Berbatov fails to seal his future with a kiss

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

All eyes were on the Bulgarian after he insisted he was happy at Spurs despite yesterday's claims from his father and brother that he wants to quit.

Scoring Tottenham's second goal gave him the perfect opportunity to show how much he cares, but he neither kissed the club badge nor ran toward his supporters or team-mates.

There was a swift clenching of his fists, a quick hug with Robbie Keane, a brief smile and then he walked back as solemn as ever for the restart. Of course, Berbatov has never had the most demonstrative of celebrations, but for a player looking to prove a point it was still a surprise that he was so muted.

His performance was a mixture of the best and worst of his game which, to be fair, may just back up his claim that the talk has hurt him.

The 26-year-old did show a new way of fighting for the cause in the second half, when his defensive header from a set piece drew comparisons with Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.

There were plenty of signs of frustration on the pitch, however, from moaning at his team-mates for not passing well enough to arguing with the referee for not punishing overzealous Hapoel challenges.

Then there were concerns that he had a bustup with Keane, but it appeared to be no more than an exchange of words and when the Irish striker was substituted, Berbatov was quick to shake his hand.

Boss Juande Ramos gave Berbatov the full 90 minutes to play himself back to form rather than save him for the weekend against Wigan.

There were moments where he looked like the Berbatov of last season - a nice bit of control or a little dribble - but it was usually followed up by losing possession and looking for a teammate to blame. But at least he started to getting back into favour with the fans.