Spurs and Controversy in the FA Cup Semi-Finals

The controversial goal given to Chelsea at Wembley by the referee in the FA Cup semi-final is not the first time that Spurs have been on the wrong end of decisions at this stage of the competition.  It started back in 1922 and has been a regular feature of the semi-final defeats ever since.

It's Nothing New but Why is it ALWAYS Spurs?

Spurs FA Cup semi-final record now stands at nineteen played and nine wins, the latest, tenth, defeat just adding to the sense of injustice felt before at this stage of the competition.

In 1922 Spurs reached their third FA Cup semi-final.  They had won the previous two but on this occasion they were again drawn to play Preston North End, the club they had defeated in the previous year's semi-final.

Preston gained revenge for the previous year’s defeat in controversial circumstances.  Spurs were favourites to win and played in that manner throughout the first half and went a goal up through Jimmy Seed.  Preston looked a beaten team at half-time but in the second half were re-vitalised and equalised.  Spurs came back into the game and looked to have scored when a shot from Bert Bliss beat the goalkeeper and was on its way into the net.  At this point the referee stopped the game to attend to an injured Preston player.  He decreed that he had blown the whistle before the ball entered the net and disallowed the goal.  To add insult to injury, the player hadn't been seriously injured.  This decision demoralised the Spurs players and Preston went on to score the winning goal.

In 1956 Spurs returned to Villa Park where they had lost at this stage of the competition in 1948 and 1953.

Villa Park was becoming a bogey ground for Spurs where FA Cup semi-final games were concerned. In 1955-56 they again had the misfortune to lose there at the penultimate stage – this time to Manchester City.  It was a refereeing mistake that helped to prevent Spurs achieving that first Wembley final.  Spurs were a goal down but in the final minutes were battling for an equaliser.   The captain, Danny Blanchflower had moved centre half, Maurice Norman, forward into the attack as he had done successfully in the previous round against West Ham.  In the dieing moments winger George Robb was through on goal and about to score when the Manchester City goalkeeper, Bert Trautmann, caught hold of his legs.  A goal or a penalty, Spurs should have scored but somehow, unbelievably, the officials saw nothing and Spurs had once again fallen short. 

Then followed, seven successful FA Cup semi-finals from 1961 through to 1991.  However, the game in 1993 at Wembley against Arsenal was to be the first of what has now become six consecutive semi-final defeats.  That defeat was also surrounded in controversy.

In 1993 a visit to Wembley was required when Spurs and Arsenal were again drawn together.   Terry Venables’ team were left feeling hard done by when a refereeing decision influenced the result.  Spurs were denied a penalty when Darren Anderton was brought down in the penalty area in the first half.  If Spurs had been awarded a penalty and Arsenal reduced to ten men with over an hour to play the complexion of the game might have been different.   it wasn’t, however, and then with ten minutes remaining the Arsenal goal was scored from a dubious free-kick although tighter marking by the Spurs’ defence could have eliminated the danger.

A further defeat in 1999 ended Spurs chances of a Cup 'double' under George Graham - once again the referee had his say in the result and needless to say it wasn't in Spurs favour. 

Spurs under George Graham had already won the Worthington Cup and were looking for a Cup ‘double’ as they took on Newcastle United at Old Trafford.  Spurs weren’t at their best against Newcastle but the game turned on the hour when the referee missed a blatant handball by the Newcastle defender, Dabizas, as he struggled to head clear from a free-kick. The game remained scoreless and went into extra time when from a similar situation Campbell was penalised and Newcastle were awarded a penalty.   Shearer scored and with Spurs deflated, added a second to end Spurs’ dreams of a second visit to Wembley.

The defeat in 2010 was hard to take as Spurs were clear favurites against a Portsmouth team they had defeated easily in both League games earlier in the season.

The south coast club were in dire straits facing both relegation and financial problems.  In the semi-final Portsmouth worked extremely hard throughout and Spurs simply couldn't respond or lift their game.  The match went into extra time and was looking destined for penalties when Portsmouth's goal came courtesy of a Michael Dawson slip on the much criticised newly laid Wembley turf.  He slipped at a vital moment as he was about to clear the ball in the centre of the penalty area.  The ball fell invitingly for Portsmouth who accepted the gift and went on to secure a two goal victory and Spurs felt annoyed with the performance of their team and officials who ruled out both a goal and penalty claims in extra time. 

The April, 2012 semi-final will be remembered by Spurs fans for the non 'goal' which Martin Atkinson awarded to Chelsea at the start of the second half.

Spurs were a goal down at the interval but any chance of a comeback was dealt a serious blow when the referee awarded a 'goal' when the ball hadn't even reached the line.  The advantage raised Chelsea's confidence while putting Spurs under pressure to chase the match with the resulting scoreline greatly flattering the West London club.

This defeat has been even more difficult to accept as there was a clear mistake which handed the initiative to Chelsea at an early stage of the second half when Spurs were clearly still in with a chance of winning the game.

FA Cup Semi-Final Spurs 1 Chelsea 5

Once again Tottenham retreat from an FA Cup semi-final with justified grievances at the officials.  The record books will show a comprehensive victory for Chelsea but will not indicate the injustice of their second 'goal' which did not reach the line never mind cross it.  Spurs have now lost six consecutive semi-finals since their last win in 1991.

 Tottenham Hotspur 1 Chelsea 5

Scorers: Bale       Drogba, Referee og, Ramires, Lampard, Malouda

Team: Cudicini; Walker, Gallas, King, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Parker (Sandro), Modric, Bale; Van der Vaart (Defoe); Adebayor  Subs: (unused): Friedel, Nelsen, Rose, Livermore, Giovani

Tottenham's season is now all about whether they can lift themselves to claim a place in next season's Champions League, having succumbed in a semi-final tie at Wembley where another refereeing mistake has cost them dearly.  Following an even first half where Spurs must have felt annoyed to be a goal down at the interval, the match was turned on its head when referee, Martin Atkinson, awarded Chelsea a 'goal' four minutes after half-time when the shot from Mata was blocked by a group of players lying on the goal-line.  The ball hadn't crossed the line, no question about that, but Chelsea had a two goal advantage.

Harry Redknapp sent out his strongest available team with Carlo Cudicini maintaining his role as Cup goalkeeper.  William Gallas and Ledley King were both fit to play and Aaron Lennon and Garerth Bale were available to provide width on the wings.

After a tentative start by both sides where Chelsea were more assured in their passing, Spurs began to have a greater impact and on two occasions looked to have taken  the lead.  First, Rafael Van der Vaart's header was cleared off the line by Terry with Cech beaten and then his free-kick hit the post with the goalkeeper stranded and Emmanuel Adebayor unable to get a touch on the ball as it passed him.  From this seeming position of strength Spurs found themselves a goal down two minutes before half-time.  Drogba controlled a long ball from defence, held off Gallas and turned to put a wonderful strike past Cudicini from the edge of the area.

That the match then turned significantly in Chelsea's favour was due entirely to Mr Atkinson who awarded them a goal following a goalmouth scramble.  The same Mr Atkinson who oversaw  Spurs defeat at Stamford Bridge last season when he awarded them a 'goal' which again hadn't crossed the line and allowed an offside goal to stand.  This time the ball had been cleared from a corner by Cudicini, King got in a second clearance, challenged by Terry, and the ball ran out to Mata.  His shot hit the four players lying on the goal-line and as he ran off to celebrate, the referee gave the goal, even though it had hit Terry and was cleared by Benoit Assou-Ekotto, not having reached the line, never mind cross it.

