When Has This Happened for Spurs?

When have Spurs ever benefited from refereeing decisions in a game to such an extent as happened against Stoke last weekend?  In almost fifty years of supporting the club I can't think of any examples.

Pre-order: (use Code LH1)

Now that the win over Sunderland has restored our equilibrium, I've been thinking about that loss at the Brittania Stadium and if there has ever been a similar example where Tottenham have been the benefactors of such a display of refereeing where so many mistakes went in our favour and handed us victory on a plate.

Stoke had a number of decisions which went in their favour, courtesy of referee Chris Foy and his assistants:

• Peter Crouch clearly handled the ball in the lead up to the first goal
• Younes Kaboul was dragged down as he jumped for the ball at a corner
• Shawcross handled the ball on the line from Kaboul's shot
• Emmanuel Adebayor's disallowed goal was two yards on-side
• William Gallas was fouled as he went to for a tap-in
• Another handball from a Defoe shot
• Kaboul's dismissal from two soft yellow cards with the second coming when the Stoke player advanced from an offside position
• Woodgate could have had a second yellow card in the first half for a foul on Parker 

Now some will say, "Move on - get over it," and I have but it's out of interest that I ask the question.

When have Spurs ever benefited from refereeing decisions in a game to such an extent as happened against Stoke last weekend?

Every team has been gifted a win where an offside goal was allowed or an undeserved penalty awarded or a crucial decision went in their favour but I'm thinking about times when it appeared that almost every decision was favourable and resulted in a Tottenham win.

It's appropriate to raise the topic a week on from the Stoke game as I was reminded when I was reading 'Vertigo' by John Crace at the weekend that our next opponents, Chelsea, had favourable decisions at Stamford Bridge last season which gave them the three points - the Lampard shot which Heurelho Gomes allowed to slip past him but recovered only for the goal to be awarded and then, their winning goal was offside.

It is undeniable that against Stoke, Spurs found themselves into a difficult position because of poor defending in the first half but the refereeing decisions prevented them from making a comeback and possibly winning the game.  It is also true that if Gomes had dealt properly with Lampard's shot - basic goalkeeping - then Chelsea wouldn't have had the boost of going in level at the interval and that his mistake was the cause of Spurs' downfall.

Our selective 'Spurs' memory always allows us to remember the mistakes that have gone against us while deleting those which were favourable but I can't remember any occasion when Tottenham benefited in such a dramatic way when winning a game since I started following them in 1965.

The one occasion that I do know of when they did have the advantage of poor refereeing which enabled them to win a game was as far back as April, 1952, a few months before my birth.  Spurs beat Huddersfield Town 1 - 0 at White Hart Lane thanks to a goal similar to the one Blackburn scored last month from a corner where Pedersen dribbled into the penalty area having been the only player to touch the ball.  His cross was then finished off by Junior Hoilett. 

Eddie Baily

In Spurs game Eddie Baily who later became Assistant to Bill Nicholson at Spurs, took a corner but the ball struck the referee and rebounded to Baily who crossed for Len Duquemin to head the winning goal.  The goal should have been disallowed as no other player touched the ball before Baily played it a second time.  Despite much protesting from the Huddersfield players the referee was unmoved and his decision stood giving Tottenham the two points for the win with Huddersfield suffering relegation at the season's end.

If anyone can suggest examples of occasions when Spurs wins have come about through controversial decisions by the officials, I would like to know about them. 

Tottenham Goalkeepers 2011-2012 Friedel, Gomes, Cudicini

Tottenham have had many outstanding goalkeepers throughout their history but the present group, Brad Friedel, Carlo Cudicini and Heurelho Gomes are the best they've ever had at the club at the same time.  Anyone of them is capable of producing match winning performances and all three have shown that this season.

Pat Jennings, Ray Clemence, Ted Ditchburn, Bill Brown are all goalkeepers of the highest standing who have been involved in great teams at Tottenham.  During their time they have produced many match winning performances and have enjoyed the success of lifting trophies during their time at the club.  However, the current group of goalkeepers, Brad Friedel, Carlo Cudicini and Heurelho Gomes while not reaching the height of excellence of their predecessors, are definitely the best group of goalkeepers that Tottenham have ever had at the club at the same time.  In the days of Jennings, Ditchburn or the others the reserve goalkeeper was merely that, a back-up to be used in an emergency and the number 'one' had little competition for his place.  This, in itself can raise problems, as during Paul Robinson's time as first choice he had no competition for the goalkeeper's shirt.

An example of this problem comes from Pat Jennings' time at White Hart Lane.  At the start of the 1966-67 season Jennings finally claimed the position as his own ahead of the 'Double' winning keeper, Bill Brown.  A few months in to the season, Bill Nicholson allowed Brown to leave for Northampton Town. The next week, Jennings was injured and the 'new' reserve had to play, Roy Brown.  The match was at home to bottom club, Blackpool, but Spurs managed to lose 1 - 3.  Fortunately, Jennings had recovered by the following weekend and that was Roy Brown's only appearance for the club.  Jennings went on to have a long and fairly injury free career with Spurs and take on legendary status for his outstanding performances and contribution to the club's success in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The problem of not having a satisfactory goalkeeper to call upon would not be a problem with the goalkeepers who are currently in the squad.  They have the experience and ability to step in when required and produce outstanding performances as they have shown this year as manager, Harry Redknapp, has used the Carling Cup and Europa League to provide match practice and competition for his goalkeepers.

