Spurs and the FA Cup Semi-Finals

It is now over twenty years since Tottenham last enjoyed the celebrations of winning an FA Cup semi-final.  There have been many trials and tribulations in that time but Spurs have fallen short at that vital stage even when firm favourites as in 2010 against Portsmouth.  In their lengthy history Spurs have reached this stage of the competition on eighteen occasions, winning on nine occasions and for most of those successes the result was well deserved with Spurs winning comfortably. However, of the nine unsuccessful attempts to reach the Final, there has often been a sense of injustice as Spurs have been at the wrong end of some dubious decisions. 

Spurs and the FA Cup

Semi-Finals 1901 – 2010

Spurs FA Cup Semi-Final Record
As a Southern League side Spurs had progressed to the 1901 FA Cup semi-final having disposed of the Cup holders, Bury, and the only other surviving non-League side, Reading, in previous rounds. First Division, West Bromwich Albion at Villa Park were Spurs next opponents while Sheffield United and Aston Villa contested the other semi-final.  Although the game was like a home game for Albion, Spurs took thousands of spectators to the Birmingham venue.

The Spurs’ hero was Sandy Brown who scored all four goals in a comprehensive win.  Brown had scored in every round of the Cup and now had a total of twelve goals in the competition.  Spurs were very much the under-dogs and all of the Spurs’ players deserved credit for this performance. Although the game was scoreless at half-time Spurs had more of the play and from the time that Brown headed the first goal just after the restart from a centre by John Kirwan, there was no doubting the result.  He scored twice more in the next twenty minutes – his second from a corner, the third was a shot from thirty yards and the fourth, five minutes from the end, after a passing movement took Spurs the length of the pitch.

Following a replay Spurs discovered they would be meeting Sheffield United in the Final to be played at Crystal Palace.

Twenty years later, just back in the 1st Division, Spurs faced Preston North End at Hillsborough in their second semi-final.  The two clubs had previously met in the Cup on two occasions, including the 1st Round tie in 1901 when Spurs went on to win the Cup for the first time.  Now, the two clubs were opponents in the top flight and although Preston were in the bottom half of the League to Spurs sixth position, the northern club had been successful in both League games earlier in the season.  Spurs had had moments of good fortune in their early progress in the Cup but on this occasion it seemed to desert them.  It took two goals from Bert Bliss in the second half to ensure Spurs’ victory – scoring the first with a typical drive and then converting a pass from captain, Arthur Grimsdell.  A mix-up in the Spurs’ defence allowed Preston to pull a goal back but Spurs were never under any threat.  The game could and should have been wrapped long before Spurs scored their first goal.  In the first half they had two goals disallowed – the first after Jimmy Banks scored but the referee gave Spurs a free-kick for a foul on Jimmy Seed and then a second following a scramble in the Preston area was disallowed for some unknown reason.   Early in the second half Spurs should have had two penalties – firstly for a foul on Banks and then when a Preston defender handled but neither impressed the referee.

Spurs’ opponents in the Final at Stamford Bridge would be Second Division Wolverhampton Wanderers who had defeated another Second Division side, Cardiff City in a replay.

The following year, in 1922, Spurs suffered their first semi-final defeat, Preston gaining 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 the Final Preston lost to a disputed penalty, awarded for a foul committed outside the area, but that is of little consolation to Spurs.

It was another twenty six years before Spurs were to grace a semi-final again and it was as a 2nd Division side that they met 1st Division Blackpool at Villa Park in 1947-48.  They had defeated 1st Division Bolton and then 2nd Division clubs, West Bromwich, Leicester and Southampton to reach this stage.  For over an hour Spurs were the equal of Blackpool who were the strong favourites with Stanley Matthews and Stan Mortensen in their side.  It was Spurs, however, who went ahead when Len Duquemin got the final touch in a goalmouth scramble for his eighth Cup goal of the season. Time ticked away and Spurs were within four minutes of their first Wembley final when a pass from Matthews found Mortensen.  He set off on a thirty yard run, past four defenders and shot from a very acute angle near the goal line. The shot caught Ted Ditchburn unawares and Spurs were totally deflated.   Into extra time and Mortensen scored twice more to ensure Spurs’ Cup dreams ended at Villa Park.   That result so demoralised Spurs that they won only two of their final twelve League games and missed out on a possible promotion by finishing in eighth place.

Five seasons later, Spurs had an opportunity to gain revenge on Blackpool when they again met in the semi-final at Villa Park.  This time both clubs were in the 1st Division and this was seen as a last opportunity for the ‘Push and Run’ side to achieve Cup success.   It had been a long road to the semi-final for Spurs who had played eight games to reach this stage.  They had needed replays to beat Tranmere and Preston, then one game saw off Halifax but the 6th Round tie with Birmingham City went to three games.  This time Blackpool with Matthews and Mortensen still a force to be reckoned with, took an early lead but early in the second half Spurs levelled through Len Duquemin.  Spurs were now in control and the game was heading for extra time when with seconds remaining Alf Ramsey attempted a back pass to Ted Ditchburn.  As he did so, he slipped and the ball fell short allowing the Blackpool forward to step in and score past Ditchburn.  Only time remained to kick off again and Spurs would have to wait a little longer for a final at Wembley.

Blackpool went on to win the Final against Bolton in the famous ‘Matthews’ final.

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.  ‘What if’ Spurs had scored – they could have taken the game into extra time and gone on to win but the repercussions of the defeat went further than expected.  The Spurs manager, Jimmy Anderson, was unimpressed with Blanchflower’s decision to make changes to the team during the game and in the ensuing row Blanchflower resigned as captain and did not take on the role for another two seasons.

After such a period of disappointment, Spurs were about to embark on a sequence of seven successive semi-final victories stretching over thirty years.  At the fourth attempt, it was the ‘Double’ team of 1960-61 that was to lay the ghost of Villa Park.  Drawn to play defending League champions Burnley a tight game was expected as Burnley had recovered from a four goal deficit to earn a draw in the League game at White Hart Lane earlier in the season.  The semi-final tie saw Spurs take the lead after half an hour and went further ahead when Bobby Smith scored his second in the second half.  This deflated Burnley and Cliff Jones added the third before the end.   Spurs were on their way to Wembley for the first time where they would find Leicester City trying to prevent them completing an historic ‘Double.’