Spurs' protests fell on deaf ears but Chelsea had once again benefited from a referee's mistake and the comfort of a two goal lead which required Spurs to chase the game.  Spurs pulled one back seven minutes later when Adebayor, through on goal, was brought down by Cech but the ball ran to Gareth Bale to score.  Cech went unpunished for his foul on the Spurs striker.

Spurs became stretched as they sought an equaliser which played into Chelsea's hands and in the final thirteen minutes they added three more goals to give the score-line a rather flattering outlook in their favour.  Ramires got behind the Spurs defence for the third, Lampard struck a free-kick from thirty yards and Malouda added the fifth in the final minute, again getting behind a stretched Spurs defence.

Spurs hopes of winning a trophy are now gone, their season which was so positive until early February has run out of steam and with Newcastle and Chelsea in hot pursuit,  they are in serious danger of missing out on the Champions League place which was their priority for the year.

Spurs are now gathering a rather unwanted collection of records - their sixth consecutive semi-final defeat, their first defeat to Chelsea at Wembley and they join Watford, Fulham and Bolton as teams who have conceded five goals in an FA Cup semi-final.  

Many of Spurs semi-final defeats have been shrouded in controversy - in 1921 they had two penalty claims turned down, in 1956 they were denied a clear penalty, as they were in 1993 when Anderton was fouled.  In 1999 they were denied a penalty for handball but had a similar award given against them in extra time and in their last match in 2010 they had a goal disallowed and a penalty turned down.  The Chelsea 'goal' seems to be par for the course for Tottenham.

The more worrying concern is that the ramifications of a Cup semi-final defeat can be serious - in 1947 Spurs missed out on promotion, in 1957 Blanchflower resigned as captain, in 1993 Venables and Sugar fell out while following the 1995 defeat by Everton, Spurs lost Jurgen Klinsmann who along with Teddy Sheringham had been such a vital part of Spurs’ resurgence that season.  

        

Following the Portsmouth defeat two years ago, Spurs managed to galvanise themselves with an outstanding response which lifted them to the Champions League for the only time.  Every Spurs fan is hoping that the final five Premier League games will provide enough points to secure their Champions League place but on the evidence of recent matches it is sadly looking a forlorn hope.

Spurs Record Against Chelsea in the FA Cup

Spurs and Chelsea have met once before at Wembley in the FA Cup.  It was for the Final in May, 1967 and Spurs were triumphant, lifting the Cup for the fifth time after a 2 - 1 victory, the goals being scored by Jimmy Robertson and Frank Saul.  Their more recent meeting at Wembley was equally successful in the Carling Cup Final of 2008 when Dimitar Berbatov's penalty and Jonathan Woodgate's header in extra time brought Spurs victory after going a goal down.

Spurs and Chelsea have met on nine previous occasions in the FA Cup.  The most recent had a disappointing result for Spurs after an exciting first game at Stamford Bridge in March, 2007 when they relinquished a two goal advantage when Chelsea equalised with four minutes remaining.

Mar. 2007  FAC 6th R. (a) Draw 3 - 3  Berbatov, Opp.o.g., Ghaly
Berbatov gave Spurs the lead inside four minutes.  Lampard brought Chelsea level midway through the first half.  Spurs then took a two goal lead before the interval through an own goal and Hossam Ghaly.  Early in the second half Spurs had the opportunity to increase their advantage but Chelsea survived and clawed their way back into the tie with the late equaliser.

Replay (h) Lost 1 - 2  Keane (pen)
Spurs matched Chelsea stride for stride for almost an hour with Cech by far the busier keeper.  Then the visitors scored twice in six minutes with two great strikes which gave Paul Robinson no chance.  Spurs pulled one back through a Robbie Keane penalty with ten minutes to go but Chelsea held on.

Mar. 2002  FAC 6th R. (h) Lost 0 - 4
in January Spurs had defeated Chelsea 5 - 1 in the second leg of the Worthington Cup semi-final.  Chelsea were looking for revenge and extracted it with delight.  William Gallas put them ahead early in the first half and then Chelsea added two goals in the opening ten minutes of the second half.  A fourth came with twenty five minutes left but Spurs avoided any further embarrassment.

Mar. 1982  FAC 6th R. (a) Won 3 - 2  Hazard, Archibald, Hoddle
Spurs were looking to retain the FA Cup while Chelsea were in the 2nd Division.  Spurs wore an all white strip with yellow socks and as the game progressed everything clicked for them. Chelsea had taken a first half lead but gradually Spurs started to show their superior class with Glenn Hoddle giving a master class of ball control.  It was only a matter of time before Spurs would score and it came when Steve Archibald poked the ball home after the Chelsea goalkeeper failed to hold a Hoddle free-kick.  Spurs immediately stepped up a gear and within ten minutes were 3-1 ahead.  The second goal was a masterpiece.   Hoddle and Micky Hazard cut through the Chelsea midfield with an exchange of passes and, after Hazard's flick had left them wrong-footed, Hoddle crashed a 25-yard drive past the goalkeeper.  Hazard then confirmed Tottenham's superiority with a coolly taken drive and although Chelsea pulled a goal back Spurs coasted home on a wave of possession football.  The performance was even greater as Spurs had to display their passing talent on a bare pitch with a very uneven bounce.

May, 1967  FAC Final (Wembley) Won 2 - 1  Robertson, Saul
The first 'All London' FA Cup Final and Spurs were deserved winners.  Jimmy Robertson gave them the lead just before half-time and Frank Saul added a second after the interval.  A late Chelsea goal didn't disturb Spurs on their way to claim the trophy for a fifth time and maintain their record of never having lost an FA Cup Final.

Feb. 1965  FAC 5th R. (a) Lost 0 - 1
In a season of transition for Bill Nicholson as he tried to rebuild following the demise of the 'Double' winning team,  Chelsea took the lead after seventeen minutes and Spurs even with all their experience were unable to find any response against a well organised young team. 

Jan. 1964  FA Cup 3rd R. (h) Draw 1 - 1  Dyson
Jimmy Greaves was appointed captain for this game when Tony Marchi was dropped, one of a number of changes made by Bill Nicholson following disappointing results over Christmas.  John Holowbread replaced Bill Brown in goal, Phil Beal made his Cup debut in place of Marchi and other unfamiliar names in the Spurs team were John Smith, Mel Hopkins and Eddie Clayton.  Terry Dyson gave Spurs the lead after two minutes but Chelsea were soon level in a 'full-blooded' Cup-tie.  Chelsea were wary of Greaves but while he was outstanding in the first half he could manage a goal and a replay was required.

Replay (a) Lost 0 - 2
The tie continued in its 'full-blooded' way without anyone being sent off or booked.  Chelsea went ahead after seventeen minutes and two minutes later were awarded a penalty but their captain, Terry Venables, had his shot saved by John Hollowbread.  Spurs' only threat came from their two wingers, Dyson and Cliff Jones, but a second goal after the interval put Chelsae through.

