Tottenham Hotspur against West Ham United

Just how this game has remained goalless is beyond me.

Avram Grant is on the touchline and trying to inspire his troops over the line.

West Ham are starting to drop deeper in the closing stages...

A great save from Rob Green! He stretches to finger tip Bale's goalbound shot onto the bar! Jacobsen reacts well to clear off the line. Tottenham once again denied.

Confusion reigns in midfield as Sandro slides in to tackle Pavlyuchenko, Spurs eventually earn a free kick...

Confusion reigns in midfield as Sandro slides in to tackle Pavlyuchenko, Spurs eventually earn a free kick...

Corner Tottenham, Upson's block...

Tottenham are starting to press but West Ham are standing firm!

Rob Green with a smart save from Pavlyuchenko! The substitute worked space inside the box and had a clear sight of goal, but the England stopper thumped it clear.

An opening for Roman Pavlyuchenko. Gareth Bale's long throw bounces around in the West Ham box before arriving with the Russian, whose close-range effort is blocked.

Scott Parker is down in a heap. He raced back to clear as Bale looked to advance, but he clattered into the advertising boards. He looks good to continue.

Gallas looks to be back on his feet, but he is moving gingerly. The former Arsenal man has only just recovered from a hamstring injury.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Victor Obinna on for Carlton Cole</b>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Alan Hutton on for Vedran Corluka</b>

A nervy moment for William Gallas at the back. Demba Ba turns and looks to muscle past the Frenchman, Gallas just about shadows the ball back to Gomes. But he looks to have hurt himself.

Lennon's cross, it's headed clear to Bale. The winger volley's into the ground and it drifts to Pavlyuchenko, who is offside.

Hitzlsperger's cross is met by Ba, but his knockdown is behind Carlton Cole and the danger passes.

Demba Ba earns West Ham a free kick and a chance to attack...

Van der Vaart has been quiet this afternoon and probably isn't fully fit yet. Can Pavlyuchenko find a break through?

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Roman Pavlyuchenko on for Rafael Van der Vaart</b>

Mark Noble wastes a fantastic opening for West Ham. Carlton Cole picks out the midfielder in space on the edge of the area, he works space for the shot and his outside-of-the-boot effort is yards wide.

It's not Jermain Defoe's afternoon. He latches onto Assou-Ekotto's long ball, but try as he might, he cannot get beyond Upson and Da Costa.

Roman Pavlyuchenko is about to be introduced for Spurs.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Matthew Upson</b> is the fourth West Ham player in the book for sliding in late on Defoe as the striker looks to break.

Sandro has recovered sufficiently to have a shot on goal, he need not have bothered as it is well wide.

Signs of frustration just starting to creep into Tottenham's play. They are lacking ideas at the moment.

What a shot from Demba Ba. Out of nowhere the Ivorian drops the shoulder and lets fly, Gomes responds with an outstanding save. From the resulting corner, the goalkeeper is fouled.

Luka Modric has a go this time. Aaron Lennon pulls the ball back to Modric, his shot from 10 yards is blocked by Mark Noble and Rob Green can gather.

Tame penalty appeals from Spurs. Gareth Bale cuts in from the left and hits a shot on goal which strikes a defender. It would have been incredibly harsh, if it even struck an arm at all.

The striker atones for his error by clearing the cross.

Carlton Cole with a needless handball and it's a Tottenham set piece...

We've reached the hour mark and we're still goalless. Can either side break the deadlock?

Tottenham have not carried the same threat in the second half. West Ham are doing a very professional job.

Neat play from Parker and Jacobsen to find O'Neil. The former Portsmouth man is too slow in possession and Sandro manages to snatch the ball.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Carlton Cole</b> is rightly cautioned for his dangerous tackle.

Sandro is slowly starting to climb to his feet, it has not been a pleasant start to the second half for him.

Sandro is down in a heap after a crunching tackle from Carlton Cole. The England striker catches the Brazilian on the shin with his studs showing. Very nasty.

