Tottenham Hotspur welcomed Stoke City to White Hart Lane in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
The home side led 2-0 at the interval courtesy of goals from Eric Dier and Nacer Chadli.
Stoke improved in the second period, however, and had a goal back from the penalty spot when Marko Arnautovic found the bottom corner 10 minutes from time.
Mame Biram Diouf then made it 2-2 in the 83rd minute as the Potters snatched a point at the Lane.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Sports Mole's live Premier League coverage continues from White Hart Lane as Tottenham Hotspur welcome Stoke City. Both teams were beaten 1-0 in their league openers last weekend and will be keen to put points on the board here. It has all the makings of an entertaining match-up!
First and foremost, let me bring you up-to-speed with the team news from North London.
TEAMS
SPURS: Lloris; Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Davies; Dier, Mason; Chadli, Dembele, Eriksen; Kane
STOKE: Butland; Johnson, Cameron, Muniesa, Pieters; Whelan, Van Ginkel; Walters, Arnautovic, Afellay; Diouf
So there we have it. The big news in the Spurs camp is that first-choice goalkeeper Hugo Lloris returns to the team following injury. The Frenchman's inclusion is one of two changes from the defeat at Manchester United last time out, with Ryan Mason also starting ahead of Nabil Bentaleb. Once again, it is Harry Kane leading the line, while Eric Dier keeps his spot in the middle of the park.
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As for Stoke, they have made just the one change from the defeat at Liverpool, with fit-again Marko Arnautovic starting ahead of Charlie Adam. There is no place in the squad for recent signing Xherdan Shaqiri, however, who is banned following a sporting sanction from the Italian FA. Mame Biram Diouf is again chosen to lead the Potters line ahead of former Spurs striker Peter Crouch.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two teams, Spurs have won three of the last five fixtures, but Stoke were victorious in both league matches last season. The Potters recorded a surprise 2-1 victory on this ground in November 2014, before beating Spurs 3-0 at the Britannia towards the end of the season. Will it be third time lucky for Spurs this afternoon? Kickoff is around 45 minutes away.
As mentioned, Spurs were beaten 1-0 in their league opener last weekend, with a Kyle Walker own goal seeing them lose at Manchester United. It might have been a different story had Christian Eriksen netted early on in that game, but starting the season with a defeat is not what Mauricio Pochettino would have had in mind. That loss places more importance on this match, that is for certain.
This afternoon is Harry Kane's 50th Premier League appearance and the onus will once again be on the England international to fire his team to all three points. The striker has scored 24 goals in 49 league appearances for Spurs thus far and remains the only senior forward in Pochettino's plans, with Roberto Soldado now sold and Emmanuel Adebayor surely on his way out of the London club.
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Spurs secured fifth in the Premier League last season, just six points shy of fourth-place Manchester United, which is far from a disaster. However, the challenge for Pochettino is to break the top four teams and Liverpool will also have something to say about that this season. In truth, if Spurs are to finish in the top four this time around then they really need to be winning matches such as this.
Spurs lost six home league games last season, however, which was the most of any team in the top 10. The crowd at White Hart Lane have been known to air their displeasure from time to time and there was a nervousness to the team's play at times last season on their own patch. They will also be keen to improve on a tally of just 31 goals in their 19 home league fixtures last term.
Spurs have now had a full week of interrupted training, however, which was certainly not the case in the build-up to the Manchester United match. They entered their league opener having played both Real Madrid and AC Milan in the space of 24 hours in the Audi Cup, but Pochettino has now had time on the training ground. There will be no excuses in terms of tiredness this time around.
Spurs have also today announced a new signing, who the supporters will hope can contribute some goals. Clinton N'Jie, 22, has joined the Premier League club on a long-term deal from Lyon...
We're delighted to announce the signing of Clinton Njie subject to international clearance & work permit #WelcomeNjie pic.twitter.com/aIlAbTHL3j
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 15, 2015
As for Stoke, they were also beaten 1-0 in their league opener last weekend. The Potters actually shaded large spells of their match against Liverpool, but a stunning strike from Philippe Coutinho late on secured all three points for the visitors. It was a disappointing way to start the season, but there is still a lot of optimism around the club this season, especially with the recent signing of Shaqiri.
