Jermain Defoe etches his name into Tottenham history books

JERMAIN DEFOE wrote his name in Tottenham’s history books as Spurs ensured their passage from Group K.

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By Adrian Kajumba/Published 8th November 2013

Jermain Defoe is now Tottenham's leading goalscorer in Europe [GETTY]

The striker’s 67th-minute spot-kick was his 23rd goal in Europe – beating 70s legend Martin Chivers’ club record.

Defoe stepped up to the spot after Erik Lamela was hacked down in the Sheriff area. Just eight minutes earlier £30m summer signing Lamela had opened his Spurs account.

But Tottenham were made to sweat when Ismail Isa pulled one back with 18 minutes left on the clock.

Defoe cooly dispatched the penalty to make history [REUTERS]

“The striker’s 67th-minute spot-kick was his 23rd goal in Europe, beating 70s legend Martin Chivers’ club record”

Lamela’s deadlock breaker ended an hour of frustration for Spurs, who were having another tough night trying to break down stubborn ­opposition.

Before Lamela’s landmark strike, the omission of Hugo Lloris was the biggest talking point.
The French keeper had been given the all clear to face Sheriff just four days after being knocked out against Everton. But Villas-Boas took no risks and handed Brad Friedel his record-breaking start – at 42 he’s the oldest player to appear in the Europa League or UEFA Cup.

£30m man Erik Lamela opened his Sours account [AP]

After Lloris was out cold, most of the match was enough to put you to sleep. There was so little action that Spurs fans started chanting, “Let’s pretend we’ve scored a goal” to entertain themselves.
But they didn’t have to pretend on the hour when Lamela lashed in his first goal since his move from Roma after a mistake from Djibril Paye.

Defoe put them in the clear before Isa pounced on a rebound off Friedel to make for a tense finish.