Tottenham's Disappointment of Losing The Cup

It was twenty five years ago today, 16th May, 1987 that Spurs lost their first FA Cup Final.  After seven successful Finals, Spurs' amazing record was gone as they lost to Coventry City at Wembley.  They had already sacrificed their record of never losing in a Cup Final or at Wembley in 1982 when they lost out in the League/Milk Cup Final to Liverpool but this was the big one.

Coventry City 3 Tottenham  Hotspur 2 (aet)

Scorers: Bennett, Houchen, Mabbutt o.g                          Allen, C., Mabbutt 

Team: Clemence; Hughton (Claesen), Mabbutt, Gough, Thomas, T.; Allen, P., Ardiles (Stevens), Hoddle, Hodge, Waddle, Allen, C.

Spurs had arrived at Wembley after a very impressive season which had seen David Pleat's team finish third in the 1st Division behind Everton and Liverpool.  They had lost in the semi-final of the Littlewoods League Cup to Arsenal after a replay was required, the tie ending all square after home and away legs.  Arsenal's late winner at White Hart Lane in that third match was the only time they had led in the tie.  


Clive Allen had been the relevation of the season as he set a new goalscoring record for Spurs - 49 in all competitions, breaking the record previously held by Jimmy Greaves.  The season started with his hat-trick against Aston Villa at Villa Park as Spurs claimed a 3 - 0 success and carried on from there.  David Pleat introduced a system where he played as a lone striker supported by five in midfield and very successful it proved.


Spurs' Road to Wembley:
Spurs' progress to the FA Cup Final had been quite serene with few difficulties along the way with Allen scoring four goals in the competition.  This was to be Glenn Hoddle's last season with Spurs and so it was extra special for him to leave on a high note.

3rd R.  v Scunthorpe United (h)  Won 3 - 2  Mabbutt, Waddle, Claesen
4th R.  v Crystal Palace (h)  Won 4 - 0  Mabbutt, Allen, C. (pen), Claesen, Opp. o.g.
5th R.  v Newcastle United (h)  Won 1 - 0  Allen, C. (pen)
6th R  v Wimbledon (a)  Won 2 - 0  Waddle, Hoddle
Wimbledon often proved a difficult side for Spurs to beat as they disliked their long ball, high pressured play and often came off second best.  David Pleat’s side, however, showed their worth in a visit to Plough Lane and with application and commitment went through as the skill of Chris Waddle and Glenn Hoddle provided the goals to ensure the ‘Diamond Lights’ were still shining for the semi-final tie. 
S.F. (Villa Park)  v Watford  Won 4 - 1  Hodge (2), Allen, C., Allen, P.
This semi-final was one of the easiest Spurs have ever played. 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.

FA Cup Final:   

'Gary Mabbutt's Knee'

Spurs were firm favourites to lift the trophy as they returned to Wembley for their third FA Cup Final in seven years while Coventry were at this stage of the competition for the first time.

A goal after two minutes from Clive Allen who headed in Chris Waddle's cross seemed to justify their position as favourites but it wasn't to be.  Coventry were level within seven minutes and although Gary Mabbutt had restored Spurs' lead before half-time, Coventry came back to take the game into extra time.  Their equaliser came from a diving header by Houchen, the goal that appears regularly in photographs and video shots of the 1987 Final.

After six minutes of extra time Coventry went ahead when a cross deflected off Mabbutt's knee and looped over Ray Clemence's head.  There was no way back for Spurs as they lost their first FA Cup Final.

BBC commentator, John Motson, described the game as 'the finest Cup Final I've ever had the pleasure of commenting on.'

That was little compensation for Spurs as they finished the season without a trophy as the 'nearly' men.

Read about some of Spurs successful Cup Finals:

Tottenham's Joy of Winning the Cup 

FA Cup Finals:

1901, 1921, 1961, 1962, 1967, 1981, 1982, 1991

Spurs 5 Blackburn 2 Match Report - May, 1965

A memorable match at White Hart Lane saw Spurs defeat Blackburn 5 - 2 in season 1964 - 65 when they were undefeated at home but won only one away game all season.  Norman Giller's match report from the Daily Express highlights the need for consistent goalscorers in a successful team.

  

Friday, 16th April, 1965

(from the Daily Express)

THIS No. 7

GREAVES
IS GREAT

By NORMAN GILLER

Spurs 5  Blackburn 2   ****

Three goals from Alan Gilzean 

and two from Jimmy Greaves

tell their own story of another 

slaughter by the mighty G-men 

of Tottenham.

This was Gilzean's first three-

goal show for Spurs - but it

could not rob Greaves of the 

match-star rating.

The news from White Hart Lane 

for Alf Ramsey, England manager: 

There is a better right winger in the 

League than Liverpool's Peter 

Thompson.

He is Greaves by name and 

destructive by nature.