While Spurs are facing the challenge of breaking into the top four, the challenge for Stoke boss Mark Hughes is to improve on what was an impressive 2014-15 season. The Potters finished ninth on 54 points, just two shy of eighth-place Swansea City, who were lauded for their impressive campaign.
In truth, the top six is a little beyond Stoke at the moment, but the club's supporters will be expecting to challenge the likes of Southampton, Swansea, Crystal Palace and Everton for seventh position, which could be a fascinating battle. On form, Stoke can match any team in the league at any ground – Spurs will hope that is not the case this afternoon! Kickoff is fast approaching at White Hart Lane.
Stoke's away form last season was a bit of a mixed bag. They only won five of their 19 league games away from the Britannia and were beaten eight times in the process. While away form is always important, head coach Mark Hughes will also be keen to improve their record at the Britannia, where they were actually beaten on six occasions last season, which is a surprisingly high number.
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Looking ahead, if Stoke can gain a positive result here, they have two winnable matches to come. Next weekend, they travel to newly-promoted Norwich City, before welcoming West Bromwich Albion on August 29. After the international break, they will travel to the Emirates to take on Arsenal.
As for Spurs, they will travel to Leicester City next weekend, before welcoming Roberto Martinez's Everton side on August 29. Their first match after the international break is away to Sunderland. In truth, both Pochettino and Hughes will hope to have put a couple of wins on the board before the poor-timed international break occurs. Just about time for my pre-match prediction here.
PREDICTION! I fancy Stoke to get a point here. Spurs' lack of forward options are a worry and there is just so much pressure on Kane to score the goals. I think it will be an open and entertaining match in North London and I am going to back a 1-1 draw. Let's hope for a good game!
Have a watch at what the Sports Mole Sofa had to say about this one...
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period at White Hart Lane. There is a good atmosphere inside the stadium, with both sets of supporters making their presence felt.
KICK OFF! It is very early in the season, but this is a big football match for both of these teams. It is the away side that get the first 45 minutes of action underway in North London here...
It has been an open and entertaining start to matters at White Hart Lane, with Stoke already having a dangerous free kick from Arnautovic cleared by Dier. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital here. Spurs are in control of the possession in the early moments.
As expected, both teams are just attempting to find their way into the match in the early exchanges, but Spurs are seeing the majority of the ball. Eriksen has started to drift wide for the home side, with Dembele taking up a central position. There is a good atmosphere inside the stadium here.
SAVE! Spurs have the first real chance of the match as Eriksen finds space inside the Stoke box, but his low effort is pushed wide by Butland. Super goalkeeping from the Englishman there!
SAVE! Butland is again called into action to deny a sweeping free kick from Eriksen, which looked to be heading for the back of the net. Good early pressure from Spurs here.
Stoke are finding it difficult to make their mark at the moment as the home team continue to pass and probe in the final third. Dembele has seen plenty of the ball in the opening 10 minutes, while Eriksen has also been a threat. Not too much from the main man Kane thus far though!
Spurs again threaten down the left as Davies drives past Johnson, but the full-back's cross was too long for Kane. Stoke manage to enjoy a period of possession moments later, but a spell of bright football comes to nothing as Walter loses control down the line. Still goalless with 12 played here.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Stoke to take the lead as Lloris presents the ball to Diouf following a poor clearance, but the Frenchman manages to get down and make the save. Moments later, the Spurs stopper holds his knee, which will be a concern. All happening at the moment!
Spurs have been the better side in the opening 14 minutes, but Stoke have had the best chance. Both sets of supporters are creating a good atmosphere inside the stadium and it is a good game here.
The referee has been busy than he would have liked in the last couple of minutes following a series of late challenges. Spurs continue to play the better football as they pass and probe in the final third.
Spurs force a corner as Mason has a long-range strike deflected over the crossbar...
GOAL! Spurs 1-0 Stoke (Dier)
First blood to Spurs! The home side take the lead in the 19th minute as Dier heads an Eriksen corner into the back of the net. It is poor marking from Stoke, but a smart header from the youngster!
You just get the feeling that Stoke need a five or 10-minute spell of possession after conceding, because Spurs have their tails up at the moment and the supporters are full of noise. The visitors have been unable to get the likes of Afellay and Arnautovic into the match in the opening 22 minutes.