The arrival of Brad Friedel from Aston Villa during the summer has added competition for the goalkeeper's position.  Carlo Cudicini had seemed content to be reserve to Heurelho Gomes for the past two seasons with an occasional game in a Cup competition or to cover for an injury.  Last season Heurelho Gomes' standards slipped with mistakes coming more frequently and costing the team points.  Redknapp persevered with him but was clearly exasperated with his goalkeeper until finally deciding to omit him from the team for the final few games of the season and bringing in Cudicini.

Brad Friedel

Brad Friedel (40 years) had come to the end of his contract at Villa in the summer and was looking for a club where he would have an opportunity to play regularly.  He had the chance to return to Anfield but Liverpool were wanting him to be their reserve back-up to Pepe Reina.  Friedel wanted more and so decided to sign for Tottenham where he was given a two year contract with the incentive of competing to be first choice goalkeeper.

Harry Redknapp was non-commital as to who would be the first choice goalkeeper.  Gomes started the first competitive match in the Europa League at Hearts but although Spurs won comfortably without conceding a goal, Gomes didn't look comfortable during the short period at the start of the second half when the home side exerted some pressure on the Tottenham defence.  Some of his old problems from last season seemed to be there once again.

The Premier League game at Old Trafford was to tell the full story - Brad Friedel claimed the goalkeeper's position and has now extended his record of consecutive Premier League appearances to 285 matches (as of 8th November, 2011) for three different clubs, stretching back to 2004.  Now, for a 40 year old goalkeeper to concede eight goals in his first two games at a new club, some might have suggested that it was time to retire but not in Friedel's case.  He used his vast experience to set that aside and has now helped Tottenham to their best ever points haul from the opening ten games in the Premier League - twenty two points from seven victories and a draw.

The three points acquired at Craven Cottage in last Sunday's match against Fulham are down to Friedel's match-winning goalkeeping performance.  He made a vital early stop from a corner and in the second half as Fulham attacked continuously for most of the forty five minutes he produced a series of outstanding saves to deny them.  He tipped over a header from Brede Hangeland at a corner, blocked a powerful drive from Chris Baird following a free-kick, dived bravely at Clint Dempsey's feet, saved a drive from Moussa Dembele and in added time blocked and saved in two goalmouth scrambles as Fulham threw everything at Tottenham in a last desperate attempt to salvage a draw from the game.  Even the goal that he conceded was deflected past him, off the back of Younes Kaboul.  He dealt with the pressure  Fulham put on him when they positioned a player in front o fhim for every corner and free-kick.  In the midst of the chaos Friedel brought a sense of calm and authority to the proceedings and Spurs weathered the storm and claimed another three points in a match as Joe Jordan said, 'Tottenham would have lost a match like that when we first came to the club.'  Friedel was rightly acclaimed 'Man of the Match' for his performance which defied his years.

Brad Friedel claimed the first team place and was omitted from the Europa League squad, taking into account his age and to keep him fresh for League matches.  Gomes and Cudicini have been rotated for the Carling Cup and Europa League matches and have also produced outstanding performances in these matches to remind Redknapp of their ability.

Carlo Cudicini

Carlo Cudicini (38 years) has stepped up to the plate in the Europa League games with exceptional performances in the two away matches in Greece and Russia.  With  a very inexperienced team in both games they needed the loyal keeper to produce some outstanding saves to encourage the young players and prevent Spurs from suffering disappointing results in their European campaign.  Against PAOK Salonika the young players performed with confidence and control but it required Cudicini to be at his best with a number of important saves.  He conceded a penalty in the first half but when it had to be retaken he used his experience to stand up and make it difficult for the player who shot wide.  Other crucial saves kept PAOK out and in the final moments as the home side looked for a late winner, he made two outstanding saves to earn Spurs a draw.

Against Rubin Kazan, with none of the first team travelling, Cudicini denied a very strong Russian
team with a series of saves throughout the match and he was only beaten from a needlessly conceded free-kick when Sebastien Bassong made a mistake.  He was 'Man of the Match' and didn't deserve to be on the losing the side.

Heurelho Gomes

Heurelho Gomes (30 years old) is an outstanding goalkeeper who is a mix of the incredible and the unbelievable.  Incredible saves along with unbelievable errors which bring an unnecessary pressure on the whole team.  This was evident to Spurs supporters when he played for PSV Eindhoven against Spurs in the UEFA Cup.  Tottenham lost at home when Gomes was a mix of saves and fumbles but Spurs were unable to take advantage.  Then in the away leg which Spurs won to take the game to extra time and penalties, Gomes was the hero.  He made saves at vital times in the game which denied Spurs the win their performance deserved - a late save that took the game to extra time, an outstanding save in the final minute of extra time and then a penalty save to deny Jermaine Jenas who could have won the penalty shoot out for Tottenham.  Gomes is a goalkeeper who can make outstanding saves but follow it up with a basic error which raises uncertainty in the minds of the defence and invites pressure from the opposition.  He is a confidence goalkeeper and when he loses that it greatly affects his whole game.