Greaves played on the right wing

because of an injury to Cliff Jones.

And Greaves was magnificent.

He scored twice, helped create

two for Gilzean - and was robbed

of a third in the 88th minute

when signalled off-side after netting

what looked to me to be a perfect goal.

Blackburn?  They were never

in the game in the first half and

made an impact on only rare

occasions in the second.

Gilzean's 77th-minute goal was

the best.  He cleverly put the

finishing touches to a four-man

move involving Eddie Clayton,

Roy Low and, inevitably, Greaves.

The G-men's other goals: 

Gilzean (14 and 44 minutes), 

Greaves (22, 83).  

Blackburn came briefly but brilliantly

into the game with goals by 

Bryan Douglas (46) and Andy 

McEvoy (49)

Team: Jennings; Knowles, Henry; Mullery, Brown, L., Clayton; Greaves, Low, Saul, Gilzean, Weller

The win over Blackburn Rovers took Spurs to 5th place in the 1st Division, a point behind Everton, after thirty nine games.  The top three teams, Leeds United, Chelsea and Manchester United, however, were ten plus points ahead.  

Spurs ended the 1964 - 65 season with five consecutive wins scoring 25 goals.  
Their home record for the season was:

P  21  W  18  D  3  L  0  For  65  Ag  20

They finished the season in 6th place and it is the only occasion that Spurs have gone through a complete season undefeated at home. 

 

Spurs Home Record Against Blackburn Rovers

A record stating that Tottenham have won their last five matches against Blackburn Rovers is always a worrying statistic for a Spurs fan.  For most clubs that would be something to build on and boost confidence but for Spurs in their current fragile state it could become another burden too heavy to carry even against a relegation threatened Blackburn team who have  only won once in their last six Premier League matches.  Spurs, of course, have only one win in their last nine games.

Spurs Home League Record against Blackburn Rovers (inc PL)

P  47  W  30  D  7  L  10  For  110  Ag  60

Home Premier League Record

P  17  W  9  D  3  L  5  For  25  Ag  22

Spurs have won the last five games against Blackburn.

22nd Oct. 2011  PL  (a)  Won 2 - 1  Van der Vaart (2)

A goal in each half from Rafael Van der Vaary secured the points for Spurs at Ewood Park as they extended their unbeaten run to six matches.  Match Report

2nd Feb. 2011  PL  (a)  Won 1 - 0  Crouch

A headed goal by Peter Crouch after three minutes from a long diagonal cross by  Rafael Van der Vaart brought Spurs the win which enabled Spurs to complete the 'double' over their northern opponents.

Last Match at White Hart Lane

13th Nov. 2010  PL  (h)  Won 4 - 2  Bale (2), Pavlyuchenko, Crouch

Spurs were two ahead at the interval, having missed a penalty, and had added another two in the opening half hour of the second half.  Blackburn's late goals with one from current Spurs player, Ryan Nelsen, brought some respectability to the scoreline, although Spurs contributed to the goals with poor defensive play.

13th Mar. 2010  PL  (h)  Won 3 - 1  Defoe, Pavlyuchenko (2)

Jermain Defoe gave Spurs the lead on the interval.  Roman Pavlyuchenko scored a second ten minutes into the second half.  With ten minutes to go Rovers pulled one back through their former captain, Samba, but Pavlyuchenko restored Spurs' advantage five minutes later.

19th Dec. 2009  PL  (a)  Won 2 - 0  Crouch (2)

After a difficult first half, Crouch gave Spurs the lead on half-time.  Spurs battled in the second half to maintain their lead which Crouch increased with a good goal, with seven minutes remaining.

23rd Nov. 2008  PL  (h)  Won 1 - 0  Pavlyuchenko

A goal after ten minutes was sufficient for Spurs to take the three points as they recovered from the previous week's defeat at Fulham, their first defeat under Harry Redknapp.

28th Oct. 2007  PL  (h)  Lost 1 - 2  Keane (pen)

Martin Jol's sacking in midweek with Clive Allen in temporary charge and Juande Ramos waiting in the wings was the background to Rovers last win at White Hart Lane.  Robbie Keane had given Spurs an early second half lead from the penalty spot.  Blackburn drew level on the hour and took the points with a late goal from Samba.

10th May, 2007  PL  (h)  Draw 1 - 1  Defoe

The penultimate match of the season was played on a Thursday evening and the point took Spurs closer to European qualification.  Rovers went ahead in the first half but Defoe equalised with over twenty minutes remaining.  Spurs ended the season in fifth and a Europa League place.

5th Mar. 2006  PL  (h)  Won 3 - 2  Keane (2), Mido

Spurs were battling to take fourth place in the Premier League and two goals by Keane gave them the advantage in the first half but Rovers pulled a goal back before the interval.  They drew level as Spurs withstood a second half onslaught but took the points with a goal by Mido.  The match is remembered for Keane's first goal as he juggled the ball as he made his way in along the touch line before scoring.