Pieters has a problem for Stoke here as he hits the deck following a challenge with Dembele...
... it looked pretty serious, but the left-back is back on his feet and should continue.
BOOKING! Walker (Spurs) is booked for bringing Arnautovic to the ground.
The resulting free kick is delivered towards the far post, but Pieters cannot pick out a teammate. Mark Hughes does not look a happy man on the bench at the moment - his team are second best here.
This man is watching his new team at Spurs today. Oh how Stoke could do with him here...
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Not too much to report in terms of chances at the moment, but Spurs are still in control of the possession as they pass and probe in the final third. I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals here as both teams continue to commit numbers each time they attack. It is a good game.
We have not seen too much from Kane in the opening 30 minutes or so and the England forward cannot collect a low cross from Eriksen, who had shown good ability in a tight space. Stoke are not really carrying a goal threat at the moment, which will be extremely frustrating for Mark Hughes.
GOAL DISALLOWED! Kane has the ball in the back of the net for the home side following a cute pass from Eriksen, but the England international was rightly flagged offside by the linesman.
Stoke just cannot keep hold of the ball at the moment as they continue to relinquish possession. Not too many chances to speak of since the opening goal, but Spurs are still in control here.
Stoke boss Mark Hughes has plenty of options on his bench this afternoon, with Joselu, Ireland, Adam and Crouch all capable of making a difference. It would not be a surprise to see alterations sooner rather than later, that is for sure. Spurs still lead courtesy of that Dier header on 19 minutes.
CHANCE! Chadli's pace takes him away from the Stoke back four, but the Belgian's final touch is just too heavy and Butland is out to claim. Brilliant opportunity for the hosts!
More frustration for Stoke as Arnautovic is penalised for a foul moments after drifting into an offside position. At 1-0, Stoke are obviously still in the game, but they haven't offered a lot here.
CHANCE! Best Stoke move of the half as Arnautovic combines with Van Ginkel before driving a low cross into the box, but there are no takers. It was super work from Arnautovic there!
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Stoke to level as Diouf meets a high ball some five yards from goal, but his bullet header is straight at Lloris. It really should be all square here!
CHANCE! Spurs are straight down the other end and have a wonderful chance to make it 2-0 through Mason, but his low strike is saved by Butland. Super work from the stopper!
GOAL! Spurs 2-0 Stoke (Chadli)
Spurs score their second of the match as Chadli finds the back of the net following a brilliant cross from Davies. It took a massive deflection off Pieters, but still ended up deceiving Butland!
Spurs score their second of the match as Chadli finds the back of the net following a brilliant cross from Davies. It took a massive deflection off Pieters, but still ended up deceiving Butland!
HALF-TIME: Spurs 2-0 Stoke
Spurs score their second of the match as Chadli finds the back of the net following a brilliant cross from Davies. It took a massive deflection off Pieters, but still ended up deceiving Butland!
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Spurs leading 2-0 courtesy of goals from Dier and Chadli. It was some end to the first half, with Diouf going close for Stoke, before the home side went down the other end and made it 2-0. Stoke have been really poor thus far.
STATS! The home side have shaded the possession with 59%, while they managed five attempts - four of which were on target. Stoke, however, managed two attempts on target from their five efforts. There have also been two bookings thus far - one for Whelan and one for Walker.
BENCH WATCH! Spurs have plenty of attacking options on their bench this afternoon, with the likes of Alli, Carroll and Lamela all capable of making a difference. Stoke, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Adam, Crouch, Ireland and Joselu. Hughes cannot be happy with his team.
RESTART! Here we go then. Both sets of players rejoin us on the field for the second 45 minutes. Can Stoke find a route back into this match? The hosts resume the action at White Hart Lane.
No changes from either side at the break, which is perhaps a bit of a surprise on Stoke's part. I suspect that a few choice words were exchanged inside the Potters dressing room at the interval.
Eriksen has a crack from range, but the Dane's effort was always rising.
BOOKING! Davies (Spurs) is booked for a poor challenge on Walters.
Arnautovic delivers the resulting free kick towards Diouf, but Spurs manage to clear the danger. Spurs break away with Kane, but the striker loses possession before fouling Johnson. Still 2-0 here.
SAVE! Absolutely incredible save from Butland as the Stoke goalkeeper manages to stop Kane's effort from close range finding the back of the net. Butland has kept his team in this!
