Besiktas away, 19.10.06

Pat Sheehan, The Sun: When Hossam Ghaly struck after 32 minutes it underlined just how much in control Spurs were against Besiktas in their own hostile backyard.

Then there was a stunning double save by keeper Paul Robinson.

Robbie Keane dropped deep to make an extra man in a bitterly-contested middle of the park.

Dimitar Berbatov netted a brilliant solo goal to underline the growing confidence and composure of Spurs in Europe.

While he caught the eye for his goal and man-of-the-match display, it was in the middle of the park where Tottenham looked their most aggressive and purposeful.

Besiktas, coached by former Fulham boss Jean Tigana, mixed some neat football with more than a touch of cold, ruthless steel.

But Spurs' backline — marshalled by the fit-again Ledley King and Michael Dawson — dealt with everything thrown at them.

Dream Team Star Man - Dimitar Berbatov: Class and power.

Darren Lewis, Daily Mirror: Tottenham ran riot against a side that was supposed to have provided a tough test.

Martin Jol's men showed steel to withstand the strong start of Jean Tigana's side and silk to create the chances that undid them.

For most of Jol's young side the opening 20 minutes must have been like playing with i-pods in their ears at full blast as the no-nonsense Besiktas faithful turned up the volume.

But for all their backing, the home side created little in the way of serious openings.

Whatever chances Besiktas did get they squandered.

As Tigana's men turned up the heat, Spurs were more than equal to it.

Spurs could have made it more embarrassing for Besiktas.

Tom Dart, The Times: A composed Tottenham could have won by four goals against a Besiktas side whose tepid display contrasted with the intensity of their support.

Tottenham looked potent, mainly thanks to a fine display from Dimitar Berbatov.

Tom Huddlestone, the 19-year-old midfield player, looked mature. Ledley King, like his team-mates, was solid.

There was plenty for Jean Tigana to chew over as the Turks disintegrated at the back and the crowd turned their ire on to their own.

Oliver Brown, Daily Telegraph: Dimitar Berbatov, with his extensive European experience, had been expected to shine on an evening of passion and hostility. He was outstanding.

But in the event it was the unlikely figure of Hossam Ghaly who gave Tottenham the perfect start.

Berbatov and Ghaly replied to Istanbul's matchless fever for football with a display of composure and resolve.

The Inonu Stadium was a less than comfortable environment for Tottenham as soon as Besitkas' devoted fans found their voices but Tottenham, reinforced by Ledley King in defence and sharpened by Berbatov up front, found a way to sustain their focus. From the outset, they looked compact and organised.

Paul Robinson might have been feeling a little left out at the other end.

The Turks were troubled. That sense of restlessness only increased after the interval.

Besitkas could have been humbled much more emphatically as Tottenham just kept thwarting them. Berbatov, in particular, was uncontrollable.

Stuart James, The Guardian: Martin Jol's side gave an assured display, which would have truly graced the Champions League.

Jol's side took nothing but encouragement from the first 20 minutes.

This fixture was seen as a demanding test but it was Jol's side who posed all the questions. The goals were perfectly timed, too.

Hossam Ghaly's opener gave Tottenham a lead to protect but, playing with a swagger, they were in no mood to defend. Indeed they had good reason to depart at half-time regretting their failure to add a second goal.

Besiktas could not gain a foothold and there was a lack of understanding within the side. It was the 37th minute before they truly threatened and even then it was the result of a set piece.

With 27 minutes remaining the home team's spirit had already been quelled. Spurs's control was total and the only doubts surrounded the victory margin.

Spurs were better in every department of a performance that will be remembered for a long time in this corner of Istanbul.

Gordon Tynan, The Independent: In a perfect start to Tottenham's Uefa Cup group campaign Dimitar Berbatov gave an inspirational display as Spurs made a mockery of predictions they would be lucky to leave Turkey with a point.

Spurs rose to the occasion magnificently, looking solid at the back and showing greater fluency in attack, especially in the first half when Besiktas rarely threatened. Indeed, the Turks mustered only two memorable efforts all night.