14th May, 2005  PL  (h)  Draw 0 - 0

Spurs' hopes of a UEFA Cup place were dashed as they failed to beat a stubborn Blackburn side in the final match of the season.

8th May, 2004  PL  (h)  Won 1 - 0  Defoe

In what had been a difficult season with Spurs at one point fearing relegation, they won their last home match through an early Defoe goal.  David Pleat's spell as caretaker manager was coming to an end with Spurs having searched for a new manager from September when Glenn Hoddle was sacked.

11th May, 2003  PL  (h)  Lost 0 - 4

The final game of the season ended a poor period for Spurs who lost three of their last four matches, conceding 11 goals.  It was Teddy Sheringham's farewell game but disappointed fans showed their frustrations against Glenn Hoddle, the team and the Board with many throwing their season tickets on to the pitch at the end.

Memorable Home Match against Blackburn

16th April, 1964 1st Div.  (h)  Won 5 - 2  Greaves (2), Gilzean (3)

The first of the three Easter fixtures on Good Friday, saw Spurs win comfortably with the 'G'-men at their very best.  Jimmy Greaves and Alan Gilzean sharing the goals as Gilzean, signed the previous December, scoring his first hat-trick for the club.  Match report from the Daily Express.

This match was the fourth in a remarkable run of five home games at the end of the 1964 - 65 season when Spurs scored 25 goals, conceding 9.  They were undefeated at home throughout the season but won only once away from home.  In the final five matches they defeated Blackpool 4 - 1, Wolves 7 - 4, Liverpool 3 - 0, Blackburn 5 - 2 and Leicester 6 - 2.

In the third of the Easter games at Ewood Park on Easter Monday, Spurs lost 1 - 3, having lost by a single goal at Sheffield Wednesday on the Saturday - and the current players are feeling fatigue?

Spurs Home Record Against Manchester United

Spurs go into their match against Manchester United knowing that they haven't won a game in any competition against United since 2001, a total of 25 matches.  In the Premier League era Spurs have a very poor record against the traditional top 'four' teams of United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.  In recent years they have managed to bring to an end some shocking sequences against the other three but United have proved to be a continuing stumbling block. 

Home League Record against United:

P  74  W  25  D  25  L  24  For  120  Ag  99

Home PL Record:

P  19  W  3  D  5  L  11  For  21  Ag  32  

Looking at the overall home League record suggests there will be only one result, an away win to level the statistics out at 25 each with United, in the process, scoring their 100th League goal at White Hart Lane.


The horrendous record in Premier League games in recent years has done much to improve United's overall record against Spurs, with only three home wins and eleven defeats.
 
The Last Win
May, 2001 PL (h) Won 3 - 1  Korsten (2), Ferdinand
It was the final game of the season, United were already Champions while Spurs under Glenn Hoddle managed to finish the season with a win.  Spurs went ahead after seventeen minutes when Willem Korsten scored with a dipping shot from twenty yards after the ball fell to him from a corner.  United were level after five minutes, Paul Scholes, but two second half goals from Korsten and Les Ferdinand brought Spurs' season to a successful conclusion.  United were under strength as were Spurs due to injuries - but after nine games in charge, Glenn Hoddle's team finished the season in tenth position.
Team: Sullivan; Carr, Doherty, Gardner (Perry), Young; Korsten, Davies, Clemence, Leonhardsen, Etherington (Piercy); Ferdinand 

It was Looking So Good
The following September when United returned to White Hart Lane by half-time it was looking as if Spurs were going to have a memorable result.  By the end it was unforgettable but for all the wrong reasons.
Sept. 2001 PL (h) Lost 3 - 5  Richards, Ferdinand, Ziege
Dean Richards making his Tottenham debut put Spurs ahead after fifteen minutes, heading in from a corner.  It got even better when Ferdinand increased the lead ten minutes later.  On half-time, Ziege headed home following a flowing Spurs movement.  Perfect, or so it seemed.  The one thing Spurs didn't want to do was concede an early second half goal - they did, within the opening minute.  Suddenly, there were doubts and United completed the turnaround by scoring on another four occasions.

Last Season

Jan. 2011 PL (h) Draw 0 - 0
Spurs were disappointed to take only a point from the game against United who were top of the Premier League but such is the progress that Spurs have made in recent seasons, that United were satisified with the point and were content to use up time in any way they could.

Recent Results

Sept. 2009 PL (h) Lost 1 - 3  Defoe
Spurs had had the perfect start to the season under Harry Redknapp, four wins from the first four Premier League matches.  They also had the best start to this game, going ahead inside a minute through Defoe.  From then on United used all their vast European experience to bully Spurs out of the game and moaning constantly in the ear of the referee, even over decisions that went their way.  They drew level after twenty five minutes when Ryan Giggs scored from a free-kick for a foul by Palacios who was booked. He then was in danger of receiving a second card which United did their utmost to cause and was substituted at half-time.  Before the interval, however, United took the lead and although Scholes was sent off, Rooney added a third as he once again terrorised the Tottenham defenders.

