Fri 04 May 2007, 12:00
Tottenham HotspurMichael Dawson is looking for a repeat of last season's memorable win at Charlton on Monday - although he admits he'd rather do it with a clean sheet!
Michael Dawson is looking for a repeat of last season's memorable win at Charlton on Monday - although he admits he'd rather do it with a clean sheet!
The ever-reliable defender – preparing for his 56th appearance out of 57 so far this season – feels last season’s victory at the Valley helped fire our run to fifth place in the Premiership.
Turn the clock back to approximately 4.05pm on October 1, 2005 and we were staring defeat in the face at the Valley as we trailed 2-0 to Darren Bent’s double.
Ledley King gave us hope three minutes later, Mido hammered home from a tight angle in for 2-2 after 64 minutes and the comeback was complete when Robbie Keane drilled in the winner with 10 minutes left. The win was one of a seven-match unbeaten run that extended to one defeat in 14 before Christmas.
“I remember that game well,” said Michael of the Valley victory. “We were 2-0 down, came back to 3-2 and that result kicked us on in the league. We played really well against Manchester United and Arsenal soon after that.
“I would take that same result now – obviously I’d prefer a clean sheet - but I would take the three points!”
The importance of Monday night’s game cannot be underestimated.
On top of our UEFA Cup ambitions, it could be a game Charlton have to win to stay in the top flight.
Going into this weekend's games, Charlton are on 33 points and can only haul themselves above West Ham (35 points), Wigan (35), Fulham (36) and Sheffield United (38).
So if West Ham and Wigan win their games at home to Bolton and Middlesbrough respectively and Fulham take a point against Liverpool on Saturday it would mean Charlton would have to win both of their remaining games – against us and Liverpool – to stand any chance.
“It’s a vital game for both teams,” added Michael. “Charlton need the win, we need the win and we’ve got to make sure we come away with the three points.
“By the time we play on Monday, we’ll have a clearer picture because we’ll have three games left whereas everyone else will just have the one.
“Hopefully the other teams won’t continue picking up points and we’ll win our home games to finish in the top seven. We want to finish as high as possible but that top seven is all important.”
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