A year later Spurs overcame Manchester United at Hillsborough at the semi-final stage of the competition as they endeavoured to retain the trophy.  Goals from Jimmy Greaves, Terry Medwin and Cliff Jones ensured that Spurs won comfortably and returned to Wembley to meet the team they defeated in the previous year’s semi-final.  Greaves and Jones gave Spurs a two goal half-time lead. United scored with seven minutes remaining but Medwin ensured Spurs’ victory, scoring three minutes later.

The 1967 semi-final saw Spurs return to Hillsborough to play Nottingham Forest. Both teams were in the top three of the League and Spurs were on an unbeaten run that stretched back to mid-January.  In a very close game Forest started the better and Cyril Knowles cleared off the line early on but then after half an hour Jimmy Greaves scored with a great volley from twenty five yards that went in off the post.  Just before half-time Forest almost equalised when a Knowles defensive header hit the post but Spurs held on.  In the second half Forest continued to search for the equaliser but when Frank Saul caught a Forest defender in possession he took the ball to the edge of the penalty area to score with a great shot to put Spurs two up after sixty seven minutes.  Forest weren’t down and out and scored with ten minutes left but although they searched for the equaliser, Spurs had further opportunities to increase their lead. In the following day’s papers the match was described as ‘pulsating’ and a game in which Spurs ‘earned the right to meet Chelsea in the first all London Final at Wembley on the strength of a highly skilled performance in a classic semi-final that had moments of magic and tragedy.’

Although Spurs enjoyed Cup success at home and in Europe over the next decade and a half, the FA Cup eluded them.  It was in 1981 that they next reached an FA Cup semi-final, under the guidance of Keith Burkinshaw. Spurs’ progress to this stage had been steady and they were drawn to play Wolverhampton Wanderers at Hillsborough.  Everyone’s memory of this game is the penalty that was awarded to Wolves in the dieing moments for a tackle by Glenn Hoddle.  This gave Wolves the chance to equalise and take the game into extra time.  The game remained level at 2-2 and a replay was required. The fury of the Spurs’ players and spectators at the penalty decision is understandable as it was wrong on two accounts – the tackle was outside the penalty area and Hoddle won the ball cleanly without touching the ‘diving’ Terry Hibbitt.  Spurs had taken the lead through Steve Archibald after four minutes but Wolves equalised a minute later.  Just before half-time, Hoddle put Spurs ahead from a free kick, that could justifiably have been a penalty.  Spurs defended resolutely until the referee played his part but then we would have missed the excitement of the replay at Highbury.

For some unaccountable reason the FA decided that the replay would take place at Highbury which was a tremendous advantage to Spurs. It was the perfect place for Spurs to win an exciting replay. Determined not to be deprived of their place at Wembley as they had been the previous Saturday, Spurs were fired up for the game from the outset and took an early lead when Garth Crooks headed the opening goal. Wolves came back strongly but couldn’t get an equaliser.  Then just before half-time Crooks scored the second when taking a pass from Hoddle, he finished with ease.   Spurs were celebrating and Ricky Villa sealed the victory with a great goal scored from thirty yards.  A great victory and a stylish performance as ‘Spurs were on their way to Wembley’ again.

The following season as Spurs fought to retain the trophy, the semi-final game took them to Villa Park where they met 2nd Division, Leicester City.  It was a difficult game for everyone and Ossie Ardiles played his last game of the season for Spurs as he returned to Argentina to prepare for the World Cup.  However, there was the additional problem of the Falklands War and Ardiles was constantly booed by the Leicester fans.  Spurs eventually wore Leicester down in the second half when after 56 minutes Ardiles centred for Crooks to score.   Leicester lost a player to injury and their ten men battled gamely but in the 76th minute conceded a soft own goal.  The defender with many options to clear lifted his back pass over the goalkeeper’s head.  This was a very comfortable semi-final victory for Spurs who returned to Wembley for a second successive year to meet Queens Park Rangers.

Spurs next semi-final game was one of the easiest they’ve ever played at this stage of the Cup. Watford went into the game at Villa Park with goalkeeping problems and had to call up an emergency keeper as their regular keepers were injured.   A 4-1 victory did not flatter Spurs as David Pleat’s side continued their good form and won through goals from Steve Hodge(2), Clive Allen and Paul Allen. Coventry City were their unexpected opponents in the Final.

In all the years of the FA Cup, Spurs and Arsenal had only previously met in the competition on two occasions.   Now, in 1991, they were to meet in the semi-final.   Such was the demand for tickets that the game was arranged for Wembley, the first occasion that a semi-final had taken place there.  Spurs were under continuing financial pressure but their biggest problem prior to this game was the fitness of their talisman, Paul Gascoigne.  He had undergone a hernia operation immediately after the 6th Round win over Notts County, in the hope that he would be fit for the semi-final.  Four days before the game he successfully played for an hour in a League game at Norwich and was fit to play at Wembley.  Spurs’ other difficulty was that Arsenal had only lost once in the League and were looking to win the ‘Double’.  The atmosphere at Wembley was electric and Gascoigne was at his most exuberant best.  Spurs were not expected to win this game but Venables had them firing on all cylinders from the start.  After five minutes Gascoigne scored from a 35 yard free kick that was hit with such power and accuracy that it left Seaman clutching at thin air.   As Venables said afterwards, “Paul was probably the only player who could do anything like that.”  Five minutes later Gary Lineker increased Spurs’ lead.  Arsenal didn’t know what had hit them but they managed to score before half-time.  Gazza played for only sixty minutes but left to an ovation – ‘Spurs Hero of Wembley.’  Shortly after Gascoigne’s departure, his replacement, Nayim set up Lineker to score the third to take Spurs to the Final.

All the players played their part in this memorable victory as Arsenal were humbled by an inspired Gazza who ensured Spurs had a fantastic victory.  ‘St. Hotspur Day’- a day never to be forgotten by Spurs’ fans around the world nor will the words of Barry Davies, commenting on the semi-final as Gascoigne lined up the free-kick, "He's not going to have a go from there.... he is you know.... that is Schoolboy's Own stuff!"

