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Tottenham reach Cup final in style

  • Story Highlights
  • Tottenham through to the League Cup final after a superb 5-1 win over Arsenal
  • Five different players on target for Spurs as they booked a place at Wembley
  • The victory was Tottenham's first win against their rivals since November 1999
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LONDON, England -- Tottenham ended more than eight years of failure against bitter rivals Arsenal in some style with a resounding 5-1 victory at White Hart Lane to book a trip to Wembley in the League Cup final -- where they will play either Chelsea or Everton.

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Michael Dawson (right) and Robbie Keane (left) were both on target in Tottenham's resounding victory.

Not since November 1999 and through 21 previous encounters had Tottenham fans been able to laud it over the Gunners.

But following this comprehensive victory against a mainly young Arsenal side, which just could not cope with the tenacity of Jermaine Jenas and the pace of frontman Robbie Keane, manager Juande Ramos will be confident of landing a first trophy in his maiden season at the famous redeveloped venue next month.

Tottenham should have put the tie beyond doubt after dominating the first leg at the Emirates Stadium a fortnight ago, but following a late goal from Theo Walcott to earn a 1-1 draw, Arsenal still had it all to play for.

However, despite adding experience in the form of captain William Gallas, Alex Hleb and, from the bench Cesc Fabregas and Togo frontman Emmanuel Adebayor, this proved one game too far for Arsene Wenger's emerging side, who nevertheless still have bigger prizes in their sights.

The tone was set for the evening when Tottenham took a third minute lead. Dimitar Berbatov flicked the ball on to Jenas, who charged towards the edge of the area, before side-stepping Justin Hoyte.

The England midfielder, watched by new national team coach Fabio Capello, then coolly dispatched a low angled strike in off the far post.

The tie looked all but over on 26 minutes when Spurs went 2-0 ahead. Jenas sent in a deep free-kick from the left, which floated into the Arsenal area. Michael Dawson jumped with Arsenal forward Nicklas Bendtner -- and the unfortunate Dane could only guide the ball past his own keeper.

Tottenham continued to press, and Berbatov dragged his shot against the base of Lukasz Fabianski's right-hand post when he really should have scored after the Bulgarian was put clean through by Jenas.

Arsenal almost found a lifeline when a near-post free-kick was headed goalwards by Bacary Sagna -- but Radek Cerny produced a fine one-handed reaction save to show just why he is keeping out England's number one Paul Robinson.

The home side went 3-0 ahead early in the second half when Berbatov flicked the ball onto Aaron Lennon in the center circle.

His exquisite pass with the outside of the boot split the visitors' defense as Keane ran on into the box. The Republic of Ireland striker sent a half-volley towards the bottom right corner from just inside the box, which bounced up in front of Fabianski and flew into the net.

Arsenal almost produced a swift reply but Bendtner saw his acrobatic effort hit the bar, before Fabregas, on for the injured Denilson in the first half, then smacked the rebound straight at Cerny.

Steed Malbranque had a great chance to make it four when he went racing clean through, but this time Fabianski stood his ground to make a decent save and quickly recovered the loose ball from under Berbatov's feet.

The victory was confirmed when Lennon got in on the overlap down the right from Keane's quick pass and slammed in a low drive through Fabianski's legs.

With the tie now safe, Ramos gave Berbatov and Keane a rest as Jermain Defoe and Kevin-Prince Boateng went on after 62 minutes.

Wenger took off the ineffective Theo Walcott, introducing Adebayor while Croatian forward Eduardo replaced full-back Armand Traore.

The Togo frontman pulled one back with 20 minutes left, linking up with Eduardo to smash home a 16th goal of the season from the edge of the box -- but this time, Spurs would not be denied a long-awaited victory as Malbranque netted a fifth in stoppage time.

Meanwhile, all three FA Cup third round replays went to penalties, with Premier League strugglers Fulham the biggest casualties, going out to League One side Bristol Rovers 5-4 on spot-kicks after the match finished 0-0.

However, Premier League bottom side Derby are through to the fourth round of the competition 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at Sheffield Wednesday after extra time. Barnet beat Swindon 2-0 on pens also after a 1-1 stalemate. E-mail to a friend E-mail to a friend

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