Great play from Bale as he dismisses the attentions of Ba to find Defoe. The England striker tries to work the space for a shot but Upson and Da Costa handle the situation expertly.

West Ham have a free kick near the half-way line, but Manuel da Costa's attempted pass to Ba flies over his head and out of play.

Tottenham starting to find their rhythm at the start of this half.

Tottenham press again, Defoe and Bale both try and fire off shots from the edge of the box but they are crowded out.

Jermain Defoe wastes another glorious chance. Excellent play from Modric, who finds Defoe free inside the six-yard box. He takes a touch, but somehow Rob Green saves his shot. A great stop, but poor finishing.

The free kick is aimed at Sandro, but the cross is too high.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Mark Noble</b> is in the book for a late challenge on Gareth Bale, and the Welshman is hurt. Free kick right by the corner flag...

Manuel da Costa appears to be struggling for the visitors. West Ham do have James Tomkins on the bench.

West Ham with an instant chance to take the lead. Carlton Cole into the Spurs are before shooting from a tight angle, Gomes punches the ball clear.

<b>SECOND HALF</b>

Very disturbing images of Sandro apparently feeling unwell. The Brazilian has just vomited on the pitch, not pretty.

The teams are out for the second half. I would be very surprised if this match ends goalless...

Don't forget to join us for our regular Matchday updates from 14:15 pm to get the latest on all the day's Premier League action.

Carlton Cole will also be an unhappy man in the dressing room. He had a glorious chance to open the scoring when he was played through by Ba, but he could only find Gomes.

In addition, Defoe can also become the 20th player to reach the grand total of 100 Premier League goals.

A little stat for you courtesy of <i>Opta Joe</i>. Spurs striker Jermain Defoe has scored in four of his last six matches against West Ham. Defoe should have scored today, Spurs fans will still be scratching their heads wondering how he missed from three-yards out.

So far, so good for West Ham. They have just about held on to their clean sheet and are half way towards an impressive point.

<b>HALF TIME</b> Tottenham will be annoyed they have failed to open the scoring, although West Ham have also had their moments. An entertaining match so far.

Matthew Upson stretches to clear as Jermain Defoe looks to sneak onto a through ball. Van der Vaart then once again fires into the arms of Green from just outside the box.

Van der Vaarts curler is on target, but comfortably gathered by Rob Green.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Scott Parker</b> is the first man in the book for a late lunge on Van der Vaart. No debating that one and a great chance for Spurs...

Vedran Corluka does very well to climb above Upson and head clear. West Ham regain possession, and Demba Ba has a shot on goal from a very narrow angle.

Scott Parker with a brave burst forward has earned a West Ham corner, their first...

Five minutes until the interval, can we find an opening goal before the break?

Aaron Lennon rattles the post! The England winger skips inside Jacobsen and his shot from just inside the box hammers the upright. The rebound falls to Jermain Defoe three-yards from, but he can only guide his effort wide. A poor, poor miss from Defoe, although it did come at him quickly.

Wayne Bridge finds himself in acres of space on the West Ham left. His cross is disappointing and Spurs break...

Spurs have switched Bale and Lennon in an attempt to re-engergise their attack.

Rob Green gets lucky as he scuffs a clearance from a back pass. The ball falls to Van der Vaart, who declines the chance to shoot on goal.

Michael Dawson heads clear and Van der Vaart breaks before he is felled by Upson. The free kick is taken quickly to Gareth Bale who, cutting in from the right, fires a tame shot at goal.

Gary O'Neil is tripped by Assou-Ekotto, a useful set piece for West Ham.

The West Ham fans find their voice for the first time in the afternoon, a sign they have weathered the Tottenham storm.

Jermain Defoe has been quiet so far. He is desperate to score 100th Premier League goal against his old club.

The sun is shining at White Hart Lane and we have had a bright match so far, all we need is a goal.

