Tottenham Can WIN against Manchester City

Tottenham face a formidable task as they meet Premier League leaders, Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium tomorrow afternoon.  Last August it would have seemed unthinkable that Spurs would be only five points behind City following the Manchester's club overwhelming win at White Hart Lane.

Let's be positive because, let's face it, if we can't be no-one else will be.  Spurs can beat Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.  In August I wrote an article suggesting that Spurs could win at Old Trafford but that proved ill-founded.  United's win, I thought, was not as impressive as the media made out at the time as Spurs had matched them for an hour. 

Perhaps I just made an error over the site of Spurs' success in Manchester this season just as I did in 1966 when throughout the World Cup I was certain that Jimmy Greaves would score a hat-trick in the Final only for his replacement, Geoff Hurst, to snatch the glory.

The match on Sunday can't be classified as the 'winner takes all' scenario that the games in Manchester against City have been in the past two seasons but Spurs must take something from the match to prevent City from opening an eight advantage over them at the top of the Premier League table.  City have a formidable home record in the Premier League this season.  They have won all ten of their home games, scoring 31 goals with only four conceded.  City have however, lost both of their last two home games to United and Liverpool in the Cup competitions.  It is City, however, who are probably under more pressure to succeed as the expectations for them are so high.

Reasons for Spurs to be Positive:

• Setting aside the game at White Hart Lane in August when City had started the season at a pace while Spurs were still in the starting stalls, encouragement can be taken from the fact that since that game Spurs have taken more points, 46, than any other club in the Premier League.  City had a nine point advantage then but that has been reduced to five.

• Encouragement can be taken from Tottenham's Premier League record at City's various stadia.

P  14  W  9  D  2  L  3  For  19  Ag  13

In the Premier League era we can also add two League Cup successes (1 - 0 in 1982, 2 - 0 in 2007), an FA Cup triumph (4 - 2 in 1993) and a draw (1 - 1 in 2004) in the same competition. 

• The past two seasons have seen Spurs play City at the end of the season with a Champions League place up for grabs.  No-one will forget Peter Crouch's goal in May, 2010 which provided Spurs with their passage to Europe's top club competition.  On the night Spurs deservedly took the spoils.  A year later while Crouch's own goal handed the Champions League place to City, it was Spurs who finished the stronger and City fans who were relieved to hear the final whistle.  In that game City had already put together much of the team which Spurs will face tomorrow while Spurs are considerably stronger with the introduction of Scott Parker, Brad Friedel and Kyle Walker.  The team will also include Gareth Bale who was injured at the end of last and Ledley King is rumoured to be ready for this weekend's game.

• If Ledley King is available to play he brings a much needed assurance to the defence and whoever partners him in central defence, Younes Kaboul or Michael Dawson, will be much more confident and reliable in their play.  King brings with him a record of success to the side - he has not appeared in a losing team in the Premier League since August, 2010 when Spurs lost unexpectedly to Wigan Athletic at White Hart Lane.  He has played in 17 games since then in all competitions and has remained undefeated with 14 wins and three draws.  His last appearance was against Chelsea when Spurs drew 1 - 1.

• Spurs will be without Emmanuel Adebayor who can't play as he is on loan at Spurs from City.  City, however, will be without a number of key players - Vincent Kompany who is suspended while Yaya and Kolo Toure are playing in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.  The absence of Adebayor will be a chance for Jermain Defoe to show that he is the striker with a goal scoring instinct that the team has lacked in previous games.  For all their creative, skilful football Spurs have failed to take opportunities which have presented themselves and so victories have been hard-earned against lesser opposition.  This game would be a perfect time to find that clinical goal scoring touch.

The game against City will be an interesting test for Spurs and an opportunity to gauge how far they have progressed as a team when faced with top opposition.  For Spurs to succeed they will need to be secure in defence while being clinical when any goal scoring opportunities arise. 