Dec. 2008 PL (h) Draw 0 - 0
Heurelho Gomes produced a number of important saves to ensure Spurs took a point from this game.

Feb. 2008 PL (h) Draw 1 - 1 Berbatov
Spurs were foiled once again by United, the team who never know when they're beaten.  Berbatov gave Spurs the lead midway through the first half and Spurs looked like taking the three points, even though there had been a few close calls in the final minutes.  In the fourth minute of added time, United won a corner and Tevez got in front of Dawson to earn them a point and once again deny Spurs.

Memorable Matches (from a Spurs viewpoint)
Jan. 1996  PL Won 4 - 1 Sheringham, Campbell, Armstrong (2)

A great way to start a new year - live on television and convincingly defeating the League leaders and eventual Champions.  It was probably one of the best results during Gerry Francis’ managerial reign. 

Teddy Sheringham scored the first and although United equalised, Sol Campbell scored before half-time and then two goals from Chris Armstrong sealed Spurs victory.  Both teams had injury problems but Spurs overcame them much better although United’s keeper Schmeichel was injured in the warm up and had to be taken off at half-time.

 

May, 1987 1st Div (h) Won 4 - 0  Thomas, M. (2), Allen, C. (p), Allen, P.

David Pleat's team, in their final home game of the season, ahead of the FA Cup Final, had an emphatic win over United.  Spurs finished the season in third while United were eleventh.

Oct. 1965 1st Div. (h) Won 5 - 1  Johnson, Clayton, Gilzean, Greaves, Robertson

This game is remembered for the score line, for the fact that all five Tottenham forwards scored and for an outstanding goal  by Jimmy Greaves.  He picked the ball up inside the United half, ran at the United defence, going past a number of defenders before rounding the keeper to tap the ball into an empty net - a classic Greaves goal!   All five forwards scored that day – the other goals coming from Jimmy Robertson, Alan Gilzean, Eddie Clayton and Neil Johnson making only his third appearance.

Amazingly and unfortunately for Spurs, the return game in December also ended 5-1 to the home team. 

 

With Spurs increasing injury list, including doubts over Gareth Bale's fitness for this game, they will find it difficult to extend their run of twenty four matches since suffering consecutive Premier League defeats - in fact, since the beginning of the season when they lost to United and City.  After last week's disappointing result and performance, omitting the exciting opening twenty five minutes, Spurs really need a good result to strengthen their grip on third place, the title race having moved beyond them.  Any other result is going to bring doubts and be an encouragement to the chasing pack.  How Spurs recover from last weekend, will give an indication of the team's prospects for the rest of the season. 

 Tottenham The Glory-Glory Game Now Available - Cost: £15.00.

 

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They Played for Spurs and Chelsea

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

Jimmy Greaves

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Van Der Vaart Scores in Five Successive Games

Rafael Van der Vaart's goal against Queen's Park Rangers at White Hart Lane was his sixth goal for Tottenham in the last five games.  Scoring for the fifth successive League game equals the club record for the Premier League era held by Teddy Sheringham and Robbie Keane who achieved it twice.  Van der Vaart will be looking to increase the record at Craven Cottage on Sunday against Fulham.

Rafael Van der Vaart's Record:

Five successive matches for Spurs since his early return from injury and Van der Vaart has scored six goals as Tottenham extend their unbeaten run.  Injured in the defeat to Manchester City at White Hart Lane, it was expected that Van der Vaart would be out for some considerable period of time.  This led to his omission from the Europa League squad, much to his annoyance, but at the time a quite reasonable decision as it appeared that he would miss most of the pre-Christmas campaign.  However, an unexpectedly early return to fitness following a visit to a specialist in Germany, saw Van der Vaart start the match against Wigan and an early goal from him set Tottenham on the road to victory.  He has since scored in the next five games and is playing with great confidence and composure.  It was only the exceptional performance of Paddy Kenny, the Queen's Park Rangers goalkeeper, which prevented him from scoring more than once on Sunday.  Kenny had to make a save in the opening minutes and made a number of saves in the second half.

Sept. 2011 PL v Wigan Athletic (a) Won 2 - 1  Van der Vaart, Bale
Scored after three minutes.

Oct. 2011 PL v Arsenal (h) Won 2 - 1  Van der Vaart, Walker
Scored opening goal after 40 minutes.

Oct. 2011 PL v Newcastle United (a) Draw 2 - 2  Van der Vaart (p), Defoe
Nerveless performance to score opening goal from the penalty spot after 40 minutes.

