although injuries to Steffen Iversen and Darren Anderton are a concern.
Tottenham dominated the first half and were unlucky not to have more to show for their efforts than Anderton's first Premiership goal of the season, made by John Scales and Teddy Sheringham. Nigel Martyn made a superb reaction save to deny Iversen, who also fired just wide, and Sheringham had a header cleared off the line.
Francis said: "Our passing and movement was excellent. In the last eight or nine matches, Leeds have been very difficult to break down, and we needed to work very hard."
He added: "I have a few players who are not 100 per cent match fit, so I tend to lose Darren Anderton, Teddy Sheringham and Andy Sinton after an hour. But I do not want to take them off, because they are our best players and can always produce things."
Goal: Anderton (26) 1-0.
Tottenham Hotspur: Walker; Austin, Calderwood, Anderton, Sheringham, Dozzell, Scales, Iversen (Rosenthal, 82), Campbell, Sinton, Carr. Substitutes not used: Wilson, Nethercott, Allen, Bardsen (gk).
Leeds United: Martyn; Radebe, Sharpe, Rush, Deane, Bowyer, Halle, Yeboah (Harte, 73), Molenaar, Kelly, Dorigo. Substitutes not used: Wetherall, Ford, Jackson, Beeney (gk).
Referee: D J Gallagher (Banbury). Bookings: Tottenham Hotspur Anderton. Leeds United Molenaar, Dorigo.
Man of the match: Scales. Attendance: 33,040.
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