Juande Ramos' first game in charge of Tottenham Hotspurs in the Premier League ended on a disappointing note as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Riverside Stadium by Middlesbrough. The fact that former Tottenham defender Luke Young got the equalizer for Middlesbrough will have rubbed salt into the already festering wounds at White Hart Lane.

It was felt that the Middlesbrough game was a gentle baptism for Ramos who was hoping to steer Spurs to only their second win in this Premier League season. He opted to give Kevin-Prince Boateng a start keeping Didier Zokora out, while Darren Bent and Jermaine Defoe were the main strikers.

Boro boss Gareth Southgate was forced to make a defensive change after Jonathan Woodgate pulled out due to a hamstring injury. Chris Riggot was chosen to replace him. When Bent gave the visitors a lead in the 35th minute it looked like Ramos would indeed have an immediate impact on Tottenham's fortunes. Steed Malbranque initiated the move, which resulted in the goal He sent in a pass to Bent from the left flank. Bent then bypassed Riggot and slotted home past a hapless Mark Schwarzer. Bent could have doubled the lead minutes later, but his shot off Defoe's cross went inches wide. After the break, Boro were lucky not to fall behind by two goals when Defoe narrowly missed connecting to Lennon's low cross. However Boro got back through Jeremie Aliadiere only to see Paul Robinson making a great save.

The England keeper was helpless three minutes later when Young smashed a 25-yard shot into the goal. Ramos sent in Keane for Defoe and Berbatov for Bent, but his substitutes made no impact on the game, which got ragged toward the end.

Middlesbrough are 16th on the Premier League tables with 9 points from 12 games, while Tottenham are 17th with 8 points from 12 games. The game was available inside our member’s area with Premiership live action online. Watch Premier League live on free-football.tv