Oct. 2011 PL v Blackburn Rovers (a) Won 2 - 1  Van der Vaart (2)
For the fourth successive game he scored Tottenham's opening goal after 15 minutes.  Added a second in the 53rd minute after Rovers had equalised before the interval.

Oct. 2011 PL v QPR (h) Won 3 - 1  Bale (2), Van der Vaart 
Scored Tottenham's goal after 33 minutes, reacting quickly when a deflected shot came to him on the edge of penalty area. 

Robbie Keane's record: 

Robbie Keane managed to score in five successive League games on two occasions for Tottenham.  He first achieved it in January/February, 2004 and repeated the feat in February/April, 2007. 


Jan. 2004 PL v Birmingham City (h) Won 4 -1  Dalmat (2), Davies, Keane 

                 PL v Leeds United (a) Won 1 - 0  Keane
                 PL v Liverpool (h) Won 2- 1 Keane (p), Postiga 
                 PL v Fulham (a) Lost 1 - 2 Keane (p)
Feb. 2004 Pl v Portsmouth (h) Won 4 - 3  Defoe, Keane (2), Poyet  

Feb. 2007 PL v Bolton Wanderers (h) Won 4 - 1  Jenas, Lennon, Keane (2) 
Apr. 2007 PL v Reading (a) Won 1 - 0  Keane (p)
                 PL v Wigan Athletic (a) Draw 3 - 3  Berbatov, Keane (2) (1p)
                 PL v Arsenal (h) Draw 2 - 2  Keane, Jenas
                 PL v Middlesbrough (a) Won 3 - 2 Berbatov, Keane (2)

** Keane missed a number of matches with injury during this sequence so they are not five consecutive Tottenham matches but five successive games in which he played. 

Teddy Sheringham's Record:

In season 1993 - 94 Teddy Sheringham scored in five consecutive matches under manager Ossie Ardiles.  He sustained an injury in the next match at Manchester United which kept him out until near the end of the season.  The team then struggled against relegation and only survived following Sheringham's return in April when he scored another four goals to bring his total for the season to 13 from 17 (2) League appearances.

Sept. 1993 PL v Chelsea (h) Draw 1 - 1  Sheringham

                  PL v Sheffield United (a) Draw 2 - 2 Sheringham (2)

                  PL v Oldham Athletic (h) Won 5 - 0 Sheringham, Sedgley (2), Durie, Dozzell

                  PL v Ipswich Town (a) Draw 2 - 2 Sheringham (2)

Oct. 1993 PL v Everton (h) Won 3 - 2 Sheringham, Anderton, Caskey 

  ** Sheringham scored 9 of Tottenham's 17 goals in the opening 10 games of the season underlining his importance to the team

Pre-Premier League

Garth Crooks is the last Tottenham player to score in 6 consecutive games achieving that in season 1984 - 85, scoring six goals in matches played in December and January.

Other players to have achieved this feat in Tottenham's 129 year history are: 

Bobby Smith (Aug. - Sept. 1960) [12 goals] Div. 1 'Double' Season

Alfie Stokes (Jan. - Mar. 1957) [8 goals] Div. 1

Willie Evans (Dec. 1935 - Feb. 1936) [8 goals] Div. 2

Johnny Morrison (Oct. - Nov. 1935) [10 goals] Div. 2

Leading the way, however, is Jimmy Greaves who scored in 7 consecutive games at the start of season 1966 - 67.  He scored 8 goals in that sequence from August to October.

Greaves' longest scoring sequence is 9 games in February - April, 1962 when he scored 11 goals.  This was his debut season for Spurs having joined from AC Milan for £99,999.  He marked his debut in November, 1961 by scoring  a hat-trick against Blackpool at White Hart Lane as Spurs recorded a 5 - 2 victory.

Tottenham's Joy of Winning the Cup 8 (1963)

Tottenham had just failed to reach the Final of the previous season's European Cup competition but had qualified for the Cup Winners' Cup by retaining the FA Cup with a victory over Burnley at Wembley.  No British team had ever triumphed in a European competition so Tottenham's gave Spurs another first to add to their collection.

1963 European Cup Winners' Cup Final
Tottenham Hotspur 5 Atletico Madrid 1

Spurs Triumphant in Europe 

Dyson & Greaves

Tottenham had been disappointed not to have achieved the ultimate prize of lifting the previous season's European Cup and were rightly aggrieved at the nature of the semi-final dismissal by Benfica.  However, the FA Cup victory over Burnley assured them of another European campaign and another opportunity of Cup glory.  the journey to the Final in Rotterdam took in four countries - Scotland and the former countries of Czechoslavakia and Yugoslavia.

Road to the Final 
1st Round (1st Leg) v Glasgow Rangers (h) Won 5 - 2 Norman, Allen, White (2), Opp. o.g.
For the first game which had been built up as the 'Battle of Britain' only Bobby Smith was absent from the Tottenham which had successfully retained the FA Cup a few months earlier.  Les Allen was the automatic replacement and he showed his value to the team by scoring Spurs' third goal.  There was great rivalry ahead of this game with Spurs having three Scots in their team - Bill Brown, Dave Mackay and John White who had been so pivotal in Spurs' success of the previous two seasons.  