On joining Tottenham, Gomes found it difficult to adjust to the demands and pressure of the Premier League.  Any mistake or misjudgement is so often punished in English football that he was immediately under pressure and scrutiny.  His arrival coincided with Tottenham's 'two points from eight games' start to the 2008-09 season and the eventual appointment of Harry Redknapp.  Two blunders in a defeat at Fulham ended Redknapp's unbeaten start as Totenham manager and Gomes' confidence was gone.  The appointment of former Tottenham goalkeeper, Tony Parks, as goalkeeping coach helped to rebuild his confidence and performances.  Restored to the team he helped Tottenham avoid relegation and the next season produced some amazing saves as Tottenham reached the Champions League.  However, he was still the same keeper with rash decisions and mistakes plaguing his performances.

Last season a series of blunders cost Tottenham points as they sought to retain fourth place in the League.  There was the farcical blunder early in the season at Old Trafford where he set the ball down expecting a free-kick, only for Nani to hit it into an empty net.  After a number of confidence sapping performances for the goalkeeper, manager and supporters, Redknapp dropped him for the final three games of the season.  The final agonies which summed up Gomes as a goalkeeper came in two consecutive games.  Against Blackpool at home he saved a penalty but was so hyper after the save that he totally lost control of his actions and rushed out needlessly and conceded another penalty from the resulting corner.  Then in the next match at Chelsea with Spurs a goal ahead, he let a shot from Frank Lampard slip from his grasp and roll towards the goal line.  He dived back and retrieved the ball before it crossed the line but the referee awarded a goal and Spurs went on to lose the match.

Gomes has played on three occasions this year - he was nervy against Hearts and that performance probably confirmed Harry Redknapp in the decision to make Friedel his number one choice.  He than played at Stoke City in the Carling Cup.  The Stoke game is always a difficult match for a goalkeeper with the home team's high ball and set-piece threat.  Gomes doesn't cope well with such tactics but in two hours football he didn't concede a goal as Spurs went on to lose another penalty shoot-out.  His next match was the Europa League home game against Rubin Kazan.  The Russian team were difficult opponents for another young Spurs side but Gomes put in a match winning performance with a number of good saves.  He again showed both sides of his game with good good saves as the Russians proved a potent attacking threat but also some nervy moments where everyone had to hold their breath.  Spurs won and Gomes played an important part in that success.  In his three appearances this season, Gomes has kept three clean sheets.

Tottenham have three top class goalkeepers in their squad and any one of them could be play and be relied upon to put in a very credible performance.  No other team in the Premier League has such quality available to them.  However, it is widely expected that Gomes, the youngest of the three goalkeepers will move on in January as he seeks regular football.  He may return to his native country, Brazil, or to a European league where the pressure on the goalkeeper is not so intense.  A recent article suggests that Gomes is for sale following a break down in his relationship with Harry Redknapp.  they had a fierce row following the match at Old Trafford when gomes claimed that he had been told that he would be first choice with Friedel as back-up.

With Friedel and Cudicini in the senior age bracket, Spurs will have to make a decision in the future about acquiring a younger long term option and that will be a vital decision for the future success of the team.  However, for the moment they will make the most of the experience that the three goalkeepers, Friedel, Cudicini and Gomes, bring to the club.

The Decline of Bassong at Tottenham

Sebastien Bassong apologised to his colleagues for the elementary error which led to the free-kick from which Rubin Kazan scored the only goal in the Europa League match on Thursday evening and saw Spurs lose their unbeaten record.  The defeat meant that Tottenham slipped from top of the Group A to third place and they will need to defeat the new leaders, PAOK Salonika, in their next match to give themselves a chance of qualification to the knock-out stages as winners of the group.

Sebastien Bassong Apologises for His Mistake

Sebastien Bassong

Ahead of the Europa League in Russia, there was a poignant headline in the London Evening Standard, 
'It Hurts that my Tottenham Career is nearly over.'   
 (Read the full story here)

The headline screamed all that has been wrong with Sebastien Bassong over the past year at Spurs.  He has lost confidence and has clearly given up.  It had all started so well at White Hart Lane for Bassong who joined Spurs in the summer of 2009, following Newcastle United's relegation.  Bassong had been one of the few players to come out of that season with some credit in what had been a terrible year for the club.  His centre back partner, Fabricio Coloccini, had been widely criticised but now as Bassong looks troubled, Coloccini is receiving the plaudits as Newcastle maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

Bassong made his Premier League debut for Tottenham in their opening day win over Liverpool at White Hart Lane, heading the winning goal from a corner and becoming the tenth Tottenham player to score on their debut in the Premier League.  That season he went on to make 28 League appearances and was comfortable in his partnership with the other centre backs, Michael Dawson, Ledley King and Younes Kaboul, as the team finally broke in to the top four and achieved their goal of Champions League football.  He was ahead of Kaboul and only lost his place when King returned for the final few games of the season.

