Robinson back to his best - but that's what he's paid to be, insists Spurs boss Ramos

14 April 2012

It has largely been a year to forget for Paul Robinson, but after inspiring Tottenham to a place in the Carling Cup semi-finals, he now looks ready to fight for his place for both club and country.

Of all the outstanding performances in Spurs' 2-0 victory — which saw them become the first team to win at the Eastlands this season despite being down to 10 men for most of the game — their goalkeeper's stood out.

The 28-year-old has endured plenty of criticism over the past 12 months for his mistakes in a Spurs and England shirt and there has been talk of his future lying away from White Hart Lane following the arrival of Juande Ramos as manager.

He also lost his position as England No1 at the end of Steve McClaren's reign, humiliatingly replaced by Scott Carson for the key clash against Croatia.

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Miracle save: Paul Robinson beats out Darius Vassell's header

Miracle save: Paul Robinson beats out Darius Vassell's header

But in recent weeks, his form for Spurs has improved and last night he made the kind of saves that will make McClaren's replacement, Fabio Capello, sit up and take notice.

The Italian admitted a few days ago that England had a problem in the goalkeeping department, but he may have to reconsider if he sees a clip of Robinson's amazing stop from Darius Vassell.

The Manchester City striker's header looked certain to fly into the top corner only for the former Leeds keeper to somehow tip it one-handed over the bar. He also made a superb stop from Rolando Bianchi and today spoke of renewed confidence in his own ability.

That's for starters: Defoe opens the scoring

Robinson said: "I was very pleased with how I played — my form is coming back. I did have a dip in confidence and it affected my performances a little bit.

"But my confidence is coming back to me now and I think people can see from my performances that I'm getting back to my best."

Ramos added: "That is his job. He is not there for decoration, but having said that he did his job very well, as did the rest of the team."

The future is also looking so much better for Spurs, who look a different side to the one struggling under Martin Jol two months ago.

Not even the harsh sending off of Didier Zokora in the 21st minute upset their rhythm too much and they ended up deserved winners.

Ramos has seen Spurs lose just once in 11 games since he has been in charge and that was the unlucky 3-2 defeat to Birmingham earlier this month.

They looked the better team from the outset last night as they passed the ball confidently and it was no surprise when Jermain Defoe scored from Aaron Lennon's cross inside five minutes.

Two good: Malbranque makes it 2-0

Two good: Malbranque makes it 2-0

It could have been two six minutes later, only for Steed Malbranque to hesitate 10 yards out and see his attempted pass to Defoe intercepted by Javier Garrido.

Then came referee Steve Bennett's bizarre contribution to the quarter-final when he sent off Zokora after he had made no contact with Elano — and then only booked Malbranque for what was a much worse challenge on Vedran Corluka.

Bennett also failed to give a penalty when Pascal Chimbonda brought down Richard Dunne in the area in the second half.

But Tottenham's feelings of injustice after Zokora's departure seemed to inspire them and they could have scored a second when Berbatov's goal-bound strike was luckily deflected wide by Garrido.

The home side created only one chance in the first-half when Elano shot just wide, but increased the pressure after the break.

Robinson's saves from Vassell and Bianchi, the latter also needing Younes Kaboul to clear off the line, had Manchester City players looking at the heavens in disbelief.

Kaboul, who has struggled to settle into English football this season, also seemed to show his true ability and Tottenham remarkably had 65 per cent of the possession despite being down to 10 men.

Berbatov was leading the line superbly up front and it always looked like Ramos's side might score a second on the counter attack.

And so it proved as substitute Jamie O'Hara floated a lovely pass to Malbranque and he finished the tie with a cool finish.

As far as Ramos was concerned, his side had set a new benchmark and said: "Given the circumstances, it has to be the best performance since I took charge. It is a positive result and sets us up for the rest of the season.

"To come away with a 2-0 victory will stand us in good stead and help the mindset of the players.

"We were away from home against a team like Manchester City, who are high in the League and on a good run of form at home.

"Not only that, we were a man down from the 20th minute yet still managed to get through. We got our just rewards."

Having ended Manchester City's unbeaten home record, Chimbonda is confident he and his team-mates can do the same in Saturday's north London derby.

He said: "We would love to be the first team to beat them at the Emirates this season. We have ended Manchester City's unbeaten record and we can do the same at Arsenal."

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