Luka Modric goes close, the little Croat has been a strong presence in this game. From the edge of the box, he curls an effort just beyond the far post.

Half an hour gone, Tottenham will be disappointed that they've failed to take the lead, but the best chance has fallen to Carlton Cole and West Ham.

Tottenham's period of intense pressure seems to have subsided and West Ham are gradually growing into the game.

Demba Ba involved for the first time in the match, he tries a pop at goal from 25 yards which sails over the crossbar.

Spurs free kick, Mark Noble tripping Defoe as he sprinted clear.

Better defending from West Ham, this time the corner is cleared at the near post.

Scott Parker concedes a corner under pressure from Corluka. It looked like the ball had drifted out of play moments earlier, but Spurs eventually get their corner...

A rare moment of sloppy possession from Spurs, Corluka's pass to Aaron Lennon is over hit.

Jermain Defoe is close to getting on the edge of another cross, but the ball squirms through to Gomes.

A slightly better spell from West Ham, but they still do not look entirely settled.

Manuel da Costa fouls Dawson from the cross, free kick to Tottenham.

A chance for West Ham from this weekend...

Tottenham are up in arms, Mark Noble is under pressure from Van der Vaart and when it looks like the Dutchman is about to steal possession, Noble tugs him back. Nothing given from the referee.

What a chance for West Ham, out of nowhere! Demba Ba with a fabulous through ball for Carlton Cole, who is one-on-one with Gomes and can only shoot straight at the Brazilian!

Again it's taken short, this time to Van der Vaart. His drive is only just wide of the post.

Tottenham with a corner...

West Ham, again under pressure, concede a cheap throw in when Jacobsen passes straight into touch.

The corner is taken short to Luka Modric, who turns and shoots well wide of the goal. A good idea, though.

Another Spurs corner as Corluka's pass to Lennon is intercepted...

Dawson is beaten to the cross and Hitzlsperger hammers clear.

Rafael Van der Vaart with some wonderful trickery and he is brought down by Scott Parker. Free kick.

Thomas Hitzlsperger finds Carlton Cole with an excellent deep cross. Cole decides to try and volley over Gomes when a header would have been more appropriate. Goal kick.

Gareth Bale is back with us. Presumably now in appropriate shorts.

West Ham have their first shot on goal, Mark Noble's 25-yard curler is tame and easily saved by Gomes.

Gareth Bale is being sent to the touchline to, ahem, remove his under shorts. They are longer than his actual shorts, which isn't allowed. Apparently...

West Ham are looking unsure in possession. They need to settle down and get a grip of themselves.

The corner arrives at the feet of Lennon, who slices the half-volley high and wide.

Tottenham are piling on the pressure. Aaron Lennon weaves his way down the right and his low cross is cleared to Sandro, whose shot is deflected wide for a corner...

West Ham need to get hold of the ball, Tottenham have been in control in the opening exchanges.

Jermain Defoe within inches of scoring against his former club! Gareth Bale takes on Jacobsen and drills a low cross towards Defoe, who flicks an effort narrowly wide!

A very bright start from Tottenham on a very bright afternoon in the English capital.

Michael Dawson hits the bar for Tottenham! Luka Modric gets to the byline and pulls back for the Spurs captain, who curls a fantastic 20-yard effort onto the woodwork!

O'Neil heads clear and West Ham defend the danger well.

Bale has earned a free kick near the corner flag for Spurs...

Gareth Bale stretches his leg for the first time, getting in behind Lars Jacobsen. The White Hart Lane crowd are delighted to see him back.

West Ham earn a couple of early throw ins. Gary O'Neil has lined up on the right side of a three-man attack for the visitors.

<b>KICK OFF</b>

Everyone at White Hart Lane is now observing a minutes silence in honour of the victims of the Japan earthquake.

West Ham have really raised their game in recent months, can they claw out of the bottom three today?

The teams are in the tunnel, almost time to get this London derby under way...