The following year, King and Dawson started as first choice but when they were injured early in the new season, Bassong returned to the team and was involved in of the early part of the Champions League campaign, scoring the first goal in Berne as Spurs recovered from a three goal deficit in the Qualifying Round.  The arrival of William Gallas increased competition for places and Bassong was no longer guaranteed a starting place or of stepping in when someone was injured.  This uncertainty seemed to drain his confidence and when called upon it affected his performances and saw him more often among the substitutes as Dawson, Gallas and Kaboul claimed their places.  In his performance at Blackpool as Tottenham looked to push on towards a second successive Champions League place, his uncertainty was particularly evident as a poor team performance saw Spurs lose 1 - 3.  Returning to the side, Bassong gave away an early and unnecessary penalty to set Blackpool on their way.

Bassong's appearances had been greatly reduced in that second season and there was talk of a possible transfer away from White Hart Lane.  In fact, at the end of August, he appears to have been only a signature away from joining newly promoted Queen's Park Rangers but Tottenham's inability to reach agreement with Bolton Wanderers over the signing of Gary Cahill, saw them decide against his transfer and retain him as cover at Spurs.

Sebastien Bassong comes across as a genuine fellow, he's not brash and when he's relaxed he has a smile on his face and appears very pleasant.  However, on the pitch, he looks as if he's carrying all the cares of the world on his shoulders, he looks tense, nervous, unsure of what to do and so afraid of making a mistake that it affects his judgement and all round play.

Ironically, one of the positives surrounding the young players who have appeared in the Europa League team, has been their confidence and self-belief which belies their tender years.  They have not been phased by the thought that they are playing in the first team or that it's an important European competition or that they're playing with experienced Premier League players and internationals or that that their opponents are internationals.  They have set aside all such concerns and performed admirably with very satisfactory results.

However, Bassong has looked so on edge in his manner and in his play.  Even as captain, he seemed unsure what decision to take when he won the toss.  In the matches he's played, this has led to errors in his passing, putting team mates under pressure with a misdirected pass or one played too short.  Clearances have given the ball back to opponents and maintained the pressure on the Spurs defence. Even basic areas of his game have been affected - his first touch putting him under pressure as happened in the home game against Rubin Kazan.  As the visitors increased their attacking intent in the second half, a ball was passed back to him but he somehow stood on it and was immediately under pressure but managed to rescue the situation with the help of a colleague.

The inevitable mistake from which he couldn't recover occurred in Russia.  As the under-strength  team held out in the second half against the increasing threat of Rubin Kazan, Gallas managed to head a dangerous cross to Bassong who was alone in the centre of the Tottenham area.  He took a touch and then a second but this one was too strong, resulting in the ball getting away from him and as he dived in to retrieve the situation, he brought down the home player.  He was booked and Rubin Kazin scored the only goal from the free-kick.  It was a needless free-kick to concede and Spurs paid dearly for Basson's mistake.  After the game, Bassong apologised to the team but it has been a mistake waiting to happen for some time.  In his general play in Russia, playing beside the experienced Gallas, he had appeared more confident than on some previous occasions but his mistake took away from his overall performance as did a later misjudgement which played young Dean Parrett into trouble and could easily have led to another goal.

Bassong has taken on a persona similar to Heurelho Gomes when he is not playing well.  He seems to have accepted that his time with Spurs is over and is waiting to move on during the transfer window in January.  This attitude is having a telling affect on his play and for a player who started his career at Tottenham in such a positive manner, it is sad to see him so out of sorts with his football and so uncertain and lacking in confidence.  It would appear that Bassong is now among a number of players who have lost the confidence of the manager with little future for them at the club.  Some, like Alan Hutton and Robbie Keane have already moved on, others like David Bentley and Jermaine Jenas have gone out on loan while Bassong and Gomes remain, waiting for their time to come to depart through the door marked 'Exit'.

Tottenham Hotspur 1 Rubin Kazan 0 Europa League

Tottenham had Roman Pavlyuchenko to thank for the goal which was enough to earn the three points to take them to the top of Group A in the Europa League.  With seven points they are clear of PAOK who have five with Rubin on four.  Spurs' next match is in Russia and they know that it will be a difficult task to take anything from that encounter.

Tottenham Hotspur 1 Rubin Kazan 0

                                            Scorer: Pavlyuchenko

Team: Gomes; Walker, Livermore, Bassong, Rose; Lennon (Modric), Sandro (Kaboul), Carroll, Giovani Dos Santos (Assou-Ekotto); Defoe, Pavlyuchenko.  Subs (unused): Cudicini, Kane,Townsend

SuperPav Super Strike Wins it For Tottenham

Roman Pavlyuchenko

Roman Pavlyuchenko shook off his lethargy to fire an unstoppable free-kick high into the Rubin Kazan net after thirty three minutes to win this Europa League encounter against his fellow countrymen.  From the outset Pavlyuchenko was out to show his prowess, taking the every opportunity to shoot. 