That was Spurs’ seventh successive FA Cup semi-final victory but since that very memorable and enjoyable day, Spurs have only had that sinking feeling where those games have been concerned. Although they have endured difficult times in the subsequent years Spurs have still managed to reach the semi-final on five occasions.  Two years later another visit to Wembley was required when Spurs and Arsenal were again drawn together.   Terry Venables’ team were left feeling hard done by in 1993 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. The ‘might have beens’ could go on for ever but if Spurs had gone on to Wembley and won the Cup, the subsequent dramatic and traumatic end of season events with the fall-out between Alan Sugar and Terry Venables may never have occurred and Spurs mightn’t have gone into a decade of decline.

Defeat in the semi-final usually has some repercussions – 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.  The season had started with Spurs banned from the competition as punishment for the financial irregularities uncovered in the Sugar/Venables affair.  It was only as the 3rd Round approached that the decision was overturned and Spurs were re-instated. Progress to the semi-finals had brought memorable performances at Southampton and Liverpool and now Spurs were faced with Everton at Elland Road as the final step back to Wembley.   The media were predicting a Spurs/Manchester United final but unfortunately Everton hadn’t read the script. Spurs were troubled by injuries on the day and Stuart Nethercott had to play as emergency left back. Spurs simply did not perform, little resembling the side that had played so well in earlier rounds and produced such exciting football during the season.  Everton started the better and took a two goal lead.  Klinsmann scored a penalty for Spurs but two late goals sealed Spurs’ fate and added to their embarrassment.

The result was a shattering blow to the fans and the club but the further ramification was that Klinsmann later announced that he would be leaving at the end of the season.  He had brought vitality to the club but with the team not being able to offer him European football the following season he decided to return to Germany.  This was an even greater blow to the Club and one that they have been striving to recover from since that fateful day – only in recent seasons has there been a recovery in Spurs status and expectations.

In 1999 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.  Progress to this stage had been seen a comfortable victory over Watford, replays were needed to see off Wimbledon and Leeds, the latter succumbing to two spectacular goals from Anderton and Ginola at White Hart Lane.  Ginola produced another ‘special’ to win at Barnsley and Spurs were looking confident as they came to play Newcastle.  They weren’t, however, at their best against the Tyneside club 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.

In 2001, Spurs had another opportunity to reach the FA Cup Final but once again Arsenal stood in their way.  In the entire history of the FA Cup, the two clubs have only met twice in earlier rounds of the competition but on the four occasions that both clubs have reached the semi-finals, they have been drawn together three times.  The background to the tie was Spurs’ change of manager.  A week after Spurs’ thrilling victory over West Ham United at Upton Park in the 6th Round George Graham was sacked.  David Pleat took temporary charge while the club waited for Glenn Hoddle whose first game in charge was the semi-final at Old Trafford.  It started brightly for Spurs with Gary Doherty who had been the hero of earlier rounds with two important goals, giving Spurs the lead.  Arsenal, however, came more and more into the game and it was only an outstanding display by Neil Sullivan in the Spurs’ goal that kept the score to 2-1 for Spurs’ north London neighbours.  While Hoddle’s return to Tottenham was welcome, the timing was not the most appropriate, before such an important game and especially as the players had come together as a team through the Cup run.

Spurs last reached the semi-final stage in 2010 when they faced Portsmouth.  The south coast club were in dire straits facing both relegation and financial problems.  Spurs had defeated Harry Redknapp's old club in both Premier League matches and the last game, only a few weeks previously, had been an extremely comfortable victory at White Hart Lane.  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.  Spurs showed remarkable powers of recovery from this very disappointing performance to produce a run to gain Champions League football for the first time.

Spurs haven't had a successful semi-final since 1991which is a very long period for a club with a Cup reputation but this season their quest for Champions League football is being accompanied by a Cup run in the best traditions of seeking the glory of winning the Cup.

The story of the FA Cup, season after season brings dreams that ultimately go unfulfilled but on those few occasions when everything falls into place they are the greatest moments and create lasting memories that carry supporters through in hope for the seasons that lie ahead.

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)

Gareth Bale on the Right. Why?

Gareth Bale has been most effective for Tottenham when played on the left wing with the option to roam as the need arises.  On Saturday, he spent most of the match against Everton on the right side of midfield and it was only when he switched to the left side that Spurs started to pose a greater threat to the massed Everton defence.

 Available from Spurs Writers' Club:

Tottenham, The Glory-Glory Game

Price: £15 (+ p & p)  Here: Use Code LH1

 
On Saturday evening at Goodison Park, Harry Redknapp decided to play Gareth Bale on the right side of midfield with Luka Modric moving out from central midfield on to the left.  This selection was made for three reasons, to enable him to make a tactical change to the starting line-up with Scott Parker and Sandro playing a holding role in central midfield which allowed him to include Jermain Defoe and to cover on the right for the absence of the injured Aaron Lennon.

On all three counts the decisions proved unsuccessful as Everton dominated midfield from the start and it was only after half-time that Spurs really came into the game as an attacking force.  Defoe offered little threat in that first half and rarely linked with his strike partner, Emmanuel Adebayor and with Bale and Modric both playing out of position, Spurs most creative players were restricted and Everton were handed the early initiative.  If the thought of having Modric on the left was that it would create space for Benoit Assou-Ekotto to overlap, then again that failed as in the first forty five minutes the left back rarely ventured forward as would normally be his custom.

Early in the first half, Bale had an opportunity of a break on the right but as he took on the defender at pace, the Everton player knew to force him wide and keep him on his weaker foot.  This he succeeded in doing and any danger was averted.  It was only late in the first half after Bale moved over to the left that Spurs started to play with some greater purpose and cohesion.  Again, in  the second half after Rafael Van der Vaart replaced Sandro, Bale moved wide on the left and his attacking threat and danger to the compact Everton defence became obvious. 

The absence of Lennon, due to a recurrence of his injury created a dilemma for Redknapp but his decision to move Bale to that position, weakened Spurs as an attacking threat on a number of counts.

• Gareth Bale is most effective on the left, ask Inter's Maicon,  whereas on the right, he prefers to cut in to use his more favoured left foot.
• Modric has less opportunity to be influential when he is removed from his normal central midfield role.
• Bale on the right prevented Kyle Walker from playing his normal attacking role.  Both players were wanting to get forward into the same attacking areas on the pitch and this wasn't possible.  Walker and Lennon have developed a good understanding of how to play together just as Vedran Corluka had done previously with Lennon, but Walker and Bale don't have that understanding.
• Bale and Assou-Ekotto, however, work very well together on the left, both defensively and as an attacking force but that was missing on Saturday especially in the first half.  Only after the interval did, Assou-Ekotto venture forward as Spurs became more dominant and attack minded.