Equally, it will be  test for City to face the pace and attacking skills of Gareth Bale, Aaron Lennon and Kyle Walker, while Rafael Van der Vaart can usually be relied upon to raise his game in  a match of this importance.  A win for Spurs would increase their belief for their prospects for the season, a result would restrict City's progress while a defeat would make life more difficult for Tottenham but would not bring an end to what, so far, has been a fantastic season.

'Come On You Spurs!'

Spurs v Wolves Preview

Tottenham play their fourth consecutive home match in twelve days.  To date all has gone well with progress in the FA Cup and victories over West Brom and Everton to lift Spurs to joint second in the Premier League, level on points with United and three points behind City.

Wolverhampton Wanderers will arrive at White Hart Lane with two objectives tomorrow afternoon - to avoid becoming the second club that Spurs have completed the 'double' over this season and to achieve what they managed on their last visit to north London, a draw against Arsenal at Christmas or even better to repeat their success of two seasons ago when they scored a goal after three minutes and frustrated Spurs for the rest of the game to take all three points in their first win at White Hart Lane since November, 1973.

Mick McCarthy will be hoping the players will respond in a positive way to the rather public utterings of the club owner, Steve Morgan who has let it be known that he is looking for an improvement in the second half of the season as he doesn't think that 17 points from 20 matches is good enough.  This has put added pressure on McCarthy to ensure that the players are focused and know exactly what they have to do.

This will, undoubtedly, be another game where Spurs will find themselves facing a packed defence with forwards expected to track back and help in midfield and defence as required and then make to most of any opportunities which provide themselves at the set-piece plays where tall defenders will pile forward in search of a goal.  To date, Spurs have shown a patience to work at breaking down such defences and with a little more awareness and control in the penalty area could have won previous matches by a greater margin.

Wolves are in 16th place in the Premier League, two places but only one point above the relegation zone.  From ten away games they have taken six points from three draws and one win.  They have scored 10 goals and conceded 18.  Their only win was on the opening day of the season when they defeated Blackburn Rovers 3 - 2 at Ewood Park.  They followed that with a draw at Aston Villa and their undefeated three match start to the season came to an end when Spurs visited Molineux in September.  After such an encouraging start to the season, taking seven points from the first three games they have found it more difficult to pick up points.

Last Saturday they played out a goalless draw at Birmingham City in the FA Cup and in their previous two away Premier League games they earned a point in each with 1 - 1 draws at Bolton and Arsenal.  In both of those matches they came from behind to equalise through Steven Fletcher.  These recent results on their travels have shown them to be difficult to break down awith a resilience as they battle to improve their position.  Their last away defeat was at Manchester United in mid-December (1 - 4).  Other away losses have been at the hands of Liverpool (1 - 2), WBA (0 - 2), Manchester City (1 - 3), Everton (1 - 2) and Chelsea (0 - 3).

Wolves don't appear to have too many injury problems although former Spurs player, Jamie O'Hara is out long term.  Others who had minor knocks are recovering and available for selection -
Fletcher and Roger Johnson picked up minor ankle problems last weekend but have recovered as has
Dave Edwards after a groin problem.  Nenad Milijas is also back after completing his suspension.

Steven Fletcher is Wolves' leading goal scorer with 8 goals in the League, five ahead of four players - Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Stephan Ward, Stephen Hunt and O'Hara.  Fletcher scored in last season's game at White Hart Lane and also in the 3 - 3 draw at Molineux where Kevin Doyle scored twice as well as getting the winner two seasons ago.  This season Doyle has scored two goals.

Wolves feel they have been unfortunate in recent weeks with decisions which have gone against them - in the home match against Chelsea where they lost to a last minute goal and the sending off of Milijas against Arsenal.  They will take encouragement from their performance at the Emirates and from other results in recent weeks - Blackburn's win at Old Trafford, Sunderland's defeat of Manchester City, Aston Villa winning at Chelsea - and see these as proof that the top teams can be beaten when the other team shows the application and belief that they can get a result.  Spurs will have to be wary of allowing such motives on the part of the visitors to get a control of the game.  While everyone in the media is talking up next weekend's meeting with City in Manchester the Spurs players are aware that the game against Wolves is the most important at the moment as a win would put them level on points with City who don't play until Monday evening and probably United who play Bolton on Saturday.  All three clubs could have 48 points by tea-time tomorrow.