As was to be expected from a team who had Champions League experience and who had defeated Barcelona in Spain two seasons ago, Rubin Kazan came to win the match and were positive throughout, having the majority of the possession and creating opportunities to strike for goal.  The only element that was missing from their game was a coolness in front of goal as Heurelho Gomes was relatively untroubled during the first forty five minutes.

Spurs with only Kyle Walker and Jake Livermore from the starting eleven at Newcastle, had Sebastien  Bassong and Livermore in central defence so depleted is Harry Redknapp for centre backs.  Danny Rose was at left back while Sandro and Tom Carroll were in midfield with Aaron Lennon, returning from injury, and Dos Santos on the wings.  Pavlyuchenko was partnered by Jermain Defoe as strikers.

Tottenham were neat and tidy in possession but didn't really threatened on goal with the two strikers rarely working as partners.  Bassong and Livermore found it difficult to develop any understanding and were grateful for the lack of firepower from the visitors.  Lennon and Dos Santos offered little as they mostly ran themselves into trouble with Rose and Walker being left to do much of the forward running.  Carroll and Sandro worked hard in midfield to contain the quick passing Russian team.

It was from a Rose foray towards the penalty area that Spurs won a free-kick.  Centre of goal, on the edge of the 'D' Roman Pavlyuchenko hammered the ball into the top corner of the net, giving the keeper no chance.  Spurs were ahead but hardly deserving of the advantage which they held comfortably to half-time with Pavlyuchenko having another drive well saved.

In the second half Rubin Kazan increased the pressure and Spurs were reduced to defending to try to stop the flow.  Gomes was coming in to play more often and he dealt with most situations easily with only the occasional anxious moment.  As the half wore, in recognition of the threat being presented by Rubin Kazan, Harry Redknapp opted to strengthen his team to ensure the victory.  He introduced Younes Kaboul and Benoit Assou-Ekotto to defence and brought on Luka Modric in central midfield beside Carroll. 

The changes enables Spurs to see out the game to claim their three points.  Gomes has played three games this year without conceding a goal, Carroll played well and is benefiting from these Europa League games,  Rose had a good game at full-back and then moved forward to left midfield and was dangerous on the break late in the game, earning corners for his endeavours.

Mission accomplished for Harry Redknapp and the Tottenham Europa League squad.  After three games they are on target for qualification to the knock-out stages in the new year.

Tottenham's Penalty Shoot-out Record

Spurs' poor record in penalty shoot-out deciders continued with their Carling Cup exit against Stoke City. They have now lost their last six attempts at this footballing lottery, not having won since overcoming Peterborough United in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup in 1994.  It was ten years earlier that the won their only other penalty decider, a memorable European night at White Hart Lane, against Anderlecht in the UEFA Cup Final. 

FA Cup and Carling Cup ties used to turn into marathon tests of endurance with replay after replay until one team came out on top.  In season 1952-53 it took three games in the FA Cup 6th Round for Spurs to overcome Birmingham City with a goal from Sonny Walters at the neutral venue of Villa Park.  In Spurs successful League Cup run in 1972-73 they had to play Middlesbrough three times before winning 2 - 1 after extra time in the 3rd Round.  Two days later they defeated Millwall in the next round.  It was a hectic schedule for players in those days.

Now to avoid fixture congestion, the Carling Cup ties are decided on the night with extra time and penalties if necessary while the FA Cup continues to have one replay before resorting to extra time and penalties.  European knock-out ties also go to penalties if the away goals rule doesn't produce a winner.

Tottenham's first two experiences of this nerve-wracking form of football torture were enjoyable because they came away victorious but the next six have produced deep disappointment due to defeat.

UEFA Cup Success - Tony Parks, the Super Hero
23rd May, 1984 v Anderlecht [UEFA Cup Final (2nd Leg)]  Draw 1 - 1 

1984 UEFA Cup Winners

Coming to the game all square at 1 - 1 after the away leg Spurs found themselves a goal down and it took an equaliser from stand-in captain Graham Robers to take the game to extra time and penalties.  Roberts led by example scoring the first penalty and Tony Parks saved the first Anderlecht penalty.  Mark Falco, Gary Stevens and Steve Archibald all scored as did the Anderlecht players.  At 4-3 in Spurs' favour, Danny Thomas saw his shot saved.  The next man for Anderlecht was Arnor Gudjohnsen, father of Eidur, who had replaced Frank Arnesen. Parks dived to his right to save and then set off in celebration around White Hart Lane.

In what was Keith Burkinshaw's last game as manager, Tottenham were without Captain, Steve Perryman, suspended, Glenn Hoddle, injured, while Ossie Ardiles was only able to play a bit part due to injury.
Team: Parks; Thomas, Roberts, Miller (Ardiles), Hughton; Hazard, Mabbutt (Dick), Stevens, Galvin; Falco, Archibald


Jan. 1994 FA Cup 3rd Round Replay
v Peterborough United (h) Draw 1 - 1 (aet)  Barmby  (Won 5 - 4 on penalties)

Ian Walker

Having earned a replay with a late Jason Dozzell goal Spurs found Peterborough more difficult than expected.  Nicky Barmby put them ahead but United levelled and took the game to extra time and penalties.  Spurs scored all five penalties - Barmby, Darren Caskey, David Kerslake, Darren Anderton and Steve Sedgley being successful.  Ian Walker proved the hero by saving the fourth Peterborough penalty.


