From Tottenham Hotspur
Interview with Tom Huddlestone:
What were your thoughts on your winning goal at the weekend?
I knew it touched someone because I heard the sound – but I think it was a Fulham player and that’s the view the ref took. It’s impossible for the linesman to make a decision at that speed. Obviously he’s seen someone in an offside position and just needed to confirm that Gallas hadn’t touched the ball.
What goes through your mind when you’re waiting for the referee to make a decision?
Just hope. The ref said he thought it was a Fulham player that touched it and just needed to confirm it. It looked 50/50 at one point though.
Did you deserve to win?
I think so, some of the football we played was up there with the best we’ve played this season. Fulham caused us problems; they are very strong at home. Even though we’ve not created many clear cut chances, on the face of it with possession and passing we deserved to win.
And now you’re joint second in the table, do you think you can stay there?
The way the season is going, everyone is dropping points. If we can be a bit more consistent, because we have dropped a few sloppy points, then why not? We’ve got the players for the manager to rotate we just need to be more consistent.
Maybe even title contenders?
That’s a big statement to make – but the way the season is going everybody keeps taking points off each other, the teams that pick up a bit of consistency before and throughout Christmas and if you’re up there around March and April time then you’ve got a great chance.
You must be looking forward to Inter Milan now on Wednesday?
You grow up watching big Champions League games. It’s our first season, so for all the players, fans and English public it’s going to be a massive game especially because they are the current holders, it’s going to be a special occasion.
Any players you are looking forward to playing?
For the last 10 or 12 years, Javier Zanetti has been unbelievable for them. We played them one pre-season a few years ago. I think he was 33 or 34 then and he was unbelievable. Last season he was 36 and he missed one game through suspension. His professionalism and the way he plays year in year out is very special.
We’ve played against the likes of Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and players like that week in week out in the Premier League. At the end of the day it’s a football match and three points are at stake. Whoever wins the game will be in a great position in the group.
What can you expect from a side managed by Rafa Benitez?
I don’t think they’ll be too dissimilar to the way Jose Mourinho had them playing. They’ll be very organised as Benitez’s Liverpool team was, very good on the counter attack and with the players they’ve got they will be very rigid. They could be a frightening proposition on the counter attack.
How did you feel about being recalled by Fabio Capello for England recently?
It was good to get away again, I wasn’t on the bench or anything but it was nice to be a part of it. The result didn’t go how we would have wanted but there is still a lot to play for.
James Milner was suspended and Frank Lampard was injured but hopefully I can keep myself in the squad when everyone is fit.