John White was the star of the night in a hard fought match which was all about pride.   He headed Spurs first goal after four minutes from a Jimmy Greaves corner but Rangers equalised five minutes later.  Another Greaves corner enabled White to head his second before Les Allen made it three. The Rangers defence were under pressure and conceded an own goal for 4-1 but almost immediately Rangers managed to score a second. Ten minutes from time another Greaves corner saw Maurice Norman score the fifth and final goal.  This result gave Spurs a comfortable lead to take to the second leg at Ibrox Park.

1st Round (2nd Leg) v Glasgow Rangers (a) Won 3 - 2 Smith (2), Greaves  (Agg. Won 8 - 4) 
Bobby Smith returned for this game and contributed two goals as Tottenham progressed to the next round and silenced the partisan Rangers fans in the 80,000 crowd packed in to Ibrox.  Jimmy Greaves started the misery for them after eight minutes when he scored Tottenham's first to give them an unassailable four goal aggregate advantage.  Bobby Smith, returning to the team for the first time since August, started the move which gave Spurs a lead they held until half-time.  However, two minutes after the interval Rangers levelled but three minutes later Spurs regained the lead through Smith who scored from White's cross.  With fifteen minutes remaining, Rangers again equalised but four minutes from time Smith completed the scoring and justified Bill Nicholson's decision to drop Allen.

2nd Round (1st Leg) v Slovan Bratislava (a) Lost 0 - 2
Tottenham were fortunate to get off so lightly in a game where they were out-classed and out-played.  Only two goals behind, they still had a chance to progress but it could have been so much worse.  Tony Marchi replaced the injured Danny Blanchflower who had been missing since the win in Glasgow.  Frank Saul replaced Terry Medwin on the right with instructions to work back in defence if it wasn't going well for Spurs.  On a heavy, muddy pitch Spurs found themselves a goal down after half an hour and two behind ten minutes into the second half.  Fortunately, the home side were satisfied with that scoreline and failed to take the extra goals that were there for the taking as Bill Brown made a number of important saves to keep Spurs in the tie.

2nd Round (2nd Leg) v Slovan Bratislava (h) Won 6 - 0  
                               Mackay, White, Smith, Greaves (2), Jones       (Agg. Won 6 - 2)

Tottenham opened determined to put the visitors under intense pressure from the outset but it wasn't until a nine minute spell after half an hour that saw them regain the initiative in this tie at White Hart Lane.  They had taken the visitors by storm with Mackay from the front but the goalkeeper had kept Smith and Jones at bay.  Mackay pulled one goal back from near the by-line after thirty one minutes, then Greaves levelled the score and Smith put them ahead, ten minutes before half-time.  White Hart Lane which had been in a frenzy was now rocking.  In the second half, Mel Hopkins who was playing in place of peter Baker, hit the cross bar.  Twenty minutes in Greaves scored his second and with fifteen minutes remaining Cliff Jones and White both scored within a minute.  Spurs were in  the semi-finals.

Semi-Final (1st Leg) v OFK Belgrade (a) Won 2 - 1 White, Dyson

Spurs returned to London with a goal advantage from the first game thanks to a goal from Terry Dyson, twenty minutes from time.  By then Spurs had been playing with ten men for fifteen minutes after the shock of having had Jimmy Greaves dismissed for the first time in his career.  He was dismissed for kicking out at a Belgrade defender and became the first Tottenham player to be sent off in a competitive match for nearly forty years.  However, Spurs with ten men were even more accomplished and deservedly took a lead into the second leg match.  

John Smith played in midfield in place of Cliff Jones and Terry Dyson returned on the left wing.  John White had put Tottenham ahead after twenty six minutes of the first half only for OFK to level from a penalty nine minutes before the break.  Tottenham had one foot in the Final with the home leg to come.

Semi-Final (2nd Leg) v OFK Belgrade (h) Won 3 - 1 Mackay, Smith, Jones  (Agg. Won 5 - 2)

Danny Blanchflower had returned to fitness and captained a side without the suspended Greaves.  Marchi retained his place with Mackay moving forward and scoring the first goal.  Jones returned on the right wing with John Smith dropping out.  While the scoreline suggests comfortable progress to the Final, it was far from it with the Spurs defence putting in an heroic performance.  Mackay was everywhere - stopping OFK one moment, then creating and scoring the next.  Spurs took the lead after half an hour, only for the visitors to level six minutes later.  In the midst of all the Totenham anxiety Blanchflower remained calm and from his controlled pass Mackay set up Dyson to score two minutes before half-time.  Spurs survived an early second half onslaught from OFK before Smith headed the third which secured the passage to the Final in Rotterdam.