Jan. 1957  FAC 4th R. (h) Won 4 - 0  Medwin, Harmer, Smith, Stokes
It was scoreless at half-time but Chelsea were a man down, having lost winger Frank Blunstone to injury.  In the second half, Danny Blanchflower orchestrated Spurs victory as they scored four goals in seventeen minutes from Bobby Smith, a Tommy Harmer free-kick, Terry Medwin and Alfie Stokes.

Feb. 1910  FAC 2nd R. (a) Won 1 - 0  Humphreys
This first Cup meeting between the two clubs came in Spurs' first season in the 1st Division, one year after gaining admission to the Football League.  Both clubs were battling against relegation and the only goal was scored by former Chelsea centre forward Percy Humphreys who had only joined Spurs earlier in the season.  In the final match of the season he was to score another crucial goal against Chelsea - the one which gave Spurs victory and so avoiding relegation while Chelsea went down.

 

Spurs Record in FA Cup Semi-Finals

Spurs have reached the semi-finals stage of the FA Cup on eighteen previous occasions.  They have successfully reached the Final on nine occasions but in their last six semi-finals they have been unsuccessful.  

 Tottenham's last successful FA Cup team in 1991

For the Record:

Tottenham's FA Cup Semi-Final Win and Loss Account: 

* 1901 West Bromwich Albion (Villa Park) Won 4-0 Brown (4)
* 1921 Preston North End (Hillsborough) Won 2-1 Bliss (2)
 1922 Preston North End (Hillsborough) Lost 1-2 Seed
1948 Blackpool (Villa Park) Lost 1-3 (aet) Duquemin
1953 Blackpool (Villa Park) Lost 1-2 Duquemin
1956 Manchester City (Villa Park) Lost 0-1 
* 1961 Burnley (Villa Park) Won 3-0 Smith R (2), Jones
* 1962 Manchester United (Hillsborough) Won 3-1 Greaves, Medwin, Jones 
* 1967 Nottingham Forest (Hillsborough) Won 2-1 Greaves, Saul
* 1981 Wolverhampton Wanderers (Hillsborough) Draw 2-2 (aet) Archibald, Hoddle
Replay Wolverhampton Wanderers (Highbury) Won 3-0 Crooks (2), Villa
* 1982 Leicester City (Villa Park) Won 2-0 Crooks, Opp. o.g.
* 1987 Watford (Villa Park) won 4-1 Hodge (2), Allen P, Allen C 
* 1991 Arsenal (Wembley) Won 3-1 Gascoigne, Lineker (2) 
1993 Arsenal (Wembley) Lost 0-1
1995 Everton (Elland Road) Lost 1-4 Klinsmann (p)
1999 Newcastle United (Old Trafford) Lost 0-2 (aet)
 2001 Arsenal (Old Trafford) Lost 1-2 Doherty
2010 Portsmouth (Wembley) Lost 0-2 (aet)
2012 Chelsea (Wembley) Lost 1 - 5 Bale

Spurs last successful FA Cup semi-final was victory over Arsenal in 1991 with Paul Gascoigne's never to be forgotten goal which set Spurs on the road to success.  That was their seventh consecutive FA Cup semi-final success dating back to the 'Double' team of 1961, although on one occasion in 1981 it required a replay against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Highbury to secure their passage to the Final.

From 1921 to 1961 Spurs reached the semi-final stage on four occasions but lost each time, including three failures between 1948 and 1956 when they lost at Villa Park.  At the time the club, players and supporters were convinced they were jinxed at that ground and it took the 'Double' winning team to break that myth. 

Controversy has not been far away when Spurs have gone out at the semi-final stage, starting back with the 1922 defeat and most definitely in the most recent loss to Chelsea. 

Chelsea 0 Tottenham 0

Spurs took a deserved point from Stamford Bridge as they maintained their five point lead over Chelsea.  Although scoreless, after a quiet first half Spurs finished the stronger and had the greater opportunities to win the three points at a ground where they haven't won since 1990.

Chelsea 0 Tottenham Hotspur 0

Team: Friedel; Walker, Gallas, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto; Modric, Parker, Sandro (Livermore), Bale, Van der Vaart (Saha); Adebayor  Subs: (unused) Cudicini, Rose, Nelsen, Kranjcar, Defoe

Tottenham had three changes to the team which took a point from their home match with Stoke City in mid-week.  William Gallas replaced Ledley King with Sandro and Emmanuel Adebayor returning in place of in Niko Kranjcar and Louis Saha.

Spurs started cautiously in the first half, an understandable approach taking into account their recent lack of form and their record at Stamford Bridge. Neither side created many openings in that first period and although Chelsea had a couple of chances which Spurs dealt with, it was Spurs who had the best opportunity of the half in added time.  

Lampard went down as he went through on goal but the referee waved play on and then Drogba got behind the Spurs defence but with three defenders surrounding him, Younes Kaboul recovered to get a foot to the ball and knock it away from danger.  Adebayor made a good break but his cross was too high for an advancing Kyle Walker.  Then in added time, Modric worked his way into the penalty area and pulled the ball back, it was deflected to Rafael Van der Vaart whose powerful shot was blocked by Cech as was the rebound and the next rebound was headed over by Adebayor for the last action of the half.  Van der Vaart's first shot was hit too centrally and straight at the goalkeeper, giving Cech the chance to make the block - a great opportunity missed by Spurs.

Gradually, through the second half the game came more open but apart from a couple of scares, Spurs were quite untroubled and became more positive in their approach and had the best chances to take the points.  Early in the half, Gallas misjudged a high ball from Cech, allowing Drogba to head it on for Sturridge whose shot went across goal and wide - the home team's first attempt on goal after fifty one minutes.

Gareth Bale was starting to have greater influence on the game - he had a shot which went wide and then after a patient build up his run forward and across goal, released Walker whose powerful shot went just past.  Another Bale cross found Adebayor but he slipped as he went to shoot.  From a free-kick Gallas headed just over and then with ten minutes remaining Adebayor was put through by Modric, he rounded the goalkeeper but his shot was blocked by a defender.  From the corner, Bale's header hit the bar and Adebayor headed the rebound over.  Chelsea's response was limited but they did hit the post from a free-kick. 

As the game ended, Spurs finished much stronger with a series of free-kicks and corners increasing the pressure on Chelsea and in added time a Bale free-kick was saved by Cech for a corner.

Tottenham had nineteen attempts on goal with seven on target compared to Chelsea's ten and five on target.  Cech was the much busier goalkeeper being called on to make crucial saves while Friedel had quite a comfortable afternoon.

Tottenham are still seeking their first win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge since 1990 but at least they took a point with a well organised display which is a bonus in light of recent performances and should boost their confidence for future games as they chase Arsenal for third place and automatic qualification for the Group stages of the Champions League.  If they defeat Bolton on Tuesday evening, Spurs will meet Chelsea at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final tie in mid-April.

Spurs v Bolton FA Cup Tie Re-arranged

Spurs  FA Cup 6th Round match against Bolton Wanderers has been re-arranged for Tuesday, 27th March, 2012 with a kick-off time of 7.30pm.  The game is to be televised live on ESPN.

It has been confirmed that the FA Cup 6th Round tie between Tottenham and Bolton Wanderers will be played at White Hart Lane on Tuesday, 27th March at 7.30pm.  The good news that Fabrice Muamba continues to make a remarkable recovery has allowed the clubs and the Football Association to re-arrange the game.