Sandro, the young Brazilian midfielder, continues alongside Luka Modric in the heart of the pitch. Can he maintain his impressive recent form?

A win for Spurs this afternoon will put them level with fourth place Chelsea on 51 points, whereas the Hammers can move up to 13th place, ahead of the 15:00 kick-offs, with three points.

West Ham United are without on-loan striker Robbie Keane, who is unable to play against his parent club.

Avram Grant has opted to include both Demba Ba and Carlton Cole in an adventurous looking team. Scott Parker and Thomas Hitzlsperger continue their partnership in midfield.

Team news now and Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has included Welsh flyer Gareth Bale in his starting line-up. Spurs also have Jermain Defoe partnering Rafael Van der Vaart in attack.

A nervy moment for William Gallas at the back. Demba Ba turns and looks to muscle past the Frenchman, Gallas just about shadows the ball back to Gomes. But he looks to have hurt himself.

Lennon's cross, it's headed clear to Bale. The winger volley's into the ground and it drifts to Pavlyuchenko, who is offside.

Hitzlsperger's cross is met by Ba, but his knockdown is behind Carlton Cole and the danger passes.

Demba Ba earns West Ham a free kick and a chance to attack...

Van der Vaart has been quiet this afternoon and probably isn't fully fit yet. Can Pavlyuchenko find a break through?

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Roman Pavlyuchenko on for Rafael Van der Vaart</b>

Mark Noble wastes a fantastic opening for West Ham. Carlton Cole picks out the midfielder in space on the edge of the area, he works space for the shot and his outside-of-the-boot effort is yards wide.

It's not Jermain Defoe's afternoon. He latches onto Assou-Ekotto's long ball, but try as he might, he cannot get beyond Upson and Da Costa.

Roman Pavlyuchenko is about to be introduced for Spurs.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Matthew Upson</b> is the fourth West Ham player in the book for sliding in late on Defoe as the striker looks to break.

Sandro has recovered sufficiently to have a shot on goal, he need not have bothered as it is well wide.

Signs of frustration just starting to creep into Tottenham's play. They are lacking ideas at the moment.

What a shot from Demba Ba. Out of nowhere the Ivorian drops the shoulder and lets fly, Gomes responds with an outstanding save. From the resulting corner, the goalkeeper is fouled.

Luka Modric has a go this time. Aaron Lennon pulls the ball back to Modric, his shot from 10 yards is blocked by Mark Noble and Rob Green can gather.

Tame penalty appeals from Spurs. Gareth Bale cuts in from the left and hits a shot on goal which strikes a defender. It would have been incredibly harsh, if it even struck an arm at all.

The striker atones for his error by clearing the cross.

Carlton Cole with a needless handball and it's a Tottenham set piece...

We've reached the hour mark and we're still goalless. Can either side break the deadlock?

Tottenham have not carried the same threat in the second half. West Ham are doing a very professional job.

Neat play from Parker and Jacobsen to find O'Neil. The former Portsmouth man is too slow in possession and Sandro manages to snatch the ball.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Carlton Cole</b> is rightly cautioned for his dangerous tackle.

Sandro is slowly starting to climb to his feet, it has not been a pleasant start to the second half for him.

Sandro is down in a heap after a crunching tackle from Carlton Cole. The England striker catches the Brazilian on the shin with his studs showing. Very nasty.

Great play from Bale as he dismisses the attentions of Ba to find Defoe. The England striker tries to work the space for a shot but Upson and Da Costa handle the situation expertly.

West Ham have a free kick near the half-way line, but Manuel da Costa's attempted pass to Ba flies over his head and out of play.

Tottenham starting to find their rhythm at the start of this half.

Tottenham press again, Defoe and Bale both try and fire off shots from the edge of the box but they are crowded out.

Jermain Defoe wastes another glorious chance. Excellent play from Modric, who finds Defoe free inside the six-yard box. He takes a touch, but somehow Rob Green saves his shot. A great stop, but poor finishing.