Final v Atletico Madrid (Rotterdam) Won 5 - 1 Greaves (2), White, Dyson (2)

Tottenham went into the Final without Dave Mackay due to injury.  Tony Marchi stepped in but it was a player who rarely received recognition who stepped up and made himself a hero, Terry Dyson.  It is said that Bill Nicholson was too profuse in his praise of the Atletico players before the game but Blanchflower stepped forward and reminded everyone of the talent and achievements of Spurs in last three years.  Tottenham survived the nervous opening minutes and were two goals ahead by the interval through Greaves and White.  They conceded an early penalty in the second half but then Dyson came to the rescue, inspiring all around him.  Spurs weathered the expected storm and when Dyson scored the third after an hour, Spurs were on course once again.  Greaves quickly added a fourth following Dyson's cross and the left winger completed a wonderful for himself and Spurs by scoring the fifth.  Dyson had scored twice and created two other goals as Spurs became the first British team to win a European trophy - a great night to remember for the 4,000 who had travelled over for the game.

Terry Dyson

Terry Dyson was the unexpected hero on a great night for Spurs.  At the end of the game Bobby Smith jokingly suggested he should retire immediately as he'd never play as well again.  Dyson, a left winger, had joined Spurs in December, 1954 and made his League debut the following March against Sheffield United at White Hart Lane.  However, for the over six seasons he made only 37 appearances being understudy to George Robb, Terry Medwin and Cliff Jones.  

It was only at the start of the 1960 - 61 season that he managed to become a regular in the team, making 40 League and 7 Cup appearances, scoring 17 goals including the second goal of the Final against Leicester City, having created the first for Bobby Smith, as Spurs clinched the 'Double'.  He then lost his place in the team to Terry Medwin for the 1962 Final but regained it towards the end of the 1962 - 63 season.  In the semi-final and Final (three games) of the European Cup Winners' Cup competition Dyson scored three goals and created four.  It was a tremendous night for Tottenham and Terry Dyson and as he admits himself, it was the best game he ever played for Spurs.

Dyson remained at Tottenham until joining Fulham in the summer of 1965 for £5,000.  He made 209 League and Cup appearances for Spurs, scoring 55 goals.  He also holds the distinction of being the only Tottenham player to score a hat-trick against Arsenal.  He achieved that in August, 1962 in a 4 - 3 win at White Hart Lane. 

Tottenham's Joy of Winning the Cup 6 (1967)

From mid-January, 1967 through to the end of the season Tottenham went on an undefeated run which lifted them to third in the 1st Division and to the first all London FA Cup Final.  At Wembley they had too much for Chelsea and lifted the trophy for the fifth time.

1967 FA Cup Final
Chelsea 1 Tottenham Hotspur 2

Unsung Heroes Win Trophy for Spurs

Kinnear, Saul, England and Gilzean

While everyone was looking to Jimmy Greaves or Alan Gilzean to provide the winning goals for Tottenham at Wembley in the FA Cup Final, it was two of the lesser known players who scored the goals that took the trophy back to White Hart Lane.  Wingers, Jimmy Robertson and Frank Saul each scored a goal in each half to give Spurs a two goal lead and a late consolation for Chelsea was not enough to spoil Spurs' afternoon as they lifted the FA Cup for the fifth time in their history and for the third time in seven years.  Bill Nicholson had spent a large amount of money to recruit players in his rebuilding programme after the demise of the successful team of the early 1960s.  He had bought nearly an entire team - Pat Jennings, Cyril Knowles, Alan Mullery, Mike England, Jimmy Robertson, Alan Gilzean and Terry Venables had been purchased while Joe Kinnear and Frank Saul came through the youth system.  Only Dave Mackay, Jimmy Greaves and Cliff Jones remained from the team of the early 60s.


Road to Wembley:
3rd Round v Millwall (a) Draw 0 - 0 
Tottenham faced a difficult game against 2nd Division London rivals, Millwall, at their compact, hostile and muddy ground, The Den.  Spurs had chances to win but were relieved to return to White Hart Lane for the replay the following Wednesday evening.  Pat Jennings ensured that would happen with a number of important saves to earn the scoreless draw.

3rd Round Replay v Millwall (h) Won 1 - 0 Gilzean
Millwall made it difficult for Spurs in the replay at White Hart Lane and saw two chances cleared of the Spurs line.  Only a goal scored by Alan Gilzean separated the two teams and that came when Jimmy Greaves intercepted a back-pass to the goalkeeper who blocked his shot but the ball fell to Gilzean to knock in to an empty net. 

4th Round v Portsmouth (h) Won 3 - 1 Gilzean (2), Greaves 

Tottenham had to fight to get past Portsmouth and again found it difficult against opponents they were expected to turn aside with ease.  After a scoreless first half Gilzean headed the opening goal seven minutes after the interval and a minute added the second.  Ten minutes later Greaves scored an exquisite third while Portsmouth had to settle for a late consolation. 

