20110309
Spurs skipper reflects on another memorable European night
By Chris Burton Last updated: 9th March 2011

Dawson: Celebrating with Sandro and Corluka
Hopefully it will keep going as long as possible and there will be many more nights like tonight.
Michael Dawson
Quotes of the week
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Michael Dawson has hailed Tottenham’s progress to the last-eight of the UEFA Champions League as ‘unbelievable’.
The centre-half led by example on Wednesday as a dogged defensive display saw Spurs edge past Italian giants AC Milan and into the quarter-finals.
Milan made life difficult for Harry Redknapp’s side throughout, with the hosts unable to get their attacking game going at White Hart Lane.
They were able to stand firm, though, and grind out a goalless draw, allowing them to progress 1-0 on aggregate.
Skipper Dawson was understandably delighted afterwards, with Spurs having defied the odds during their debut campaign in Europe’s premier club competition.
Credit
“Unbelievable,” he told Sky Sports.
“Credit to the lads, it was certainly backs to the wall for 90 minutes but we stood strong. What a night out there. The atmosphere was unbelievable.”
Dawson admits that Tottenham had planned to pose more of a threat going forward, but he was delighted to see them display a different side to their game.
“The game plan wasn’t to go out there and sit and defend, but credit to them because they are a top class team,” he said.
“We couldn’t get at them like we wanted to. We have got pace in our team but we showed a different side to ourselves tonight. Everyone defended and got behind the ball, and we made it hard for them.
Style
“I think we have learnt from going away from home. Early on against Young Boys we were 3-0 down after half-an-hour and it could have been all over.
“Going away to Inter and being 4-0 down at half-time, sometimes we can’t go out and be the end-to-end team people like to watch. Sometimes we have to change our style and we did that tonight.”
Having booked their place in the next round, Dawson admits dreams of going all the way can begin in earnest.
He added: “Why not? We are in the hat. AC Milan are a top, top team and over two legs we have shown that we can mix it with the best.
“Hopefully it will keep going as long as possible and there will be many more nights like tonight.”
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Wednesday action
Pictures from Wednesday’s action where Spurs hold Milan and Everton draw against Birmingham.
Lessons learnt
Peter Fraser picks through the wreckage of Arsenal’s Champions League defeat to Barcelona.
Quotes of the week
Stephen Ireland stole this week’s QOTW, while Blatter, Fergie and Harry all stopped in for a chat.
Spurs scrape into last eight
Tottenham were able to stand firm against AC Milan on Wednesday and grind out a 0-0 draw which keeps their European dream alive.
Dawson beaming after battle
Michael Dawson has hailed Tottenham’s progress to the last-eight of the Champions League as ‘unbelievable’.
Crouch – Progress deserved
Peter Crouch feels Tottenham are full value for their place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

See the article here:
Dawson beaming after battle

