Spurs in History - 4th January

4th January, 1987

Spurs 1 Arsenal 2 (1st Division)

The 100th League match between the two clubs, saw Arsenal take an early lead and increase it before half-time. In a season where manager, David Pleat, was building a team which played exciting football with five in midfield and Clive Allen as the lone striker doing all the damage, it was full back Mitchell Thomas who scored Spurs consolation goal at the end of the first half.

Spurs who had climbed to fifth position after some poor results earlier in the season, were unable to score against the League leader’s tight defence who were on an undefeated run of eighteen games.

However, by the end of the season Spurs had climbed to third and their North London rivals slipped to fourth. At least that would provide some consolation.

4th January, 2005
Manchester United 0 Spurs 0

And then there was Pedro Mendes' goal that wasn't.



On 4th January, 2005 Spurs took an understrength team to Old Trafford.  Martin Jol's tactics had worked splendidly and with only moments remaining Pendro Mendes scored with a shot from almost the half-way line.  United's goalkkeper fumbled the ball which fell over his shoulder and into the net but he managed to scramble back and hook the ball out of the net with his hand.  The ball had been at least a metre over the line and Sky television had immediately changed the scoreline on their screens but the assistant referee was out of position and slow to run back and he signalled play on, and the 'Goal of the Season' didn't count.

Almost everyone in the ground knew it was a goal and Spurs had been deprived of the three points they deserved. Martin Jol reacted with dignity and restraint but little good it did for Spurs.