League Record against Wolves at White Hart Lane

P  40  W  28  D  7  L  5  For 102  Ag  53

 
Home Premier League Record against Wolves

P  3  W  2  D  0  L  1  For  8  Ag  4

Last Season's Result

Sept. 2010  PL  Won  3 - 1 Van der Vaart (pen), Pavlyuchenko, Hutton

Wolves took the lead on the stroke of half-time through Fletcher in last season's match.  They held their lead in what was looking like a repeat of the previous season until thirteen minutes from time when Rafael Van der Vaart brought Spurs level from the penalty spot after a strong run into the area by Alan Hutton who was brought down by Ward.  Spurs then won the game in the final three minutes with two goals from Roman Pavlyuchenko and Hutton.

Memorable Matches against Wolves at the Lane

Dec. 2003  PL  Won 5 - 2  Keane (3), Kanoute, Dalmat

It was Wolves first game at White Hart Lane for twenty years and their first there in the Premier League.  Former Wolves player Robbie Keane, scored a hat-trick.  He put Spurs ahead after 29 minutes but Paul Ince equalised a minute later.  Early in the second half Fredi Kanoute restored Spurs lead and Keane completed his hat-trick by scoring in the 75th and 83rd minute.  Wolves pulled one back but in the final minute Stephane Dalmat scored the fifth for Spurs with a great strike. 

Feb. 1983  Div. 1 Won 6 - 1  Villa (3), Falco, Hoddle (pen), Crooks

This match marked the official opening of the new West Stand with the duties performed by Sir Stanley Rous, the former President of FIFA.  Spurs celebrated in grand style with an emphatic win over a poor Wolves side who were to be relegated at the end of the season. Ricky Villa rose to the occasion once again by scoring a hat-trick.  Glenn Hoddle scored Spurs' first goal from the penalty spot and then Villa got his first. Wolves scored just before half-time but in the second half Villa completed his hat-trick while Garth Crooks and Mark Falco also added to the scoring.

  

Mar. 1965  Div. 1  Won 7 - 4  Clayton, Allen, Gilzean (2), Jones (3)

An eleven goal thriller. The Spurs goals came from Eddie Clayton, Les Allen, Alan Gilzean (2) and Cliff Jones (3).

A number of interesting facts about this game:

• this was Les Allen’s last goal for Spurs
• Keith Weller a young forward made his debut and
• Jimmy Greaves was playing but surprisingly did not score.

Wolves had scored first but Spurs equalized and at half-time the score was 1-1.  With six minutes to go the score was 5-4 and then Jones scored two late goals for his hat-trick.

Spurs know that they must win this match as they continue to chase Manchester City and United but they are aware that Wolves will prove to be very awkward opponents who must be taken seriously.  A Spurs win over Wolves would make next week's match in Manchester very interesting as it could provide Spurs with an opportunity to move level on points with City having played the same number of matches.  But that's for next week, this weekend it's all about Wolves and the chase for a vital win.

   

Tottenham at Swansea - Preview

Spurs go to Swansea for a League game for the first time since October, 1982.  The last time that Tottenham came away with a win in a competitive match was in the first season after the Second World War in September, 1946.

Spurs go to the Liberty Stadium for the first time, all other games in Swansea having been played at the club's former Vetch Field ground which they vacated in 2005.  Swansea won promotion last season by defeating Reading in the play-off Final at Wembley.

They have received credit for their style of play under manager, Brendan Rodgers, and have one of the best home records in this season's Premier League, bettered by only the top five clubs.  They are in 14th position in the League with 19 points, having gained 16 points from their nine home matches.  They have suffered only one defeat by the only goal to Manchester United and were unfortunate to miss the opportunity of a late equaliser.  At home they have conceded only three goals, the meanest home defence in the League, so Spurs will have to be at their attacking best to break through a defence which has had to cope with a number of lengthy absences through injury.