Muamba is still recovering in hospital from his cardiac arrest which caused the original game to be abandoned after 41 minutes last Saturday.  Doctors and medical staff had worked with Muamba on the pitch for over six minutes before he was carried off on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance which rushed him to hospital.

Tottenham's game against Stoke City at White Hart Lane goes ahead as arranged but Bolton's Premier League match with Aston Villa has been postponed.  Bolton will play Blackburn Rovers at the weekend while Spurs meet potential FA Cup semi-final opponents, Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

There had been talk of bolton withdrawing from the FA cup so as the players would not have to make such a quick return to White Hart Lane, other suggested on message-boards that the match should be played at a neutral venue but given time, the sensible decision was arrived at with the competition's rules being followed for the re-arrangement of an abandoned game.

The original match which will not included in the record books was standing at 1 - 1 when it was brought to a premature end.  Bolton had taken an early led through a Gareth Bale own goal, when a header from a corner, inadvertently bounced off his right shoulder past Carlo Cudicini.  Spurs were level within five minutes when Bale's left wing cross was headed home by Karl Walker at the back post.

The winners of the tie, which would go to a replay at the Reebox Stadium if this game were drawn, will meet Chelsea in the semi-finals at Wembley on Sunday, 15th April.

#prayformuamba

#getwellsoonmuamba

Spurs and the FA Cup 6th Round

By the 6th Round of the FA Cup supporters of every club are aware that it is only two games away from the Wembley Final and nowadays it's only one win away from a trip to Wembley with the semi-finals being played there.  The the 6th Round has brought Spurs many memorable moments but also times of great disappointment as the hopes of Cup success have been dashed for another year. 

  

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Tottenham, The Glory-Glory Game

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One memorable occasion was in 1982 when Spurs as Cup holders were drawn to play at Stamford Bridge against 2nd Division Chelsea who had defeated European Champions, Liverpool, in the previous round.  Spurs in an all white strip with yellow socks and as the game progressed everything clicked for them. Chelsea had taken a first half lead but gradually Spurs started to show their superior class with Glenn Hoddle giving a master class of ball control.   It was only a matter of time before Spurs would score and it came when Steve Archibald poked the ball home after the Chelsea goalkeeper failed to hold a Hoddle free-kick.  Spurs immediately stepped up a gear and within ten minutes were 3-1 ahead.  The second goal was a masterpiece.   Hoddle and Micky Hazard cut through the Chelsea midfield with an exchange of passes and, after Hazard's flick had left them wrong-footed, Hoddle crashed a 25-yard drive past the goalkeeper.  Hazard then confirmed Tottenham's superiority with a coolly taken drive and although Chelsea pulled a goal back Spurs coasted home on a wave of possession football.  The performance was even greater as Spurs had to displaying their passing talent on a bare pitch with a very uneven bounce.

In 1901, with fewer teams in the competition, Spurs had already reached the semi-finals but in 1921 they were drawn at home against the FA Cup holders, Aston Villa.  Having had a favourable draw in the earlier rounds, this was the first occasion they had met opponents from the 1st Division.  The clubs had met at the similar stage (4th Round) a year previously when a Tommy Clay own goal had taken Villa through.  This time, Clay and Spurs took revenge and triumphed when right winger, Jimmy Banks, scored midway through the first half, following a run by left winger, Jimmy Dimmock. In his book, Jimmy Seed, the influential Spurs player of the time describes how Banks saved his blushes with the goal.  Seed admitted that on occasions, in big games, he would ‘freeze’ and in this game as Dimmock crossed the ball, that’s what happened.  However, Jimmy Banks sized up the situation and hit both Seed and the ball as best he could.  The ball hit his knee and ended up in the Villa goal.  A freak goal and another piece of good fortune to take Spurs closer to success.

That match was watched by a crowd of 51, 991 spectators at White Hart Lane but it falls well short of the record attendance for the ground which was achieved in 1938.  On 5th March, 1938, Spurs’ record crowd of 75,038 spectators witnessed the team lose by a single goal to Sunderland.  At that time Spurs were in the 2nd Division while Sunderland were from the 1st Division.  However, a controversial refereeing decision denied Spurs an opening goal.  A Colin Lyman shot beat the goalkeeper but Jack Gibbons following up to make sure the ball went in, handled and although the referee gave the goal, a linesman flagged for handball and the goal was disallowed.

In 1961, however, the roles were reversed and the 6th Round draw took Spurs to Roker Park to meet Sunderland who were in the 2nd Division and their young team came closest to ending that season’s all conquering Spurs team’s dream of the ‘Double.’  By the end of that game Spurs were hanging on for a draw.  Cliff Jones had given Spurs the lead after nine minutes with a header from a partially cleared corner.  Bobby Smith hit the post just before half-time, but then the famous ‘Roker Roar’ lifted the home team and they equalised at the start of the second half.  Sunderland pressurised Spurs to the final whistle and tested them to the limit but where weaker teams would have succumbed Danny Blanchflower galvanized Spurs who held out for the replay.  It was a relieved Spurs team who prepared for the replay the following Wednesday and having escaped with a draw, they made no mistakes this time.  Sunderland had had their day and now it was time for Spurs to show their superiority.  Fans had queued for ten hours to get in and they saw Spurs sweep majestically into the semi-final.  Spurs were three ahead by half-time with goals from Les Allen, Bobby Smith and Terry Dyson.  After 65 minutes Dyson scored his second and five minutes later Dave Mackay completed the scoring.  Burnley awaited in the semi-finals.

In 1962, Spurs had to meet Aston Villa.  Spurs had beaten them 2-0 at Villa Park the previous season in the 5th Round and with home advantage recorded the same score this time.  In a typical cup-tie, in slippery conditions due to constant rain, Spurs hit the post twice during the first half, with shots from Terry Medwin and Jimmy Greaves.  However, Villa defended resolutely and the game remained scoreless but sixty seconds in the second half changed all that.  In the 47th minute, Danny Blanchflower scored with a low shot and a minute later, Jones headed home a cross from Greaves.

Second Division, Birmingham City were Spurs 6th Round opponents in 1967.  A visit to the Midlands saw Spurs held to a goal-less draw as the home team battled heroically to ensure Spurs could not play their natural game.  The Spurs defence also had be alert to thwart Birmingham and Pat Jennings had to make a number of important saves.  In the replay, order was restored and Jimmy Greaves threw off the shackles that had been imposed on him in the first game to score twice in the second half.  Terry Venables had scored two early goals and Alan Gilzean made it three before half-time.  Greaves’ brace and a final goal from Frank Saul completed the scoring after the interval and took Spurs to a meeting with Nottingham Forest.

In 1981, the draw was favourable to Spurs, a home game against Exeter City from the Third Division. Spurs couldn’t have been more delighted and were looking towards the semi-finals and beyond. Surely, a team with Perryman, Hoddle, Ardiles, Archibald, Crooks and Georgio Mazzon would have too much class for the lower Division team.  However, it took two goals from the central defenders to take Spurs into the semi-finals.  Exeter made Spurs fight all the way but two moments of Glenn Hoddle magic created the goals for Spurs.  Firstly, a Hoddle cross enabled Graham Roberts to score his first goal for the club and then from his free-kick Paul Miller scored after the goalkeeper had made a mistake.