Mar. 1996 FA Cup 5th Round Replay
v Nottingham Forest (h) Draw 1 - 1 aet Sheringham  (Lost 1 - 3 on penalties)

This was the third match in this contest, the first in Nottingham having to be abandoned after fourteen minutes due to snow.  At the second time of asking the teams drew 2 - 2 with Chris Armstrong scoring twice.  The replay then had to be played on 6th Round day and Forest took the lead inside ten minutes. Teddy Sheringham equalised direct from a free-kick before half-time.  In extra time Spurs had a shot cleared off the line and also hit a post so penalties were required to decide the tie.  Ruel Fox was the only successful taker for Spurs while Forest goalkeeper, Mark Crossley who had saved a penalty from Gary Lineker in the 1991 FA Cup Final, saved three from Clive Wilson, Ronny Rosenthal and finally Sheringham.  Forest scored three from four to progress.


Dec. 2003 Carling Cup 5th Round
v Middlesbrough (h) Draw 1 - 1 aet Anderton  (Lost 4 - 5 on penalties)

Darren Anderton put Spurs ahead after two minutes but what had looked to be a sweet evening for Tottenham turned sour four minutes from the end with a Boro equaliser.  It was to become even more bitter when penalties were taken.  Both teams scored their first three penalties, Robbie Keane, Stephen Carr and Paul Konchesky for Spurs.  Gus Poyet missed and Boro took the lead.  Freddie Kanoute scored but Kasey Keller denied Boro.  At 4 - 4 Mauricio Taricco sent the goalkeeper the wrong way but saw his shot hit the post.  Middlesbrough scored from their next penalty.  Even more annoying for Tottenham supporters was the news that they had missed out on a two-legged semi-final against Arsenal.
Full Match Report


Dec. 2004 Carling Cup 5th Round
v Liverpool (h) Draw 1 - 1 aet Defoe (Lost 3 - 4 on penalties)

Scoreless after ninety minutes, Jermain Defoe scored for Spurs twelve with minutes remaining in extra time.  A semi-final spot seemed secure until three minutes fro the end Kanoute needlessly handled from a Liverpool corner to concede a penalty.  Liverpool equalised and the game went to penalties.  Defoe and Michael Carrick scored the first two penalties for Spurs and Liverpool matched them.  Kanote's night got worse as his penalty was saved.  Paul Robinson pulled off a save to deny Liverpool but Michael Brown shot over the bar.  Liverpool went ahead but Reto Ziegler levelled but Liverpool their fourth to deny Spurs.
Full Match Report


Mar. 2008 UEFA Cup Round of 16 (2nd Leg)
v PSV Eindhoven (a) Won 1 - 0 aet Berbatov (Lost 5 - 6 on penalties)

Gomes - PSV's hero

Having lost the first leg at home by a single goal Spurs did well to turn the tie round and win in Holland with a Dimitar Berbatov goal.  Heurelho Gomes was in goal for PSV and it was his performance that denied Spurs an outright victory by tipping over a header from Darren Bent to take the game to extra time and ensuring penalties with a save from Steed Malbranque in the dying minutes of extra time.

The opening penalties were scored by both sides, Berbatov dispatching his for Spurs.  Robinson then gave Tottenham the advantage saving the next PSV penalty and Jamie O'Hara, Tom Huddlestone and Darren Bent all scored. With one shot to win, Jermaine Jenas hit his penalty to the goalkeeper's left but at a comfortable height allowing Gomes to make the save.  PSV levelled, Didier Zokora's penalty was matched by PSV but Pascal Chimbonda put his wide giving the home the scent of victory which they took.
Full Match Report


Mar. 2009 Carling Cup Final
v Manchester United (Wembley) Draw 0 - 0 aet (Lost 1 - 4 on penalties)

Looking to retain the Carling Cup Harry Redknapp's team found themselves under early pressure but gradually came into the game and United had their goalkeeper, Ben Foster, to thank for keeping them in the game.  Both teams had chances to win the game but didn't take them and the game ended in stalemate with penalties required.  United went ahead but substitute Jamie O'Hara's shot was saved, United added another while Vedran Corluka got Spurs first.  United scored but David Bentley put his wide and United put their fourth away to claim the trophy and compound Tottenham's misery.
Full Match Report

Sept. 2011 Carling Cup 3rd Round
v Stoke City (a) Draw 0 - 0 aet (Lost 6 - 7 on penalties)

Both clubs fielded weakened teams as the Carling Cup was not as high a priority as either the Premier League or European competition.  In a dull match neither side could score, Tottenham's best period coming either side of half-time, so the match was resolved with penalties.  Stoke went ahead and Defoe levelled only for Stoke to hit the bar but Roman Pavlyuchenko missed the target, denying Spurs the chance to snatch the advantage.  The next five penalties were all scored by both sides - Andros Townsend, Corluka, Younes Kaboul, Jake Livermore and Tom Carroll all finding the net to make it 6 - 6 (Stoke's scorers included former Spurs, Peter Crouch and Matthew Etherington). Stoke took the lead and Spurs were beaten when eighteen year old debutant, Massimo Luongo had his shot saved.  A difficult experience for a young player as Spurs' pain of penalty shoot-outs continues.
Match Report

Research for this article was aided by the excellent match reports on the Spurs Odyssey web-site.