The free kick is aimed at Sandro, but the cross is too high.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Mark Noble</b> is in the book for a late challenge on Gareth Bale, and the Welshman is hurt. Free kick right by the corner flag...

Manuel da Costa appears to be struggling for the visitors. West Ham do have James Tomkins on the bench.

West Ham with an instant chance to take the lead. Carlton Cole into the Spurs are before shooting from a tight angle, Gomes punches the ball clear.

<b>SECOND HALF</b>

Very disturbing images of Sandro apparently feeling unwell. The Brazilian has just vomited on the pitch, not pretty.

The teams are out for the second half. I would be very surprised if this match ends goalless...

Don't forget to join us for our regular Matchday updates from 14:15 pm to get the latest on all the day's Premier League action.

Carlton Cole will also be an unhappy man in the dressing room. He had a glorious chance to open the scoring when he was played through by Ba, but he could only find Gomes.

In addition, Defoe can also become the 20th player to reach the grand total of 100 Premier League goals.

A little stat for you courtesy of <i>Opta Joe</i>. Spurs striker Jermain Defoe has scored in four of his last six matches against West Ham. Defoe should have scored today, Spurs fans will still be scratching their heads wondering how he missed from three-yards out.

So far, so good for West Ham. They have just about held on to their clean sheet and are half way towards an impressive point.

<b>HALF TIME</b> Tottenham will be annoyed they have failed to open the scoring, although West Ham have also had their moments. An entertaining match so far.

Matthew Upson stretches to clear as Jermain Defoe looks to sneak onto a through ball. Van der Vaart then once again fires into the arms of Green from just outside the box.

Van der Vaarts curler is on target, but comfortably gathered by Rob Green.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Scott Parker</b> is the first man in the book for a late lunge on Van der Vaart. No debating that one and a great chance for Spurs...

Vedran Corluka does very well to climb above Upson and head clear. West Ham regain possession, and Demba Ba has a shot on goal from a very narrow angle.

Scott Parker with a brave burst forward has earned a West Ham corner, their first...

Five minutes until the interval, can we find an opening goal before the break?

Aaron Lennon rattles the post! The England winger skips inside Jacobsen and his shot from just inside the box hammers the upright. The rebound falls to Jermain Defoe three-yards from, but he can only guide his effort wide. A poor, poor miss from Defoe, although it did come at him quickly.

Wayne Bridge finds himself in acres of space on the West Ham left. His cross is disappointing and Spurs break...

Spurs have switched Bale and Lennon in an attempt to re-engergise their attack.

Rob Green gets lucky as he scuffs a clearance from a back pass. The ball falls to Van der Vaart, who declines the chance to shoot on goal.

Michael Dawson heads clear and Van der Vaart breaks before he is felled by Upson. The free kick is taken quickly to Gareth Bale who, cutting in from the right, fires a tame shot at goal.

Gary O'Neil is tripped by Assou-Ekotto, a useful set piece for West Ham.

The West Ham fans find their voice for the first time in the afternoon, a sign they have weathered the Tottenham storm.

Jermain Defoe has been quiet so far. He is desperate to score 100th Premier League goal against his old club.

The sun is shining at White Hart Lane and we have had a bright match so far, all we need is a goal.

Luka Modric goes close, the little Croat has been a strong presence in this game. From the edge of the box, he curls an effort just beyond the far post.

Half an hour gone, Tottenham will be disappointed that they've failed to take the lead, but the best chance has fallen to Carlton Cole and West Ham.

Tottenham's period of intense pressure seems to have subsided and West Ham are gradually growing into the game.

Demba Ba involved for the first time in the match, he tries a pop at goal from 25 yards which sails over the crossbar.

Spurs free kick, Mark Noble tripping Defoe as he sprinted clear.

Better defending from West Ham, this time the corner is cleared at the near post.

Scott Parker concedes a corner under pressure from Corluka. It looked like the ball had drifted out of play moments earlier, but Spurs eventually get their corner...