The two recurring themes from the 1991 Cup triumph are Spurs’ worsening financial situation and Paul Gascoigne.  As the months passed so Spurs’ future outlook grew bleaker by the day but the one bright spot was the FA Cup and Paul Gascoigne’s ability to overcome injury worries and continue to amaze with his outstanding performances.  The 6th Round opponents were Notts County at White Hart Lane and if Spurs were expecting an easy victory over the 2nd Division side, they must have been in a state of shock when County took the lead.  Nayim scored to bring Spurs level and then a winner from the one and only, Paul Gascoigne, took Spurs to a semi-final tie against Arsenal.

Dismissal at the 6th Round is particularly disappointing as supporters watch other teams progress to the ‘big’ games of the semi-final and possibly the Final with all the added expectancy and media coverage that accompanies these games.  Reviewing Spurs’ games at this stage of the competition, it is surprising to find that many have a claim to recognition.  The 6th Round experience in 2005 took them to Newcastle and after conceding an early goal Spurs set about rectifying the situation but a certain referee managed to deny Spurs’ claims for at least two penalties and disallowed a goal which would have provided Spurs with the chance to bring the game back to White Hart Lane.  Undeserved defeat in such circumstances brings such frustration and disappointment.

An unexpected hero emerged from the five goal thriller at Upton Park in 2001 when Sergei Rebrov showed why Spurs had spent their record transfer fee to sign him.  His two goals and one from Gary Doherty gave George Graham’s team a thrilling victory and another chance to play Arsenal in the semi-finals.  Everything was up-beat at Tottenham after that win but behind the scenes all was not well and within seven days Graham was gone with Glenn Hoddle to be his eventual successor.

In 1999, the 6th Round draw took Spurs to Barnsley where they had lost in a 5th Round Replay twelve months earlier.  This time a David Ginola inspirational run and goal was sufficient to overcome the side that had suffered relegation at the end of the previous season.

In 1993 Spurs had to visit Manchester to play City and it was a memorable game, not just because Spurs won, but because of the football that Spurs played, the hat-trick scored by Nayim and the fact that the game had to be stopped due to a pitch invasion by the City fans.  City went into the lead but Spurs were ahead at half-time through goals from Nayim and Sedgeley.  In the second half Spurs took control with Nayim scoring twice.  Spurs had a goal disallowed and direct from the free-kick City went the length of the pitch and scored.  This was the signal for the City supporters to spill onto the pitch.  The game was halted and the players left the pitch for thirteen minutes while the mounted police restored order.

Wimbledon often proved a difficult side for Spurs to beat as they disliked their long ball, high pressured play and often came off second best.  In 1987, however, David Pleat’s side showed their worth in a visit to Plough Lane and with application and commitment went through as the skill of Chris Waddle and Glenn Hoddle provided the goals to ensure the ‘Diamond Lights’ were still shining for the semi-final tie.

Season 1955-56 was disappointing for Spurs in the League but the team showed great endeavour in the Cup and their 6th Round game against West Ham was one to remember.  At White Hart Lane on a very heavy pitch Spurs came from 2-3 down to earn a draw after captain, Danny Blanchflower, moved centre-half, Maurice Norman, forward to assist the attack.  It worked and Spurs were grateful to Tommy Harmer (pen), Len Duquemin and George Robb for the goals. In the replay Harmer and Duquemin both scored as Spurs won 2-1.

Three years earlier Spurs were involved in a three game thriller against Birmingham City at this stage of the competition. They had already played five games to reach the 6th Round and in those days extra replays were arranged to determine who went through rather than curtail the process with penalties as happens today.  The original match was at St Andrews where Spurs earned a 1-1 draw with a goal from Les Bennett.  In the replay at White Hart Lane Bennett again scored and with Len Duquemin ensured a 2-2 draw after extra time.  Spurs won the third game with a goal from Sonny Walters and went on to meet Blackpool in the semi-final.

In 1995 Spurs gave one of the truly memorable performances of the decade in their 6th Round game against Liverpool. Having fought back at Southampton Spurs had a visit to Anfield as their reward but it wasn’t a ground with many happy memories for them and Spurs weren’t given much chance. Liverpool took the lead late in the first half but Teddy Sheringham managed to equalize right on half-time.  In the second half Spurs played much better and it looked set for a replay but with two minutes remaining, Sheringham put Jurgen Klinsmann through to score the winner.  A great result for Spurs as they went on to meet Everton in the semi-final.

Spurs last experience of the 6th Round was two years ago.  Having defeated Bolton Wanderers 4-0 in a replay at White Hart Lane after a 1-1 draw at the Reebox in the previous Round, Spurs again needed a replay to progress.  The first match at Craven Cottage was goalless but in the replay Spurs recovered from conceding an early goal to score three in the second half.  David Bentley came on as a substitute at half-time and within a minute had put Spurs ahead.  Roman Pavlyuchenko scored after an hour and six minutes later Eidur Gudjohnsen added the third.

Progress to the next round, at such a late stage of the competition, is so sweet while failure is so disappointing.  Spurs want to experience more of that sweet taste of success. 

COYS

Spurs - Comparison with Season 2010 - 11

Tottenham - Plus 13 Points

(Up-dated 4th January, 2012)

Spurs opened the 2011-12 season with two heavy defeats but have managed to recover the lost ground to put themselves in a stronger position compared with the same stage of the season last year.

At present Tottenham are sitting in third position in the League with a game in hand on all other teams around them.  The postponement of the opening day fixture against Everton because of the riots near White Hart Lane immediately put Spurs at a disadvantage and this was compounded when their next games were against the two Manchester clubs who made a flying start to the new season.  So when all the other teams had played three games Spurs found themselves pointless and at the bottom of the League.

Now, at the mid-point of the season, Spurs have made a remarkable recovery by accumulating 42 points from thirteen wins and three draws. 

The comparison of fixtures played shows how Spurs have a 13 points advantage over last season, a credible situation:
 

Manchester Utd (a)   -

Manchester City (h) - 1

Wolves (a) + 2

Liverpool (h)  -

Wigan (a)  + 2

Arsenal (h)  + 2

Newcastle (a)   -
Blackburn (a)  -
QPR (WHU*) (h) +2
Fulham (a)  -

Aston Villa (h) - 

WBA (a) +2

Bolton (h) -

Stoke City (a) -3

Sunderland (h) +2

Chelsea (h) -

Norwich (Blackpool*) (a) + 3

Swansea (Birmingham*) -

WBA (h) +2

[* QPR, Norwich & Swansea in comparison with WHU, Blackpool & Birmingham City as the relegated teams)

This season's results show a positive score of 13 points and with four matches to the end of January, three at home, Spurs will be looking to consolidate and improve on that position.  

 

Next up is Everton (h) (Draw**), Wolves (h) (Win**), Manchester City (a) (Lost**) and Wigan (h) (Lost**).

[** Last season's result]

Competition at the top of the Premier League is very competitive this season with every team needing to take advantage of other teams' misfortune.  Over the holiday period Spurs were the only team in the top nine clubs not to lose so while there was disappointment at the late goal conceded against Swansea and the draw with Chelsea, overall we are still in a strong position.  

 

Last  night's success over West Brom didn't have the flowing football of the win over Norwich a week earlier but was a hard-earned three points.  At this point of the season that's all that matters so that the challenge at the top of the League can be maintained as other top clubs have slipped up in similar matches.  Spurs and Manchester United have both played 19 games and Spurs trail by three points but United have the opportunity to rejoin City at the top of the table but need to beat Newcastle United in a difficult away fixture.  