Injuries and loss of form are creating some additional problems for the Tottenham management team.  Adebayor, apart from the Newcastle match, and Van der Vaart have  been less influential of late and even Modric and Parker haven't been such a presence in recent weeks.  Then the defence has been punished for individual errors, Ledley King hasn't been his usual effective self while injuries and players out on loan mean that there are few options available to re-organise.

Having suffered three successive League defeats for the first time since immediately before Harry Redknapp's appointment, the next ten days are crucial for Spurs to get themselves back on track. Progress to the FA Cup semi-final would not make up for a fourth successive League defeat or even four League games without a win so it is essential that Spurs achieve two wins in the next two games in order to prevent any self-doubts taking control.  Whatever, decisions Harry Redknapp makes concerning the team, it is essential that Bale's role keeps him predominantly on the left where he is most effective and feared by opposing defenders.

Everton 1 Tottenham 0

Everton won only their fourth home game against Spurs in the Premier League's twenty years history.  Their only goal extends their current unbeaten run to seven games while Spurs have lost a third consecutive League game for the first time under Harry Redknapp.

Everton 1 Tottenham Hotspur 0

Scorer: Jelavic

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

Now available from Spurs Writers' Club:
Tottenham, The Glory-Glory Game
Cost £15.00 + p & p   Here: Use Code LH1


Spurs' loss of form continued at Goddison Park, allowing the chasing pack to draw closer.   Two months ago at White Hart Lane, Spurs beat Everton with ease to move level on points with Manchester United, three points off top spot.  This heralded widespread media discussions as to whether Tottenham could actually win the title.  How things have changed in that subsequent period.  Everton have now gone seven games undefeated while Tottenham have managed only two League wins and and have lost three successive League games for the first time under Harry Redknapp.  Spurs difficulties have been compounded by a loss of players to injury with Aaron Lennon and Michael Dawson joining that list and as in recent games an individual error has led to a goal being conceded.

To compensate for the loss of Lennon, Gareth Bale started the game on the right with Luka Modric on the left and Sandro playing in the middle beside Scott Parker.  Jermain Defoe was given the opportunity to play alongside Emmanuel Adebayor.  Unfortunately, from early on Spurs were very disjointed and Everton were the much more purposeful team.  They were quicker to the ball and dominated possession for much of the first half.  Having said that, for all Everton's possession, the Spurs defence wasn't having too many problems although a poor clearance by Younes Kaboul presented Everton with a shot wide and after twenty minutes Brad Friedel saved a dangerous cross-shot from Fellaini.  Two minutes later Osman beat Kaboul too easily as he ran into the penalty area and found Jelavic who scored his first Everton goal on his home debut.

Everton continued to dominate the half and it was only in the final ten minutes before the interval, after Bale moved to the left, that Spurs began to look more of a threat.

In the second half Spurs were much quicker to the ball and showed greater endeavour.  Defoe had a shot saved as Spurs provided the greater threat.  Kyle Walker and Benoit Assou-Ekotto who had rarely progressed into the Everton half before the interval were now taking up much more advanced roles as Spurs pushed forward for an equaliser.  On 52 minutes, Defoe had another shot saved after being set-up by Parker and following the introduction of Louis Saha in place of Adebayor, Modric shot over after good interplay between Bale and Assou-Ekotto.

Just after the hour mark, Kaboul shot over from a free-kick after a foul on Bale on the edge of the penalty area.  Defoe then had another shot saved and Van der Vaart replaced Sandro.  With twenty minutes remaining Saha had a shot blocked and then Everton had their first goal attempt of the half when Brad Friedel saved well from Osman.  With fifteen minutes remaining Defoe put the ball into the net but was clearly off-side.

Throughout the second half Everton did what they do best.  Having scored the goal before the interval, they were content to defend in depth and frustrate Spurs.  Spurs had eight corners while Everton had none and in the second period Spurs had about fourteen attempts on goal to Everton's one.  It shows the level of supremacy in terms of possession and threat that Spurs offered in the second half but the damage had been done before the interval.

In a final dramatic five minute period of added time after Everton had used every time wasting tactic available, Spurs might have scored on a number of occasions - a Van der Vaart shot was deflected and curled over the bar, Saha had a shot against the post which then bounced onto the goalkeeper's knee and away to safety and Defoe shot over.

At the end of February last year Spurs went on a run that saw their season tail off disappointingly and it was at a similar time this year that the defeat at Arsenal marked the start of this current dip in form.  In the coming week Spurs need to assess where things have gone wrong, to determine how to eliminate individual defensive errors, how to make the best use of the players available to them and to focus on what they do best.  Progress in the Cup next weekend and a win against Stoke a few days later are essential if a very promising season isn't going to disappear into obscurity.

Spurs League Record at Everton

In spite of losing at Goodison Park last season, in comparison with other grounds, Spurs away record against Everton is one of the is one of their better Premier League records.  Spurs visit Everton in need of a win to bring an end to a run of four away League games without a win, since their two goal success at Christmas.

Now available from Spurs Writers' Club:

Tottenham, the Glory-Glory Game

Order here: Use Code LH1

 Last season saw Everton end a run of six seasons without a win over Spurs at Goodison Park.  It was only their third home win of the Premier League era with Spurs having won there on seven previous occasions, with nine draws.  Tottenham's good form at Goodison Park coincides with the start of the Premier League in August, 1992 as their previous League success there had been back in 1984.

Spurs League Record at Goodison Park

P  74  W  17  D  26  L  31  For  82  Ag  109

Away Premier League Record against Everton

P  19  W  7  D  9  L  3  For  20  Ag  16

Last Season's Match:

Jan. 2011  PL  Lost  1 - 2  Van der Vaart

Everton won their home game against Spurs for the first time since April, 2004.  Louis Saha had given Everton the lead after three minutes as he troubled the Spurs defence with his pace and direct running.  Rafael Van der Vaart equalised within eight minutes but the loss of Gareth Bale after an hour was a setback for Spurs.  Everton scored a deserved winner with fifteen minutes remaining.