Stoke 0 Tottenham 0 (aet) (Spurs Lost 6-7 on pens)

Carling Cup Exit on Penalties for Spurs

Stoke and Tottenham made numerous changes for this game but neither side could find a goal so at the end of 120 minutes it went to penalties.  Both sides missed early on but then it progressed to 6-6 until Tottenham debutant had his shot saved and Tottenham were out.  The harsh reality of Cup football for a young player.

Team: Gomes; Corluka, Kaboul, Bassong, Assou-Ekotto; Carroll, Sandro (Luongo), Livermore, Giovani (Townsend); Van der Vaart (Defoe), Pavlyuchenko. Subs: Cudicini, Kane, Cabalios, Falque

Gomes returned for Carling Cup

The Tottenham team contained only two of Sunday's starting line-up - Younes Kaboul and Benoit Assou-Ekotto, while Heurelho Gomes returned for his first game since playing at Hearts in the Europa League.  Sandro made his first appearance following his return from injury and Tom Carroll had the opportunity of further experience with another full game.  Stoke had former players, Wilson Palacios and Matthew Etherington in their starting line-up, while Peter Crouch was among the substitutes.

This match between two sides who have had a busy opening schedule this season, never reached any great heights but was an opportunity for some of the squad players to get match practice.  Stoke started the better and Crouch made an early appearance following an injury to Jones.  Tottenham withstood Stoke's high approach and came more into the game before and after half-time.  However, neither side created many goal scoring opportunities.

Gomes had a few difficult moments but the game went into extra time and then penalties.  Tottenham have a poor record in this and so it proved again as they exited the competition at the 3rd Round stage for the second consecutive season.

Penalty Shoot-Out
Stoke 1 - 0
1 - 1 Defoe

Stoke miss - hit bar

Tottenham miss - Pavlyuchenko (missed target)

Stoke 2 - 1

2 - 2 Townsend

Stoke 3 - 1

3 - 3 Corluka
Stoke 4 - 3 (Crouch)
4 - 4 Kaboul

Stoke 5 - 4 (Etherington)

5 - 5 Livermore

Stoke 6 - 5

6 - 6 Carroll

Stoke 7 - 6

Tottenham miss - Luongo (saved)

The penalty kick shoot out was the usual lottery and no blame can be laid at the young player who missed the final penalty.  Massimo Luongo making his first appearance replaced Sandro after seventy minutes.  With the penalty shoot-out progressing so far, neither goalkeeper getting a chance to pull off a save, it was a high pressured situation for such a young player who saw Stoke keeper, Sorensen save his shot.  He is th esecond young player to discover the harsh realities of senior football with a penalty kick saved - Harry Kane suffering the same fate in his debut against Hearts at White Hart Lane.  The other penalty miss was by Roman Pavlyuchenko who shot high and wide - described by the Talksport radio commentator as, 'The worst penalty kick he had seen.'

Massimo Luongo is an eighteen year old who has been playing for the Academy team.  He was signed last January and is half-Australian/half-Indonesian and has been very impressive for the U-18s and especially in the Next-Gen series match against Inter Milan which Spurs won 7 - 1.

Tottenham's record in the penalty shoot-out is poor.  They have only won by this method on two occasions - 1984 UEFA Cup Final and an FA Cup 3rd Round replay against Peterborough in 1994. .  Since then it has been disappointment every time including the 2009 Carling Cup Final at Wembley against Manchester United.

An early exit from the Carling Cup will give the Spurs squad a break in their hectic pre-Christmas fixture list to allow for recovery from injuries and knocks which occur during games.  At least this defeat wasn't as humiliating as the exit from last season's two Cup competitions.  However, the Carling Cup always represents a competition that a team like Tottenham might just be able to win.

Spurs 'Lost XI'

Tottenham's Missing Players

Concerns are mounting over the number of highly paid international players who have been lost at Tottenham Hotspur Football Club for some considerable time.  These players continue to receive their highly exorbitant salaries without having to kick a football in anger - we'd all be up for a job like that.

Before the announcement of today's team, a few words of thanks to some former members of the Spurs 'Lost XI' who have gone off to pastures new.  First, the captain and founder member of this illustrious team, Robbie Keane who after many years of service and goals took off to his 'boyhood team', Liverpool, where they destroyed him and returned him six months later, as damaged goods.  His days became numbered when he masterminded the infamous Christmas 'golf' trip to Dublin.  Harry Redknapp was not best pleased so Robbie went off to his other favourite team Celtic on loan, became a Hammer but with even less success and is now plying his trade with David Beckham for LA Galaxy.