Spurs' form this season is better than any they have produced in the Premier League and has only been bettered by the 'Double' winning team of 1960 - 61.  Hopefully, a week's rest and recuperation and they will be ready for what is sure to be another difficult match against Everton next Wednesday.

Boxing Day with Spurs

The holiday season is traditionally a busy period for footballers with four games to be played over Christmas and New Year.  In years gone by, teams had to play on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day with no time to recover from injury or a disappointing result.

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 The Christmas fixtures frequently throw some unexpected scores with goals aplenty or teams suffering a blow to their aspirations with a couple of disappointing results.  Local derbies are often the order of the day over the festive season to reduce travel and encourage attendances around the country.  For many years clubs played a double-header at Christmas, meeting the same team, home and away, within twenty four hours.

The last occasion that Spurs played on Christmas Day and Boxing Day was in season 1958-59 when they faced West Ham United.  It was only a few weeks earlier that Bill Nicholson had taken charge as manager and if he was disappointed with the Christmas Day defeat at Upton Park (1 - 2), he must have been very anxious after West Ham won 4 - 1 at White Hart Lane the following day.  Alfie Stokes scored Spurs' goal as their struggle against relegation continued.

Better times have been witnessed over the holiday with the 'Double' team managing a Christmas 'double' over West Ham, following up their two goal home win on Christmas Eve with a 3 - 0 success at Upton Park on Boxing Day - John White, Les Allen and an own goal providing the goals.

Strange, unexpected score lines are often the order of the day and in the season between those West Ham games, Spurs met Leeds United.  They enjoyed a successful trip to Yorkshire on Boxing Day, winning 4 - 2 with goals from Tommy Harmer, Bobby Smith and Allen (2).  In  the return fixture two days later, Leeds gained revenge as Spurs lost 1 - 4, Dave Mackay scoring their only goal.  Spurs were challenging near the top of the table while Leeds were in a fight against relegation.  Leeds lost their 1st Division place at the end of the season and Spurs were left to rue that defeat as two points from that home game would have seen them finish the season as title winners.

On Boxing Day 1964, Tottenham travelled to Nottingham to play Forest - not something they'd have done with much confidence as that season they'd failed to win any of their eleven away matches.  To everyone's surprise they returned with the two points after a 2 - 1 success - Alan Gilzean and Cliff Jones scoring the goals, their only away win of the season.  Two days later they won the return game by four goals to maintain their unbeaten home record.  Season 1964-65 is the only occasion when Spurs have gone through an entire season undefeated at home.

Whether players had over-indulged the previous day but high scoring games also appeared regularly as part of the Boxing Day recipe for entertainment.  In 1980-81 Southampton were the visitors to White Hart Lane and took a share of the points in an eight goal thriller.  A young midfielder, Garry Brooke, started his first game for Spurs in place of the injured Ossie Ardiles and scored twice with his trademark thunderbolt shot.  Steve Archibald and Garth Crooks completed the Totenham scoring.

This season's holiday opponents, Norwich City were frequent opponents over the Christmas period during the early 1990s.  On four successive years the clubs met home and away with Spurs earning a home win, a scoreless away draw, suffering a home defeat and managing to win 2 - 0 on Boxing Day, 1994 at Carrow Road.  Nicky Barmby and Teddy Sheringham scored the goals.

A similar result was gained on Boxing Day, 2004 with Robbie Keane and Michael Brown scoring the goals on the last occasion that the two clubs have met competitively.  Norwich were relegated at the end of both of those seasons, so they'll be hoping to avoid a hat-trick of defeats this year.

Recent Boxing Day Matches:
Last season, Spurs enjoyed a trip to Villa Park and in an excellent display with ten men won 2 - 1 as Rafael Van der Vaart scored twice, with the second goal showing great team work as Spurs broke at pace from defence.

The previous three seasons Spurs games had involved Fulham - in 2007-08, Spurs won 5 - 1 at White Hart Lane through goals from Keane (2), Tom Huddlestone (2) and Jermain Defoe.  The next two years there was no goal-fest for spectators to enjoy.  Fulham were determined not to suffer the same fate at White Hart Lane as the previous year and the teams played out a dull, scoreless draw which was the score the following year at Craven Cottage.

Non-League Days
Spurs first competitive match on Boxing Day was in season 1898-99.  In the Southern League, just as Portsmouth were the designated opponents for Spurs on Christmas Day, their near neighbours, Southampton, were Tottenham's opposition on Boxing Day.  For ten consecutive seasons, Spurs travelled to Southampton on Boxing Day to fulfil the Southern League fixture.  The first of these matches ended in a 1 - 1 draw and it was only at the fifth attempt that Spurs managed to win.  John Kirwan scored the only goal in 1902 and it was their only success in that series of games in which they achieved three draws and suffered six defeats. 

Tottenham must have breathed a sigh of relief when they entered the 2nd Division in 1908 and had a home fixture on Boxing Day.  It was the return fixture with Oldham Athletic who had defeated them by a single goal twenty four hours earlier.  Spurs took full revenge with a three goal success as Billy Minter, Vivian Woodward and Bert Middlemiss scored.

In season 1911-12, the Christmas fixtures decided upon a London derby.  Spurs defeated Woolwich Arsenal at White Hart Lane on Christmas Day by 5 - 0 but the journey south of the river was less successful as Spurs lost 1 - 3, Minter scoring Spurs' goal.

One of Spurs' best Boxing Day wins was over Sheffield Wednesday in the 1st Division in 1914.  The previous day Spurs had lost out in Sheffield by the odd goal in five but at home Spurs were not to be denied and triumphed by a score of 6 - 1.  Bert Bliss netted four while Bobby Steel and Harry Sparrow scored the others.

In 1930, it was just like Southern League days as Spurs travelled to Southampton on Boxing Day in a less than confident mood, having lost to them at home the previous day.  They gained their first Boxing Day win against the south coast club in twelve attempts, having lost twelve months earlier.  This time they scored thre times without reply through Willie Davies, Taffy O'Callaghan and Dick Rowley.

One of their longest journeys on Boxing Day took Spurs to Plymouth in 1935 and they returned empty handed, suffering defeat by 1 - 2, as Argyle completed the 'double' over them, having won by a similar score in London.

Tottenham's last Boxing Day defeat came in 2003 at Portsmouth, the home side winning 2 - 0.  The last home defeat was back in 1991 when Nottingham Forest took the points with a 2 - 1 success, Paul Stewart scoring the Spurs' goal.

Boxing Day games can be very unpredictable and are frequently high scoring affairs which can be enjoyable to the neutral and to the supporters of the winning team.  Spurs aren't playing on Boxing Day this year, their game at Norwich having been moved for television.  I won't mind a high scoring game as long as Spurs come out on top to maintain their hold on third place in the Premier League.

COYS!

Tottenham 1 Chelsea 1

Spurs remain in third place, two points above Chelsea, after their draw at White Hart Lane.  Tottenham started the better and took an early lead but a loss of concentration defensively gifted the visitors a goal which revitalised them and Spurs could never regain the control and momentum with which they had started the match.