Previous League Results at Goodison Park  

Dec. 2009  PL  Draw 2 - 2  Defoe, Dawson

Jermain Defoe saw his injury time penalty saved, so denying Spurs of all three points.  Spurs had taken the lead two minutes after the interval through Defoe.  Michael Dawson added a second after an hour and the points looked secure.  A late rally from Everton brought them level after scoring twice in eight minutes - Saha scoring the first on 78 minutes.    

May, 2009  PL  Draw 0 - 0

Spurs had the better of the first half but Everton showed greater endeavour after the interval but neither side could find a goal.

Jan. 2008  PL  Draw 0 - 0

Jonathan Woodgate made his Spurs debut.

Feb. 2007  PL  Won 2 - 1  Berbatov, Jenas

Dimitar Berbatov had given Spurs a first half lead but Everton scored just before half-time.  Jermaine Jenas scored the winner with only a minute remaining.  

Apr. 2006  PL  Won 1 - 0  Keane (pen)  

This was an important win as Spurs battled to hold on to fourth place.  Keane scored with a first half penalty and Spurs held on quite comfortably although a late injury to Ledley King took the gloss off the win.  

Oct. 2004  PL  Won 1 - 0  Pamarot

A hard-working defensive display ensured Spurs kept another clean sheet in Jacques Santini's short reign.  An early second half header from Noe Pamarot gave the team something to battle for and they held out to take the points.  

April, 2004  PL  Lost 1 - 3 Carr

Everton were two ahead inside twenty five minutes and three up by the interval.  Stephen Carr's goal with fifteen minutes remaining was little more than a consolation.

Aug. 2005  PL  Draw 2 - 2  Etherington, Ferdinand

The opening match of the season saw Spurs behind at the interval.  They scored twice in eleven minutes midway through the second half but Everton levelled with nine minutes remaining.

Start of the Premier League era

Feb. 1993  PL  Won 2 - 1  Mabbutt, Allen, P.

Spurs won their first game at Goodison since August, 1984.  it was to prove a good omen for Spurs as they would go on to experience their best period of results against Everton.

Mar. 2004  PL  Won 1 - 0  Sedgley

Previous Win in 1st Division

Aug. 1984  1st Div.  Won 4 - 1  Falco, Allen, C. (2), Chiedoze

The perfect start to the season, an opening day success for new manager, Peter Shreeves (or Shreeve).  By the end of the season, however, it was Everton who were celebrating as title winners, with Spurs in third.

Christian Gross' Favourite Ground

There's not much positive that can be said about Christian Gross' short time  at Tottenham but he did manage to win both his first and last games as manager - victories at Goodison.  He must have left Goodison Park after that first game at the end of November,1997 thinking that managing in the Premier League wasn't going to be a problem.  He had overseen a two goal win with goals from Ramon Vega and David Ginola.  A week later Chelsea introduced him to the realities of English football.

The following August, a goal from Les  Ferdinand gave Spurs their first win of the season after defeats at Wimbledon and at home to Sheffield Wednesday, and he must have left Goodison singing, "Can we play you every week."  His time at Spurs, however, was nearly up and during that international break he was removed from post.

It is to be hoped that Spurs can maintain their Premier League supremacy over Everton who have shown a resurgence in recent weeks and will provide a sterner test than they did at White Hart Lane in January.

They Played for Spurs and Everton: Here

Spurs and the FA Cup 5th Round

Progress through the FA Cup 5th Round game and supporters and players start to believe that an appearance in the Final is possible.  Defeat and another season can sometimes be consigned to history with little to play for through in the coming months.  Tottenham, this season, however, have their continued aspirations for Champions League football and a say in the outcome of the Premier League title race to look forward to with anticipation.  The prospect of a return to Wembley in May is an added incentive for Spurs to renew acquaintances with the ground that was like their second home for a period in the 1980s.

Spurs are on Their Way to Stevenage

Another Step towards the Final - Spurs and the FA Cup 5th Round

(Article first appeared in Topspurs)

As Spurs prepare for the game against Stevenage, a team from League One who have a recent record of Cup upsets, ask Newcastle United, they must realise that it will not be an easy task at Stevenage’s compact ground.

Success in the 5th Round game means that a club is only two wins from a Final appearance and three from the ultimate success of lifting the trophy.  It can all seem so easy on paper but there can be many a twist before the task’s completed.  Spurs history shows that FA Cup winners need a slice of good fortune along the way but that a 'special' win at this stage is just a win and is no guarantee of further success.
  
Road to Success
1901
Spurs were drawn away to Reading, the only other non-League team left in the competition, in the 3rd Round game, the equivalent of today’s 5th Round.  Spurs had lost at Reading in the Southern League in November so although they had defeated League opposition in the previous rounds, this match was not going to be easy and so it proved.  Every Cup winning team has a moment when they could so easily have gone out of the competition and it happened for Spurs at Reading.  A goal down early on to a robust home team, Spurs were struggling to make any impact on the game. Early in the second half Spurs recovered for a brief period and equalised through winger John Kirwan but then Reading took control again.  Spurs were forced to hang on but when goalkeeper George Clawley failed to hold a shot, full-back Sandy Tait punched the ball clear – a certain penalty. Everyone saw what had happened except the referee the linesman and when a goal-kick was awarded the 3000 Spurs’ supporters gave a collective sigh of relief.  Spurs held on and in the replay the following Thursday Spurs were a completely different side.  David Copeland gave them an early lead and Sandy Brown scored two more to give Spurs a comfortable win.  Brown had kept up his record of scoring in every round of the Cup.  As Spurs looked forward to a semi-final tie against West Brom the question being asked was - Could this be Spurs’ year to win the Cup?

1921
The 3rd Round game seems to have been more straight forward with a 4-1 win over Third Division, Southend United.  However, while the score suggested a comfortable win, Spurs’ performance was not as impressive and they again required that element of luck every Cup winning team experiences.  Spurs were lethargic and Southend went ahead after ten minutes.  Spurs rallied and equalised through Jimmy Cantrell, only to allow the home team to take control again and earn a penalty just before half-time.  The referee was not happy with the placing of the ball for the penalty and interfered on two occasions.  This angered the Southend penalty-taker who argued with the referee and when he stepped up to strike the penalty he sent it wide of the post.  After the interval Southend again took charge but in the last thirty minutes Spurs scored three times through Jimmy Banks, Jimmy Seed and Bert Bliss.