A rare moment of sloppy possession from Spurs, Corluka's pass to Aaron Lennon is over hit.

Jermain Defoe is close to getting on the edge of another cross, but the ball squirms through to Gomes.

A slightly better spell from West Ham, but they still do not look entirely settled.

Manuel da Costa fouls Dawson from the cross, free kick to Tottenham.

A chance for West Ham from this weekend...

Tottenham are up in arms, Mark Noble is under pressure from Van der Vaart and when it looks like the Dutchman is about to steal possession, Noble tugs him back. Nothing given from the referee.

What a chance for West Ham, out of nowhere! Demba Ba with a fabulous through ball for Carlton Cole, who is one-on-one with Gomes and can only shoot straight at the Brazilian!

Again it's taken short, this time to Van der Vaart. His drive is only just wide of the post.

Tottenham with a corner...

West Ham, again under pressure, concede a cheap throw in when Jacobsen passes straight into touch.

The corner is taken short to Luka Modric, who turns and shoots well wide of the goal. A good idea, though.

Another Spurs corner as Corluka's pass to Lennon is intercepted...

Dawson is beaten to the cross and Hitzlsperger hammers clear.

Rafael Van der Vaart with some wonderful trickery and he is brought down by Scott Parker. Free kick.

Thomas Hitzlsperger finds Carlton Cole with an excellent deep cross. Cole decides to try and volley over Gomes when a header would have been more appropriate. Goal kick.

Gareth Bale is back with us. Presumably now in appropriate shorts.

West Ham have their first shot on goal, Mark Noble's 25-yard curler is tame and easily saved by Gomes.

Gareth Bale is being sent to the touchline to, ahem, remove his under shorts. They are longer than his actual shorts, which isn't allowed. Apparently...

West Ham are looking unsure in possession. They need to settle down and get a grip of themselves.

The corner arrives at the feet of Lennon, who slices the half-volley high and wide.

Tottenham are piling on the pressure. Aaron Lennon weaves his way down the right and his low cross is cleared to Sandro, whose shot is deflected wide for a corner...

West Ham need to get hold of the ball, Tottenham have been in control in the opening exchanges.

Jermain Defoe within inches of scoring against his former club! Gareth Bale takes on Jacobsen and drills a low cross towards Defoe, who flicks an effort narrowly wide!

A very bright start from Tottenham on a very bright afternoon in the English capital.

Michael Dawson hits the bar for Tottenham! Luka Modric gets to the byline and pulls back for the Spurs captain, who curls a fantastic 20-yard effort onto the woodwork!

O'Neil heads clear and West Ham defend the danger well.

Bale has earned a free kick near the corner flag for Spurs...

Gareth Bale stretches his leg for the first time, getting in behind Lars Jacobsen. The White Hart Lane crowd are delighted to see him back.

West Ham earn a couple of early throw ins. Gary O'Neil has lined up on the right side of a three-man attack for the visitors.

<b>KICK OFF</b>

Everyone at White Hart Lane is now observing a minutes silence in honour of the victims of the Japan earthquake.

West Ham have really raised their game in recent months, can they claw out of the bottom three today?

The teams are in the tunnel, almost time to get this London derby under way...

Sandro, the young Brazilian midfielder, continues alongside Luka Modric in the heart of the pitch. Can he maintain his impressive recent form?

A win for Spurs this afternoon will put them level with fourth place Chelsea on 51 points, whereas the Hammers can move up to 13th place, ahead of the 15:00 kick-offs, with three points.

West Ham United are without on-loan striker Robbie Keane, who is unable to play against his parent club.

Avram Grant has opted to include both Demba Ba and Carlton Cole in an adventurous looking team. Scott Parker and Thomas Hitzlsperger continue their partnership in midfield.

Team news now and Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has included Welsh flyer Gareth Bale in his starting line-up. Spurs also have Jermain Defoe partnering Rafael Van der Vaart in attack.