Tottenham Hotspur 1 Chelsea 1

Scorers: Adebayor                  Sturridge 

Team: Friedel; Walker, Gallas, King, Assou-Ekotto; Van der Vaart (Pavlyuchenko),Sandro, Parker, Modric, Bale; Adebayor  Subs (unused): Gomes, Bassong, Kaboul, Livermore, Rose, Kranjcar

Harry Redknapp had Gareth Bale and Ledley King available to start but Aaron Lennon and Jermain Defoe were out through injury.  Younes Kaboul returned to the substitutes bench following his one match suspension.

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Tottenham started the brighter with a good pace and touch to their passing and movement while Chelsea sat deep trying to stifle Spurs' game.  Spurs had the early control and took the lead when a burst of pace from Bale on the left gave him the space to put in a dangerous cross which Emmanuel Adebayor met ahead of John Terry and Petr Cech to put Spurs ahead after 8 minutes.

Tottenham continued to play the better football but almost immediately had a warning of how dangerous Chelsea could be.  When Brad Friedel failed to hold a long range shot from Juan Mata, Daniel Sturridge's shot was deflected over an empty net.

After twenty three minutes Tottenham conceded a free-kick near halfway but were caught out when the visitors took it quickly.  That lack of concentration cost them dearly as Ashley Cole, having been given the benefit of a handball decision in the build up, put in a cross which Sturridge accepted to level the scores.  Assou-Ekotto was badly out of position, having failed to track back to mark Sturridge as the move developed and generally Spurs had been caught out by a lack of awareness of what was happening following the award of the free-kick and were slow to respond defensively to the situation with players querying the initial decision and then appealing for the handball offence.

The goal lifted Chelsea who could have gone ahead within five minutes when a Didier Drogba shot came off the post.  Tottenham had now lost their early control and impetus and were finding it difficult to make inroads through Chelsea's well organised defence.  Chelsea were preventing Spurs from playing out from the back as players were closed down quickly which prevented Spurs from picking the pass to set Bale, Rafael Van der Vaart and Modric free.

At half-time, Roman Pavlyuchenko replaced Van der Vaart who was injured but the Russian was unable to contribute anything to the game.  Through the second half Chelsea managed to keep control and on occasions looked dangerous but only in flashes were Spurs able to create a really threatening move.  From one Adebayor had the ball in the net but was ruled offside, another dubious decision from the officials.  Later Matu scored for Chelsea but was clearly offside and Cech saved well from a deflected shot from Sandro who had worked tirelessly both in defence and going forward in an effort to lift Spurs.

In the closing minutes Ramires was left unmarked at a free-kick but headed wide.  Tottenham put in a final drive to take the three points but Cech saved from Adebayor, Cole blocked a King shot and with almost the last kick of added time, Bale went on a run and fed the ball to Adebayor whose shot beat Cech but Terry sliding in at the back post prevented the shot from crossing the line.

For Tottenham it was disappointing to take only a point after the way they started the game but it was all they deserved - while Chelsea celebrated the point as if it was a win - changed days for the 'Blues' at White Hart Lane.

The injury to Lennon meant that Tottenham had to change their style of play from the system which has been so effective this season.  In the first half Van der Vaart had had little influence in the game while Modric and Bale were closed down quickly at every opportunity.  Sandro had a growing influence on the match with his tireless running and endeavour.  

Tottenham are beginning to encounter difficulties with injuries as Van der Vaart is to be out for a period at what is a very busy time in the football calendar.  With two away games at the promoted sides leading up to 2012, Spurs will be looking for good points at Norwich and Swansea in the week ahead to retain their hold on third place going into the new year.

They Played for Spurs and Chelsea

Bobby Smith, Les Allen and Jimmy Greaves are just three of the players who have played for both Tottenham and Chelsea during their careers.  Looking back to the club's earliest days in the Football League and Vivian Woodward is a player who performed with distinction for both teams.

Jimmy Greaves

James Greaves started his career at Chelsea and made his scoring debut against Spurs at White Hart Lane in August, 1957.  In 1961 he had a short period in Italy with AC Milan before joining Spurs for £99,999, as Bill Nicholson didn't want him burdened with the label of being the 'first £100,000' player.  He marked his Tottenham debut with a hat-trick against Blackpool at White Hart Lane.  Spurs retained the FA Cup that season with Greaves scoring the first goal against Burnley and the next season he scored twice in the ECWC Final against Atletico Madrid as Spurs became the first British club to win a European trophy.  Greaves was in the 1967 FA Cup winning team and by the time he was transferred to West Ham United in 1970 he was Tottenham's record goalscorer - League: 220 goals, FA Cup: 32, League Cup: 5, Europe: 14.

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The leading goal scorers in the 1960 - 61 'Double' winning team both joined Spurs from Chelsea.

Bobby Smith who joined in 1955 was leading scorer with 33 League and Cup goals during the 1960 - 61 season, including two goals in the FA Cup semi-final win over Burnley and the first goal against Leicester City in the Final.  He also scored a goal in the1962 FA Cup Final against Burnley.  He was a typical 'old-fashioned' English type of centre forward who used to terrorise defenders and goalkeepers in the European competitions.  He joined Brighton in 1964 as the successful team of the early 1960s was rebuilt by Bill Nicholson.

Les Allen, the father of Clive Allen, was his strike partner.  He joined Spurs in 1959 and scored 27 goals in that successful season.  The arrival of Greaves led to him losing his place in the team but he remained with Spurs until 1965 being a very useful reserve to call upon at times of injury or loss of form.  He joined QPR and later became their manager.

Terry Venables joined Spurs in 1966 from Chelsea and was a member of the 1967 FA Cup winning team.  He left in 1969 to join QPR but returned to Tottenham as manager and led them to the 1991 FA Cup success.

Glenn Hoddle developed through the Spurs youth system to become a 'Legend' at the club.  His skill, vision and goals were a delight to behold and he was  a member of the successful team of the 1980s, winning FA Cup medals in 1981 and 1982, scoring the goals in the Final and replay win over QPR.  He left Spurs in 1987 and moved to France.  He played for Chelsea on his return to English football and managed them before returning to White Hart Lane as manager.

Mike Hazard grew up through the Tottenham youth scheme.  He was another member of the team in the early 1980s but suffered through competition with Hoddle, Ardiles and Villa.  A very skilful player with an outstanding passing ability who could score vital goals.  He played in the 1982 FA Cup team and the UEFA Cup winning team of 1984.  In 1985 he joined Chelsea but returned to Spurs towards the end of his career when Ossie Ardiles was manager.

Gus Poyet spent four years with Chelsea and joined Spurs in 2001, spending three years with the club, helping them reach the 2002 Worthington Cup Final.  After retirement he returned to Tottenham as Assistant to Juande Ramos who guided Spurs to Carling Cup success over Chelsea in 2008.

Vivian Woodward played for Spurs in their first season in the Football League helping them to promotion.  He was a true amateur with associations to the club since 1901 and was regarded widely as a 'gentleman' of football.  He became a director of the club in 1908 and played amateur internationals for England and captained the United Kingdom team which won the Olympics in 1908 and 1912.  He also played cricket and was often unavailable until the end of the cricket season.  In Tottenham's first season in the Football League he made 27 appearances, scoring 18 goals.  As Spurs prepared for their first year in the top flight the football world was shocked to hear of his retirement from football but the club was in even greater shock when a few months later he re-appeared with Chelsea for whom he played until the outbreak of the 1st World War.