1961
Spurs’ 5th Round opponents were Aston Villa at Villa Park.  A week earlier Spurs had won there in the League and recorded another victory in the Cup.  No matter what Villa attempted Spurs had an answer with a display of football at their very best.  Having constantly pulled the home defence apart, Spurs went ahead after seventeen minutes when a defender deflected a Cliff Jones’ shot into his own goal.  Just before the interval the game was effectively over when Jones scored and Spurs comfortably controlled the rest of the game.

1962
Spurs travelled to The Hawthorns to play West Bromwich Albion.  In a typical Cup tie Bobby Smith gave Spurs an early lead but the game continued from end to end with both goalkeepers being kept busy.  Smith doubled Spurs lead just before half-time.  An injury to Cliff Jones restricted his movement and effectiveness and West Brom pulled a goal back at the start of the second half.  Jimmy Greaves restored Spurs two goal lead with fifteen minutes remaining only for West Brom to strike back again.  Spurs’ victory was secured by Greaves’ second with one minute remaining.

1967
The Cup winning trail gave Spurs a home game against 2nd Division Bristol City and it was that man Greaves who again secured Spurs’ passage to the next round.  Greaves put Spurs ahead after ten minutes but then the good fortune of Cup winners was again evident in Spurs’ victory as City missed a number of goal scoring opportunities and Pat Jennings was required to save a Bristol penalty in the second half.  The penalty was retaken because Jennings moved too soon and the re-take was hit wide.  To add insult to injury Greaves scored Spurs’ second goal from the penalty spot in the final minute.  Captain Dave Mackay put the win in perspective, ‘We should have won more easily but few top teams manage to win convincingly against lesser opposition.’

1981
It was less of a struggle against fellow 1st Division opponents, Coventry City at White Hart Lane.  Goals from Chris Hughton, Ossie Ardiles and Steve Archibald gave Spurs a 3-1 victory and dreams of Wembley were becoming less fanciful.

1982
The 5th Round game was Spurs’ third home tie against 1st Division opponents and their third single goal victory.  Mark Falco provided the solitary strike that defeated Aston Villa.

1991
Spurs’ hero was Paul Gascoigne but before the game at Portsmouth Spurs lost full-back Terry Fenwick who broke his ankle in the pre-match warm-up sessions.  Gazza required a hernia operation but was being nursed through the Cup games and he again proved the match winner with the two goals that took Spurs past the 2nd Division club.

Memorable Goals
1999
The FA Cup 5th Round tie against Leeds United is memorable for the quality of the goals that Spurs scored in the replay at White Hart Lane.  A goal from Tim Sherwood had earned Spurs the replay but Darren Anderton and David Ginola scored two goals of outstanding quality to take Spurs into the quarter finals. Another amazing strike from Ginola which went narrowly past is equally remembered for the reaction of George Graham and the Spurs’ bench as they leapt to their feet in celebration, thinking that it was a goal.

Abandoned - Snow!

1996
The  5th Round game at Nottingham Forest is remembered by travelling supporters for their lengthy journey home through thick snow after the game was abandoned after fifteen minutes due to the snow.  Spurs drew the re-arranged tie but lost the replay at Tottenham on penalties.

Unlikely Hero:
1995
On 1st March, an unlikely hero stepped forward to rescue Spurs in a 5th Round Replay.  Spurs and Southampton had drawn 1-1 at White Hart Lane and when the Sheringham/Klinsmann team found themselves two goals down just before half-time at the Dell, their Cup dreams looked to be over.  Ronnie Rosenthal was brought on as sub just before the interval and in the second half he scored twice in two minutes to bring the scores level, the second from twenty five yards.  He outdid that goal in extra time with a shot from thirty yards to put Spurs ahead and then goals from Teddy Sheringham, Nick Barmby and Darren Anderton completed the 6-2 rout.  ‘Rocket’ Ronnie had made a name for himself in Spurs folklore.

Giant Killing - Cup Upsets:

1959
Defeat to clubs from lower divisions was a feature of Spurs in the 1950s.  They lost  to Norwich City who were in the 3rd Division and had beaten Manchester United and Cardiff City to reach this stage of the competition.  Held 1-1 at home in the first game Spurs lost the 5th Round replay by a solitary goal as Norwich progressed to the semi-finals.

1957
Two years earlier it had been Bournemouth who had knocked Spurs out at the 5th Round stage. Managed by former Spur Freddie Cox, the 3rd Division side took the lead only for Terry Medwin to equalise.  Bournemouth who had won at Wolves in the previous round did everything to unsettle Spurs and scored another two goals to win 3-1 and earn a home tie against Manchester United.

1955
Another two years earlier and it was York City who removed Spurs from the Cup with a similar 1-3 score.  George Robb put Spurs ahead but the home side scored twice before half-time and then added a third in the second half.  York who were in the 3rd Division (North) reached the semi-finals where they lost in a replay to Newcastle United, the eventual Cup winners.

Cup 'Classic'
1937
The 5th Round Replay against Everton was one of those games that Cup memories are founded on.  Spurs were a 2nd Division team and the match in Liverpool had seen Spurs score through Jimmy McCormick with five minutes remaining, only for their 1st Division opponents to equalise in the last minute.  The Replay on the following Monday, surpassed that for excitement as Spurs looked to be going out of the Cup until a dramatic comeback.  The pitch had been flooded and conditions were poor but Everton took control and went into a two goal lead.  Spurs scored through Johnny Morrison in the 27th minute but in the second half after a Morrison ‘goal’ was disallowed, Everton extended their lead.  With seven minutes remaining, Everton were awarded a penalty but the referee changed his decision as Everton had taken a throw-in incorrectly.  A minute later Morrison scored Spurs’ second, then with two minutes remaining Joe Meek equalised with a great solo goal and in the last minute Morrison scored the winner.  46,972 spectators witnessed a Cup ‘classic.’