Vice-Captain, Jonathan Woodgate has been an outstanding member of the 'Lost XI' for much of his time with Tottenham.  Most consistently over the last eighteen months when he managed to play for only fifteen minutes in Milan in the Champions League.  Having travelled the world, possibly at Tottenham's expense, in search of a remedy for his numerous injury problems, he has now taken up service with Stoke City in both the Premier League and Europa League.  In a short period of time he has managed appearances at such exciting places as Aldershot, Stoke, Split and Norwich.  Perhaps he'll appear at a ground near you, any day soon.

Team News:
Heurelho Gomes is a recent recruit for the 'Lost XI'.  Last seen sitting on the bench at Old Trafford following his uncertain display in the Europa League game at Hearts.  Not seen for the return match when Carlo Cudicini played with Brad Friedel who had made his debut in the defeat to Manchester United, among the substitutes. One wonders, nay speculates, if Gomes is to be long with us or is he destined to return to Holland where his idiocincracies are less problematic.

Alan Hutton, a combative defender, is a long standing member of this squad.  He first appeared surplus in early 2010 when he went off to Sunderland but returned and while making an impression with a couple of goals, all was not well.  A few appearances for Scotland later, rumours persist of his imminent departure but he's still 'lost' at Spurs.

Ledley King

Ledley King has been part of this team for long periods of his Tottenham career.  For the past number of years he has struggled to play regularly due to numerous injury problems and operations but he did manage to captain Spurs to their Carling Cup success against Chelsea at Wembley in 2008.  Unexpected appearances in the final two games of last season saw Spurs win at Liverpool and against Birmingham to claim a Euopa League place.  Another operation and he has gone missing again but is the newly appointed captain of Spurs 'Lost XI'.

William Gallas is a new recruit for this team.  Having signed from Arsenal last year he put in many stirring performances in the face of seeming injury difficulties.  Hardly a game passed without Gallas limping off for running repairs only to return a few minutes later,  bandaged and strapped up ready for action.  Many commendable performances followed and they were greatly appreciated by the Spurs faithful.  Eventually, the injuries caught up with him and he missed the final two matches of a long season.  Now missing at the start of the new season, he takes his place in the 'Lost XI'.

Sebastien Bassong had a commendable debut season for Tottenham but on occasions last year he looked lost all over the pitch, especially on a cold evening in Blackpool last February when Tottenham's claims for a top 4 finish started to unravel.  Still looking unsure and uncomfortable, it looks as if his future at Spurs could be short as talk continues of a central defender arriving at White Hart Lane.

David Bentley has been a member of the Spurs 'Lost XI' for most of his Tottenham career.  A few short periods of action on the pitch have been followed by spells of inactivity.  Last season spent on loan at Birmingham didn't help and talk of inauspicious performances for the Spurs XI seems to guarantee his regular availability for our little team.

Jermaine Jenas

Jermaine Jenas is a happy member of our team who is frequently absent through injury for some time each year.  He failed to impress on-lookers when given a sudden opportunity on the big-stage against Real Madrid last April.  Injury once again has reduced him to sitting on the bench as the new season starts with younger players eager to show their worth.

Wilson Palacios, like Bassong made a commendable start to his time at Tottenham but in recent seasons he has found it more difficult to hold down a place in the team.  Even the intervention of his mother failed to inspire him and he has become more isolated as Sandro has become accustomed to Premier League football. With limited opportunities, he may prefer to forgo the pleasure of appearing for the 'Lost XI' to turn out in the Potteries.

Luka Modric, the recipient of the members Player of the Year award in May, has become an unexpected member of the 'Lost XI'.  He has either had his turned by Chelsea or has sustained a convenient injury, depending on which story you believe, as Tottenham's season has got off to an unconvincing start.  How long he will remain part of the squad is uncertain.

Giovani Dos Santos was last seen starring for Mexico with wonder goals in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the summer.  He had a half season on loan with Racing Santander last year but has seen little action for Spurs in spite of his fine credentials on signing from Barcelona.  A move away to a team in Europa may be more may appropriate for his talent.

Peter Crouch is another newcomer to this select squad.  After making a goal scoring appearance in pre-season against Athetic Bilbao and with his understanding with Van der Vaart and his usefulness against Continental defenders, it appeared that he would continue to play a part at Tottenham for the foreseeable future.  However, after three games he has failed to appear and speculation of future dalliances with the Potteries continues.

Substitutes:
Ben Alnwick signed from Sunderland in a swap for Marton Fulop - Spurs didn't do well in that transaction.  He has spent most time on loan around the lower divisions of the Football League and will probably be off again on his travels very soon.

John Bostock came as a young player from Crystal Palace but has failed, to date, to live up to his early hype.  He became Spurs' youngest player when appearing in a European game in 2008 but has failed to impress in subsequent spells on loan at League clubs.  A young player who at present seems to have lost his way.

All clubs are facing the problem of players who are surplus to requirements, but for top clubs with big squads paying high salaries it is becoming more difficult to move players on as they see out their long contracts.  Tottenham have a squad of players who are earning high salaries but are not having to give anything to the club in return - it must be a great life for them, as long as they don't mind not playing football regularly.  It's something Tottenham have been trying to remedy in this current Transfer Window by removing some of them but now into the final few days of August, it would appear that there will be quite a number of them still available for selection for the Spurs 'Lost XI' in the coming months.