From a similar era was Percy Humphreys who played for almost two years with Chelsea before joining Spurs in December, 1909, having lost his place to Woodward.  At the close of that season Spurs and Chelsea were battling against relegation and met in the final game of the season at White Hart Lane.  Tottenham won 2 - 1 and survived while Chelsea were relegated.  Tottenham's winning goal being scored by Humphreys who spent two years with the club.

Of more recent players, Graham Roberts spent two years with Chelsea, Clive Allen had a year at Stamford Bridge later in his career as did Neil Sullivan and Mark Falco.

Gordon Durie had five years with Chelsea before joining Spurs in 1991 and spent three years with the club.  Defender Jason Cundy signed from Chelsea in 1992.

Others who played for both clubs were Tommy Harmer, Johnny Brooks, Keith Weller, Colin Lee, Sid Tickeridge and Clive Wilson.

Of the current players, Wiliam Gallas joined Chelsea in 2001 from Marseille.  After five years he moved to Arsenal and joined Tottenham at the start of last season on a free transfer.  Carlo Cudicini moved to White Hart Lane from Chelsea in January, 2009 as goalkeeping cover, having spent nine years at Stamford Bridge.

Tottenham v Chelsea Preview

Tottenham and Chelsea meet at White Hart Lane in their private battle for third place in the Premier League.  Tottenham regained their hold on third with a single goal win over Sunderland while Chelsea dropped two points at Wigan last weekend.

Thursday evening's match is crucial for both Tottenham and Chelsea in their endeavours to close the gap on the two Manchester clubs who head the Premier League table.  Defeat for either club would be a big blow at the start of the busy holiday period and both clubs will be hoping that injury doubts can be overcome so that they can field their strongest teams for such a vital game.  Chelsea have had a disappointing start to the season compared with previous years - and have lacked their normal consistency both as a team and as individuals.

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They dropped two points on Saturday, the Wigan goal coming from a mistake by their usually reliable goalkeeper,  Petr Cech.  The previous Monday evening, however, Chelsea inflicted the first League defeat of the season on Manchester City, coming back from conceding an early goal to win through a first half equaliser from Raul Meireles and a late Frank Lampard penalty.

New manager, Andre Villas-Boas, has taken time to find his best team and has ruffled a few feathers among the established Chelsea players heirarchy by omitting some of them from the team on occasions - Lampard, Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres, Alex and Nicolas Anelka.  With the results not always going as Chelsea would have wanted, including two home defeats to Liverpool and Arsenal, Villas-Boas has been under considerable pressure early in his Stamford Bridge managerial career.

Chelsea's draw on Saturday was only their second this season, having drawn at Stoke on the opening day of the season.  Their away record also includes four wins at Newcastle (3 - 0), Wolves (3 - 0), Blackburn (1 - 0) and Bolton (5 - 1).  They suffered defeat at Manchester United (1 - 3) in September and at QPR (0 - 1).  The loss at Loftus Road was eventful for a variety of reasons, including the dismissal of Jose Bosingwa and Drogba before half-time and allegations that John Terry racially abused Anton Ferdinand, a matter for which he has been charged by the police and is to appear in court at the beginning of February.

Their win at St. James' Park also caught media attention over the referee's failure to send off David Luiz in the fourth minute when his foul prevented a clear goal scoring opportunity.  Drogba scored before half-time and two late goals rather flattered them.

Their leading goalscorer is Daniel Sturridge with nine, eight in the League.  He has impressed since returning from last season's loan spell with Bolton Wanderers.  While Lampard has not always been in their starting team, he has still accumulated 8 goals (7 in the League) but Drogba has only managed two in the Premier League.  Ramieres and Mata have three each and John Terry has scored four.  Terry appears to have overcome his injury scare in training on Monday and will be fit to play.

Tottenham have their own injury worries ahead of the game with Aaron Lennon definitely missing while doubts surround Gareth Bale and Jermain Defoe who both missed Sunday's win over Sunderland.  The usual late decision will determine whether Ledley King will be able to play his second game inside four days.

Tottenham's Recent Home League Record against Chelsea
It is well documented that Spurs' record against Chelsea in the Premier League era is poor, so I don't intend to dwell on that and will focus on the recent years since November, 2006 which has seen Tottenham overcome their Chelsea hoodoo at the Lane.

Nov. 2006  PL  Won 2 - 1  Dawson, Lennon
Chelsea took the lead after fifteen minutes but Michael Dawson equalised from a free-kick ten minutes later.  Seven minutes into the second half, Aaron Lennon put Spurs ahead after good work on the left by Robbie Keane.  John Terry was sent off with eighteen minutes remaining and Spurs held out for their first victory over Chelsea in nineteen years.


Mar. 2008  PL  Draw 4 - 4  Woodgate, Berbatov, Huddlestone, Keane
Chelsea were ahead after three minutes through Drogba but Jonathan Woodgate equalised after twelve.  Essien restored the visitors' lead after twenty minutes and Joe Cole increased it early in the second half.  Ten minutes later Dimitar Berbatov reduced the lead and Tom Huddlestone equalised with thirteen minutes left.  Cole added his second, three minutes later to restore Chelsea's advantage, only for Robbie Keane to score with two minutes left with a beautiful curled shot.  With the match in added time, Berbatov missed an opportunity to snatch victory for Spurs.  

Mar. 2009  PL  Won 1 - 0  Modric
A well struck shot from Luka Modric, set up by Aaron Lennon, early in the second half gave Spurs the three points.  It was a great team effort with Heurelho Gomes making a number of crucial saves as the game drew to a close.


Apr. 2010  PL  Won 2 - 1  Defoe (pen), Bale
A week earlier Spurs had lost top Portsmouth in the FA Cup semi-final but had beaten Arsenal at the Lane three days later as their renewed drive for Champions League football got underway.  Spurs had the perfect start with a Defoe penalty after fifteen minutes.  They doubled their lead a minute from the interval through Gareth Bale who left his defender trailing before scoring past Cech.  Chelsea's goal came in the final minute from Frank Lampard. 

Dec. 2010  PL  Draw 1 - 1  Pavlyuchenko 
Michael Dawson returned for last season's game, having been absent since September with injury.  Roman Pavlyuchenko put Spurs ahead after fifteen minutes from a Jermain Defoe cross.  Tottenham held the early ascendancy but in the second half the introduction of Didier Drogba gave the visitors some inspiration and he equalised with twenty minutes remaining, when Dawson slipped as he challenged and Gomes allowed a fierce drive which was straight at him, go into the net.  Spurs avoided defeat in the final minute when Gomes redeemed himself by saving a Drogba penalty which he had conceded.

Previous Success Against Chelsea
Feb. 1990  1st Div.  (a)  Won 2 - 0  Howells, Lineker

Aug. 1987  1st Div.  (h)  Won 1 - 0  Claesen  

Tottenham, with two away games over Christmas, will want to take all three points to aid their own progress while denting those of one of their nearest rivals.  To have any chance of getting close enough to United and City to put in a challenge for the title, they need to win their home games and maintain their impressive record in London derbies.  Fitness worries will be a concern but they have adapted well so far to meet different problems so hopefully they will be prepared for the battle that will be required to overcome a Chelsea side who have extensive experience of coping with such important games.