Spurs’ fans would enjoy a Cup ‘classic’ that would see Spurs into the next round but they expect Spurs name to be in the draw for the 6th Round whatever team is selected by the manager.  Having defeated Cheltenham Town and Watford in the earlier rounds, the FA Cup could be the icing on the cake for a Tottenham team which has received many plaudits throughout the season for both their style of play and also their ability to fight for a result when their football is not flowing as well as they would like.  There may well be need for that fight and determination against Stevenage to ensure there are no FA Cup giant-killing stories to be recounted for years to come.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto - Pure Class

Benoit Assou-Ekotto has developed into one of the best left backs in the Premier League.  From an uncertain start in his early days with Spurs he has become very assured defensively and is an increasing threat going forward having scored two goals in his last four games.

Benny - Mr Cool - Class 

Tottenham The Glory-Glory Game Pre-order: Here (Use Code LH1)

Benoit Asou-Ekotto is a player who has over time grown on the hearts of Spurs supporters with varying hair styles, odd boots, trademark drag back and his growing list of outstanding goals.  He has developed an excellent understanding with Gareth Bale doing the defensive work as Bale rampages around the pitch causing havoc.

Benny is becoming a greater threat going forward looking for the opportunity to create but also aware that he can contribute to the team with goals as well.

He has now scored three league goals, all of them memorable.

The first was against Liverpool in  the opening fixture of season 2009-10.  A free-kick on the edge of the area rebounded off the wall and with a wonderful strike he powered a shot into the net.

The second came against Everton in January when he made progress on the left and cut in towards goal to unleash a shot from thirty yards which the goalkeeper at full stretch could only wave at as it hit the back of the net.

The most recent was against Newcastle in the 5 - 0 success.  It was the opening goal and Benoit was on hand at the edge of the six yard box to meet Emmanuel Adebayor's cross and hammer it into the roof of the net.  That must have been the first time he has ever ventured into the opponents' six yard box - but he made it worthwhile.

He displayed all his composure and confidence as he defended a cross late in that game, controlling the ball with his chest, flicking it up on his knee and heading the ball back to Brad Friedel - a super moment from a game with many good things to remember.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto has become a cult figure at White Hart Lane - heady days, indeed, which see him rival former player, Cyril Knowles, of 'Nice one Cyril' fame as the outstanding left back to have played for the club.

Tottenham 2 Everton 0

Spurs managed to maintain their good home form with a comfortable win over Everton who showed greater attacking intent than some previous visitors.  A goal in each half secured the three points with the goals being scored by Aaron Lennon and a wonder strike from Benoit Assou-Ekotto.

Tottenham Hotspur 2 Everton 0

Scorers: Lennon, Assou-Ekotto                                        

Team: Friedel; Walker, Dawson, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon (Pienaar), Livermore, Modric, Bale; Van der Vaart, Adebayor (Pavlyuchenko).  Subs (unused): Cudicini, Bassong, Rose, Kranjcar, Defoe

Spurs won comfortably against Everton to move level on points with Manchester United and three points behind City.  Apart from an early strike in the opening minute by Luis Saha which went wide Spurs were relatively untroubled by the visitors apart from a couple of headers from corners.

Everton competed well in the opening minutes with Saha and Victor Anichebe dropping back to support in midfield but as the half progressed Spurs started to create some scoring opportunities.  Rafael Van der Vaart curled a shot just over the bar and Emmanuel Adebayor had two opportunities to put Spurs ahead but lack of control was his downfall.  As the half hour approached Spurs looked to be gaining the ascendency and so it proved as Leighton Baines misjudged a long cross-field pass from Benoit Assou-Ekotto.  This gave Aaron Lennon the opportunity to get behind him and run into the area.  Going across the area he shot to the near post with his left foot to wrong foot Tim Howard as the goalkeeper expected a shot across goal.

In the second half play continued with Everton looking to contain.  Luka Modric was the subject of some tough tackling which the referee chose to ignore, especially on an occasion as Everton attacked, Modric was left lying on the ground but Spurs broke at pace and Howard saved the visitors with a good save from a powerful shot by Gareth Bale who had sprinted from box to box.  As Modric recovered he drew the referee's attention to the damage that had been done to his shin but again the referee was not interested.

It's not often that Benoit Assou-Ekotto scores a goal but when he does they are goals to remember.  With just over an hour gone the full back advanced up the left to be an attacking option as he does so often, he received the ball and cut in towards the middle and as Everton's defence opened up in front of him he shot from over thirty yards and while the ball took a slight deflection, the goalkeeper didn't get near it.  Ekotto scored an equally memorable goal against Liverpool at the start of the 2009 - 2010 season.

Two nil and Spurs were comfortable with few anxieties got through to the finish and the visitors relieved to accept that scoreline.

Spurs played some lovely football with Bale showing Phil Neville that he wasn't going to be intimidated as happened last season.  The only disappointment would be that Spurs in a season when they have played their best football for many years, haven't managed to run up a big score against any team.  They have lacked the goalscoring instinct to accept enough of the numerous opportunities that they've created in so many matches. 

After two games of this season, Spurs were in despair but now at just past the halfway point they are three points behind the League leaders and have opened a gap of eight points on Chelsea and nine ahead of Arsenal.  Next Saturday's game with Wolves is vital to maintain this strong position and the challenge at the top of the table.

The opening match of the season may have come five months late but on this occasion, it was well worth waiting for!

COYS

Tottenham v Everton Preview

Spurs and Everton finally get the opportunity to play their 'opening match of the season' - in January.  This match which has been so important to Spurs and  Everton supporters, when calculating League tables and the position of their team taking account of their 'one game in hand'.  It is about to come to pass and all will be revealed by 21.40 (approx) this evening - will the gap to those clubs above have narrowed and will the advantage over to those below be three points greater?

Everton took four points from Spurs last season and so will believe that they can do a repeat job this year.  They are in 11th position in the Premier League with 24 points - 13 points having been earned away from Goodison Park.  They have won 4 and drawn 1 of their nine away matches, having scored and conceded 10 goals on their travels.  The goals tally shows immediately that they keep it very tight, giving little away and their away record shows a number of games going in their favour with late goals.  

The first away game of the season was at Blackburn and they took the three points with a penalty scored in the 92nd minute, Arteta's gift before leaving for Arsenal.  At Fulham, after taking an early lead but then looking set to lose the match only for Bobby Zamora to miss an open goal very late in the match, Everton turned the match on its head by scoring twice in added time to win 3 - 1.  A similar style of win came in  their last away match against WBA on New Year's Day.  A dull game was drawing to a scoreless conclusion only for Everton to score with three minutes left through substitute, Victor Anichebe.  Their fourth away success came at Bolton with two second half strikes - so Spurs need to be wary of Everton making a late push to snatch the points.  Everton's other away point came at Sunderland on Boxing Day when they equalised in the second half through a Leighton Baines' penalty, to deny Martin O'Neill's rejuvenated side - the only points Sunderland dropped over the holiday period.

