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Under fire Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov started off the day insisting that he was more than happy at White Hart Lane, but ended the day grabbing a goal as Tottenham helped themselves to an important 2-0 victory over Hapoel Tel-Aviv.
The 26-year-old admitted the reports linking him with a move have affected his performances but he showed glimpses of last season's form as Spurs got back on track in Group G after losing to Getafe.
Robbie Keane volleyed the opener at Bloomfield Stadium with Berbatov heading a second to add to the anger of Hapoel fans, whose team are bottom of the Irsaeli league.
The hosts had Gal Shish dismissed in the second half, with the empty seats reflecting a lack of confidence and the fact the city derby against Maccabi on Sunday is considered a more important match.
A sloppy pass from Pascal Chimbonda set up Hapoel's first chance, Bebars Natcho slipping the ball to Fabio Junior but the Brazilian could not get power on his volley, but Spurs seized control of the game by taking their first chance in the 26th minute.
Keane fed the ball out to Steed Malbranque on the left flank and then met the cross first time on the volley, leaving goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama motionless.
Berbatov added the second five minutes later. His first effort was blocked by Gabriel dos Santos but the rebound spun out to Malbranque, who provided the cross for Berbatov to head home.
Berbatov should have added a second just after the half hour when he burst into the area but his shot was saved by Enyeama. Keane's follow-up effort was deflected wide by Dos Santos, with Spurs appealing for a penalty.
Hapoel's hopes of getting back into the match faded when they were reduced to 10 men - Shish had been booked late in the first half for a clash with Berbatov and Aaron Lennon, and he picked up his second yellow card in the 50th minute for a tackle on Lennon.
And their misery could have been compounded by Darren Bent, who came off the bench and hit the post after rounding the goalkeeper.
Written by majicka
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