FT: Tottenham Hotspur 0-0 Liverpool
Gareth Bale made the headlines again, after he was the victim of a crude challenge by Charlie Adam as Tottenham and Liverpool played out a tedious 0-0 draw in Baltimore.
It brings the Reds American tour to an unsuccessful end, without a win before entering Europa League qualification action against FC Gomel of Belarus on Thursday.
Bale’s injury has provoked a furious response from manager Andre Villas-Boas and was the only flashpoint in a match that turned into no more than an extended training session for both teams, in humid conditions.
Ankle agony
The talking point came in the 19th minute, when Bale was charging forward and got chopped down by Scottish midfielder Adam (pictured).
The challenge was very heavy, with studs showing and left the Welshman lying in agony on the field.
After some treatment from the Spurs physio, he limped off at half-time, just hours after confirming he withdrew from Team GB’s Olympic squad because he believed Stuart Pearce’s side couldn’t win a medal.
This latest injury issue just makes the treatment room busier at Tottenham, with Scott Parker all but certain to miss the start of the season and both Kyle Walker and Rafael van der Vaart picking up injuries, in their draw with LA Galaxy earlier in the week.
After the match, Villas-Boas said: “I think it is a very nasty challenge from Charlie.
"Charlie came to me and said something about the challenge. I can accept but I think he should go to the player to say sorry.
“If he (Bale) escapes hospital, it is because he is very lucky. I can never doubt Charlie’s integrity but it is a very, very nasty challenge.”
Disrupted flow
There was a constant disruption of flow to the game, which was just as exciting as the platonic 0-0 draw the teams shared at Anfield in the Premier League in February, made famous for the appearance of the ‘Anfield Cat.’
Aaron Lennon had the best chance, hitting the post via a Harry Kane header from three yards out before half-time.
Joe Cole, Jonjo Shelvey and Martin Skrtel all tested Brad Friedel for Liverpool but it was a relatively quiet afternoon for both goalkeepers.
Liverpool fans did get to see their new signing in action, as £14m striker Fabio Borini came on in the 61st minute and made little impact.
Andy Carroll also made an appearance, whilst Steven Gerrard was back in action too and got booked in the second half for his troubles.
Villas-Boas also confirmed after the match that a deal was close for South African midfielder Steven Pienaar to return to Everton on a permanent basis.
By Simon Wright – Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88
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