CHANCE! Opportunity for Stoke this time as Pieters finds the head of Walters with a super cross, but the striker's effort is just wide of the post. Plenty happening at White Hart Lane now!
You have to think that a third Spurs goal would kill off any Stoke challenge this afternoon, but both teams are threatening at the moment. It is so open as we approach the final 30 minutes, with Mason having another strike from outside the box, but he slides his effort just wide of the post.
Stoke are preparing to make a double change here, which is not a surprise.
STOKE SUBS: Ireland and Joselu replace Van Ginkel and Walters.
Half-chance for the away side as Arnautovic finds space in a wide area before cutting inside and attempting to find the bottom corner, but Lloris gets down well to make the save. Still 2-0 here.
SAVE! Another super chance for Stoke and again it is Diouf with a close-range header, but Lloris is on hand to make yet another excellent stop. What a fine goalkeeper he is!
SPURS SUB: Kane is replaced by Lamela for the hosts.
Stoke are really taking the game to Spurs at the moment and a goal for the visitors at this stage would set us up for an excellent final 25 minutes or so. Still plenty of football to be played here.
It appears that Spurs are preparing to make their second change of the match, with Bentaleb receiving his final instructions. Stoke are on top in terms of possession and pressure at the moment.
Arnautovic whips a free kick over the crossbar as another Stoke chance comes and goes.
SPURS SUB: Bentaleb replaces Mason.
CHANCE! Spurs come close to making it 3-0 as another fast break leads to Dembele having a strike on goal, but Butland makes the save before Pieters denies Lamela!
Little over 15 minutes of football remaining at White Hart Lane and the hosts still lead 2-0 courtesy of goals from Dier and Chadli. Stoke have given it a real go in this second period, but just have not had the luck in front of goal. Diouf, meanwhile, has been guilty of missing two guilt-edged chances.
BOOKING! Muniesa (Stoke) is booked for a poor challenge on Dier.
Walker has dealt pretty well with the threat of Arnautovic this afternoon, although the attacker has probably been Stoke's most threatening player. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining here.
Diouf is proving a threat in the air for Stoke as another cross comes towards the striker, but Davies does well to clear for a corner, which is headed over the crossbar by the substitute Joselu.
PENALTY STOKE!
Stoke have a penalty as Alderweireld brings Joselu to the ground inside the box.
GOAL! Spurs 2-1 Stoke (Arnautovic, pen)
Stoke are back in this match as Arnautovic finds the bottom corner with his spot kick!
In truth, that goal had been coming. Stoke have really been forcing the issue in the last 15 minutes or so and that has set us up for an excellent conclusion here. Can Spurs hold on for the win?
The home supporters are doing their best to raise the atmosphere inside the stadium, but there is a sense of nervousness as Stoke continue to flood forward. Still around 10 minutes remaining here.
GOAL! Spurs 2-2 Stoke (Diouf)
And there it is! Stoke are level at White Hart Lane as Diouf heads a super Ireland cross past Lloris from close range. Well, it looked like he got a touch - it might yet go down as an Ireland goal!
Diouf has missed a couple of excellent chances here, but he now has his goal at the Lane!
Stoke look the team most likely to win this at the moment as they continue to flood forward!
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Stoke to score a third as Arnautovic delivers a wonderful cross onto the head of Ireland, but the midfielder's effort is just over the crossbar. Wow!
Spurs are almost holding on at the moment as Diouf races down the right before delivering a super cross towards Ireland, but Vertonghen is across to clear for a corner. The resulting set piece finds Diouf inside the box, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper. What a finish to this game!
HANDBAGS! Walker and Afellay clash - both have their handbags out!
No cards issued and play continues with a Spurs free kick...
... STOKE SUB: Charlie Adam replaces Arnautovic.
We are into the second of four additional minutes at the end of this match.
Spurs force a breakaway and manage to threaten in a wide position with Eriksen, but the Dane's cross is blocked and Stoke manage to clear the danger. That could be just about that for this one.
FULL-TIME: Spurs 2-2 Stoke
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close as Stoke come from two goals behind to claim a point in a 2-2 draw at White Hart Lane. What a second-half performance from the visitors! Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action once again. Until next time!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