5th Round v Bristol City (h) Won 2 - 1 Greaves (2)
Another tie that Spurs should have won with ease was to prove very difficult.  In a dramatic opening, Dave Mackay could have been sent off but having survived that difficulty, Spurs went ahead through Greaves after ten minutes.  Throughout the half Spurs continued to attack but without adding to the score.  Early in the second half Bristol missed an opportunity to equalise and then missed a twice taken penalty.  Jennings saved the first attempt but the second effort was put wide by a different player.  In the final minute Spurs were awarded a penalty and Greaves showed Bristol how to score and gave Spurs a comfortable lead, if not a comfortable win.  

6th Round v Birmingham City (a) Draw 0 - 0
Tottenham's first sojourn from London and they found it quite a struggle against a very physical Birmingham side.  Neither side deserved to win but Spurs were grateful for a match saving save from Jennings towards the end. 

6th Round Replay v Birmingham City (h) Won 6 - 0 Venables (2), Greaves (2), Gilzean, Saul
Tottenham finally showed their quality to outclass Birmingham and reached the semi-final in style.  Terry Venables put them ahead inside two minutes and added a second after twenty.  Gilzean quickly headed a third and in the second half Greaves scored two more after fifty and seventy five minutes.  The final goal came from Frank Saul with three minutes remaining.  Saul had replaced Cliff Jones in the team for the game at Birmingham.  

Semi-Final v Nottingham Forest (at Hillsborough) Won 2 - 1 Greaves, Saul
The two teams vying for second and third places in the League were drawn together for this semi-final.  Expectations were high and no-one was disappointed with the quality of the football on display.  Forest dominated the early play but after half an hour Greaves put Spurs ahead with a vintage goal.  Spurs were determined to hold their lead and added to it through Saul midway through the second half.  Forest were stunned but roused themselves for a final flourish in the dying minutes and managed to pull one back but it was too little too late. 

FA Cup Final v Chelsea (at Wembley) Won 2 - 1 Robertson, Saul
Cup Finals can sometimes throw up unexpected heroes and so it was for Spurs with their two vital goals coming from Jimmy Robertson and Frank Saul.  The eagerly anticipated first all London FA Cup Final was an anti-climax and Chelsea failed to do themselves justice with their performance.  Tottenham were comfortable throughout and did what was required of them.  Greaves found himself closely marked by Ron Harris and so proved less effective in front of goal while Spurs prevented Charlie Cooke from having an influence on the game.   

Joe Kinnear had a starring role, attacking from the right full back position as Tottenham became the dominant team.  Towards the end of the first half, Alan Mullery picked up a quickly taken free-kick and ran towards the Chelsea goal.  The defenders, mindful of Greaves, backed off allowing Mullery time to shoot.  The ball was deflected to Robertson who hit it first time and scored.  

In the second half Spurs continued to be in control and added a second when Saul received the ball from Robertson.  With his back to goal, he turned and shot and scored.  'Glory! Glory!' to Spurs.

Chelsea managed a late goal when Jennings misjudged a cross but the Cup had been won by Tottenham for a fifth time.  That made it five FA Cup Finals for Spurs and five wins.  it wasn't the most memorable of Finals or performances by Tottenham but they had done what was required of them and Dave Mackay lifted the trophy and his third FA Cup winners medal. 

Team: Jennings; Kinnear, Knowles; Mullery, England, Mackay; Robertson, Greaves, Gilzean, Venables, Saul.  Sub: (unused) Jones

Frank Saul

Frank Saul had progresses through the ranks at Tottenham and made his debut in the 'Double' winning season of 1960-61 at the age of seventeen.  He made six appearances that year, scoring three goals.  He continued as a useful reserve stepping in when more senior players were injured, including in European games, but never had the opportunity to stake a claim for a regular position.  At the start of 1964-65 he was given that chance and played more frequently over the next three seasons.  Towards the end of the Cup campaign he replaced Cliff  Jones in the team and held on to his place, playing in the four games from the 6th Round and scoring three goals.  

A hero in May but gone by January sums up Saul's career.  In total he made 116 appearances for Spurs and scored 37 goals but when Bil Nicholson looked to sign a new centre forward from Southampton, Frank Saul was used in part-exchange for Martin Chivers.

Bill Nicholson had seen his 'Double' winning team disintegrate with age, injury and death in the mid-60s and his rebuilding had taken longer that expected but the acquisition of Mike England and Terry Venables had added experience to the team.  Jennings, Knowles, Mullery and Robertson were now experienced players and he was looking to these players to provide the basis of his next successful era at Tottenham.  However, it didn't occur immediately and it would be another few years before Tottenham were able to reclaim a position at the top of English football.