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Five-star Spurs book final spot

Tue 22 Jan, 10:30 PM


Tottenham marched into the Carling Cup final after dismantling arch rivals Arsenal 5-1 in the semi-final second leg to win 6-2 on aggregate.Spurs ended more than eight years of failure against the Gunners in some style to book a trip to Wembley in the final on February 24.

Not since November 1999 and through 21 previous encounters had Spurs fans been able to laud it over the Gunners.

But following this comprehensive victory against a mainly young Arsenal side which just could not cope with the tenacity of Jermaine Jenas and the pace of frontman Robbie Keane, Juande Ramos will be confident of landing a first trophy in his maiden season at the famous redeveloped venue next month.

Spurs should have put the tie beyond doubt after dominating the first leg at Emirates Stadium a fortnight ago, but following a late goal from Theo Walcott, Arsenal still had it all to play for.

However, despite adding experience in the form of captain William Gallas, Alex Hleb and, from the bench Cesc Fabregas and Togo frontman Emmanuel Adebayor, this proved one game too far for Arsene Wenger's emerging side, who nevertheless still have bigger prizes in their sights.

The tone was set for the evening when Spurs were off to a flyer inside the opening three minutes.

Dimitar Berbatov flicked the ball on to Jenas, who charged towards the edge of the area, before side-stepping Justin Hoyte.

The England midfielder, watched by new national team coach Fabio Capello, then coolly dispatched a low angled strike in off the far post.

This now was set to be a real test of Arsenal's character.

Nicklas Bendtner had a half chance following some neat work around the right side of the Spurs box, but his well-struck effort flew just over.

However, the tie looked all but over on 26 minutes when Spurs moved 2-0 ahead.

Jenas sent in a deep free-kick from the left, which floated into the Arsenal six-yard box.

Michael Dawson jumped with Bendtner - and the unfortunate Dane could only guide the ball past his own keeper.

The home fans had waited almost a decade for a taste of success over their bitter rivals, and could now sense they were within touching distance of a return to Wembley.

Spurs continued to press, and Berbatov dragged his shot against the base of Lukasz Fabianski's right-hand post when he really should have scored after the Bulgarian was put clean through by the busy Jenas.

Spurs, though, had been here before - they were 2-0 up in the first leg of last season's Carling Cup semi-final only to eventually surrender their home advantage and then bow out at Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal almost found a lifeline when a near-post free-kick was headed goalwards by Bacary Sagna - but Radek Cerny produced a fine one-handed reaction save to show just why he is keeping out England's number one Paul Robinson.

Abou Diaby cut inside and blazed a 25-yard effort just over as the Gunners aimed to make Spurs pay for their careless finishing.

The hosts, however, continued to look dangerous on the break as neither side looked ready to let up on the relentless tempo ahead of the half-time interval.

The next goal would be crucial - and it was Spurs who secured safe passage to Wembley two minutes after the restart.

Berbatov flicked the ball onto Aaron Lennon in the centre circle.

His exquisite pass with the outside of the boot split the visitors' defence as Keane ran on into the box.

The Republic of Ireland striker sent a half-volley towards the bottom right corner from just inside the box, which bounced up in front of Fabianski and flew into the net.

Arsenal almost produced a swift reply but Bendtner saw his acrobatic

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