Spurs ease home in Tel Aviv but Berbatov's still sulking

Angered by family revelations that he wants to quit White Hart Lane, Berbatov huffed and puffed his way through a comfortable, if uninspiring, victory over Hapoel Tel Aviv.

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Once again Berbatov's body language left few in doubt that he is far from happy, while his frustration at misplaced passes and poor movement saw him voice his feelings to Aaron Lennon and Robbie Keane.

Unwilling to discuss Berbatov as an individual, despite previously admitting he would not stand in the way of a player determined to move on, Spurs manager Juande Ramos still managed to view his striker's behaviour in a positive light.

There was little to be positive about for Spurs in the early stages as Hapoel, bottom and without a league win all season, had little trouble keeping the visitors at bay.

Indeed, with Spurs low on confidence and looking ordinary once again, the home side perhaps shaded the opening 20 minutes.

Berbatov remonstrated furiously with strike partner Keane for failing to go short to receive the ball.

Then Lennon felt the force of the Bulgarian's ire after a woeful cross from the England winger.

Remarkably then, Spurs found themselves a goal to the good after 26 minutes thanks to Keane, the stand-in skipper being on hand to ease his side's nerves when he fed Steed Malbranque down the right before smashing home the French midfielder's cross on the half-volley.

Within five minutes Spurs had breathing space as Berbatov went some way to putting a testing week behind him.

His initial shot was well saved by Hapoel keeper Vincent Enyeama, but Malbranque was first to react, putting the ball back into the area for Berbatov to power a header into the bottom corner.

Never one for an elaborate celebration, Berbatov's reaction to his goal still seemed to belie his claim that only poor form is responsible for his dark mood.

After scoring he simply turned and strolled away with his arms hanging by his sides. Pascal Chimbonda, drafted in at centre back in place of the benched Younes Kaboul, went close to heading a third Spurs goal — his effort skimming the bar.

A high challenge by Gal Shish did little to cheer Berbatov up, and in the pushing and shoving that followed both were cautioned.

It was to prove costly for Hapoel — whose fans vented their fury at the directors box during half-time — when Shish was dismissed for a second bookable offence on 50 minutes after catching Lennon late from behind.

Keane went close to scoring again but dragged a right-foot shot wide before Ramos, with an eye on Sunday's clash against Wigan, sent on Darren Bent for the Irishman while Jermaine Jenas made way for Kevin-Prince Boateng.

The changes, coupled with 10-man Hapoel's desire to avoid conceding further, killed off an already lacklustre affair, although Fabio Junior did force a save from Paul Robinson with 12 minutes left.

Bent should have scored in the final minute after rounding the keeper, but hit a tame effort which trickled on to a post.

Having twice guided Sevilla to UEFA Cup success, Ramos's credentials in the competition are second to none.

Although he remains far from happy with the way the side he inherited from Martin Jol continue to perform, he is hopeful this win can provide a shot in the arm.

He said: "It was a typical UEFA Cup game and winning was important for us after losing the first game.

"I was impressed with the performance, although we did not play at our best, and I was also thinking about the Wigan game. I saw the team grow in confidence and I am confident about Sunday.

"It's important the players want to give their maximum effort and I was pleased with their attitude."

Pleased even, it seems, with the attitude of Berbatov.

HAPOEL TEL AVIV (4-4-2): Enyeama 6; Bakshi 5 (Manzor 46min, 6), Dos Santos 7, Chen 6, Shish 4; Natcho 6, Nsumbu 6, Abutbul 6 (Abedi 46, 5), Dego 6 (Antebi 58, 5); Badir 5, Fabio Junior 6. Booked: Shish, Dos Santos. Sent Off: Shish.

TOTTENHAM (4-4-2): Robinson 6; Stalteri 6, Dawson 6, Chimbonda 5, Lee 6; Lennon 6, Zokora 6, Jenas 6 (Boateng 68, 5), Malbranque 7 (Defoe 56, 6); Berbatov 6, Keane 7 (Bent 68, 6).

Booked: Berbatov, Defoe, Boateng. Man of the match: Robbie Keane. Referee: Grzegorz Gilewski (Poland).