Ledley King and his young sidekick Michael Dawson subdued the fleet-footed Wigan forwards who have proved such a threat at Premiership level, wrote Dan Murphy in The Independent today.
Martin Jol: "They were rocks today If you're playing against teams like Wigan and Bolton, who play a lot of balls into the box and try to get behind you, then you need big defenders. We've conceded 10 goals now in 14 games so they're doing well.
"[Dawson] did a very big job and it's important for the team. He's 21 and is developing his personality. If Michael can do that verbally then he will be a big player."
Edgar Davids was also impressed: "The centre-backs did very well. It is always good when you have people at the back that you can count on - it means a lot less worry for our midfielders."
In Tottenham’s last home game against West Ham, Dawson’s 40-yard hoof forward proved to be a direct assist for Mido’s opening goal.
"I saw Keano in front with Anton Ferdinand just behind and I thought if I can just get it over Anton’s head and in behind then Mido was in," said Dawson.
However, it was vital the entire squad bounced back immediately from the disappointment of West Ham’s last second equaliser.
He added: "It felt almost worse than losing. I know that it can’t get worse than actually getting beaten," he added.