Everton lost early in the season at Manchester City (0 - 2), Chelsea (1 - 3), Newcastle (1 - 2) and at Arsenal (0 - 1) in mid-December.  Last weekend they progressed in the FA Cup at  home to non-League Tamworth (2 - 0) with an early goal from Johnny Heitinga and a second half penalty scored by Baines.

Leighton Baines, the penalty and free-kick specialist, is Everton's leading goalscorer with 4 goals from 4 penalties (three in the League) .  Spurs know to be wary of him as he scored with a stunning free-kick to give Everton the lead in last season's game at White Hart Lane.  Leon Osman and Apostolos Vellios, their Greek striker, have each scored three goals.

Everton have a problem with a number of injuries and it was added to when defender Phil Jagielka and Jack Rodwell went off in their last League game with Bolton.  Seamus Coleman also suffered a recurrence of a thigh injury in the FA Cup tie with Tamworth.  Tim Cahill, Leon Osman,  and Tony Hibbert are all injury worries for Everton.   Landon Donovan has returned to the club on a short term loan from Los Angeles Galaxy.

Spurs have their own injury concerns with Ledley King and William Gallas out of defence while Sandro and Scott Parker will be missing in midfield.  Michael Dawson and Aaron Lennon played in the FA Cup against Cheltenham Town and could be available for the match.

Home Record in Premier League against Everton

P  19  W  11  D  5  L  3  For  37  Ag  24

Home League Record v Everton (inc. PL)

P  74  W  37  D  21  L  16  For  145  Ag  91

Recent PL Home Games

Oct. 2010  PL  Draw 1 - 1 Van der Vaart

Spurs went into the game on the back of their thrilling dedeat in the San Siro and everyone was expecting a repeat preformance from Gareth Bale.  Everton took the lead with a free-kick from Baines in the first half and Rafael Van der Vaart levelled three minutes later from an assist by Peter Crouch.  It was Van der Vaart's fifth goal in four home appearances.  Bale had a quiet game as Phil Neville used all his experience to nullify the threat posed.

Feb. 2010  PL  Won 2 - 1  Pavlyuchenko, Modric

Two goals in the first half hour from Roman Pavlyuchenko and Luka Modric set Spurs up for the win but and Everton goal early in the second half made it more difficult than it had first appeared as Everton showed improved form after the interval.

Nov. 2008  PL  Lost 0 - 1

After their long sequence without a win at Tottenham, Everton took advantage of a loss of concentration by Spurs to score the only goal from a quickly taken free-kick.  The first half was scoreless but Steven Peinaar put Everton ahead within six minutes of the restart getting the ball from the free-kick, which Spurs didn't react to quickly enough.

Aug. 2007  PL  Lost 1 - 3  Gardner
Spurs start to the season went from bad to worse.  Having lost at Sunderland on the opening day, they compounded it but losing comprehensively in their first home game.  Everton were ahead after three minutes but Tony Gardner equalised after twenty minutes.  Everton scored twice in the eight minutes leading up to the interval and Spurs with a number of injuries in defence never looked like recovering.


Aug. 2006  PL  Lost 0 - 2
It was exactly twenty one years from Everton's last League win at White Hart Lane but two second half goals secured their win.


Oct. 2005  PL  Won 2 - 0  Mido, Jenas
Everton played with five in midfield and they held out for an hour.  Then Mido and Jermaine Jenas scored twice with headers within six minutes to secure the points.

 
Memorable Matches
1st January, 2005  Spurs 5 Everton 2 Marney (2), Ziegler, Mendes, Keane
What a way to start the New Year especially for Dean Marney who scored his only goals for the club.

12th January, 2003  Spurs 4 Everton 3 Keane (3), Poyet
Five goals in the second half after Spurs levelled in the first half through Gus Poyet, Everton having gone ahead in the tenth minute.  After the interval Everton twice pulled Spurs back after Keane put then ahead but Keane completed his hat-trick with seven minutes remaining.
 
3rd October, 1993  Spurs 3 Everton 2 Sheringham, Anderton, Caskey
Everton were ahead at the interval but Teddy Sheringham equalised on the hour.  Everton regained the lead and with two minutes remaining seemed to have earned the points.  Darren Anderton then drew Spurs level and Darren Caskey scored the winner in the last minute.
 
11th October, 1958  Spurs 10 Everton 4 Ryden, Medwin, Harmer, Smith (4), Stokes (2), Robb
What a way for Bill Nicholson to start his managerial career.  Appointed on the morning of the match the players responded and produced this outstanding result - a sign of the great times ahead at White Hart Lane when 'Sir' Bill was in charge.

25th December, 1956  Spurs 6 Everton 0  Medwin, (2), Harmer (pen), Smith R (2), Stokes    
A memorable way to mark the last time Spurs played a game on Christmas Day at White Hart Lane.  The tradition of playing matches on that day was finally brought to an end in 1958.

Once again, as against WBA, Spurs face a side with a better away record that home and a team who have benefited from late goals.  Spurs can expect to face tactics similar to those employed by Sunderland and West Brom and even Chelsea in their initial approach to the game.  All three teams sat back and filled the area in front of their defence to stop Spurs' quick passing movements and to frustrate the opportunities for Kyle Walker, Bale and Lennon to run with the ball at pace.  Chelsea started the game in that way but became more expressive after Spurs went ahead.  

Everton will come to defend and restrict Spurs with a well organised game plan.  Even if they are weakened due to injuries David Moyes will expect his team to work hard in front of  Spurs to ensure they have no time on the ball and rely on Tim Howard to produce another sound display in goal.  Everton will attempt to wear Spurs down through time and then in the final part of the game hope to gain some extra reward for their effort with late attacking substitutions attempting to make their mark with a late goal as they have done previously in their away games. 

Spurs will hope for an early goal to upset any defensive plan which Everton might have set up so as to provide them with space to play in and the opportunity for the win to strengthen their position by moving level on points with Manchester United and create an eight point advantage over Chelsea in fourth place.