Steven Caulker who is on loan from Tottenham will be missing as he is ineligible, having just returned following a time of injury.  His time with Swansea had been beneficial to him as he has been a regular member of the team at the centre of their defence and has been gaining good reviews as he builds up his Premier League experience, having stepped up from Championship football last year.  Swansea have also been without their captain, Alan Tate, with a broken leg but have coped with the necessary re-organisation.  One of their stars has been Dutch goalkeeper, Michel Vorm, whom they signed from FC Utrecht during August - he made his debut in Swansea's first game in the Premier League at Manchester City.  He kept the City strike force at bay for almost an hour with an exceptional performance and has grown in stature and confidence since that match.

Danny Graham has scored six League goals, two ahead of Scott Sinclair who scored a hat-trick in the play-off final to secure Swansea's Premier League place.  The former Chelsea player joined Swansea in July, 2010.  A year earlier, Nathan Dyer, a winger, another product of the Southampton Academy joined Swansea and he has scored two goals this season, the same as Joe Allen the Welsh international midfielder.

Two former Tottenham players who will be anxious to make an impression are Mark Gower and Wayne Routledge.  Gower came through the Spurs youth system but didn't make it into the first team before moving on to Barnet.   He spent five seasons with Southend United before joining Swansea in 2008 and helped them to promotion last season.  Routledge joined Spurs from Crystal Palace in the summer of 2005 but only made five League appearances for the club.  An early injury hindered his progress with Spurs and he had periods on loan with Portsmouth and Fulham before joining Aston Villa in January, 2008.

Swansea's 2011 - 12 Home Record:
Swansea's last home match ended in a 1 - 1 draw with QPR, their goal being scored by Danny Graham.  That goal in last Tuesday's match was only the third goal they have conceded at home this season.

After their tough introduction to the Premier League, Swansea played out two scoreless draws at home to Wigan and Sunderland.  They then won three home games in a row against WBA (3 - 0), Stoke (2 - 0) and Bolton (3 - 1).  Following the close defeat to United, they drew 0 - 0 with Aston Villa and then defeated Fulham (2 - 0).  The win over Fulham being their only win in their last eight matches as their early season form has taken a dip.

Spurs' League Record at Swansea

P  13  W  4  D  3  L  6  For  14  Ag  18

Spurs and Swansea have only met in the top Division on two occasions, in 1981 - 82 and 1982 - 83 in the 1st Division when Swansea won both of their home matches.  In September, 1982 Glenn Hoddle scored a penalty for Spurs as they lost 1 - 2 and the following year Swansea won 2 - 0.

Prior to those matches, the clubs met in the 2nd Division in the years from 1928 until Spurs won promotion in 1950.  Spurs first match at the Vetch Field ended in a 4 - 0 defeat but the following year in November, 1929 they won 1 - 0, with Ted Harper scoring the goal. The following season Harper scored again as Spurs triumphed 2 - 1, Jimmy Smailes scoring the second goal.  

In March, 1932 they earned a point from a 1 - 1 draw when Tom Evans scored with a penalty.  Spurs' good form in Wales continued in March, 1933 with a 2 - 0 success provided by goals from Les Howe and Willie Evans.

That was the end of their success until 1946 when two goals from Les Bennett gave Spurs another 2 - 0 win.  Even in their promotion year of 1949 - 50 the Spurs 'Push and Run' side failed to take any points from Swansea, losing 0 - 1 in April, 1950.

Having triumphed in the east (at Norwich) last Tuesday, Spurs will need to show the same resilient form which has stood them in good stead for most of this season as they travel west to Wales for their final game of 2011.  Gareth Bale will want to make an impression as he returns to his homeland but may not necessarily receive a warm welcome from the home fans, especially as he was born in Cardiff.  

The miserly Swansea defence will be doing their utmost to prevent Spurs getting into their free-flowing style of play so the visitors will be able to take no liberties with Swansea on their first match at the Liberty Stadium.

Tottenham v Chelsea Preview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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


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

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

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

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

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

Spurs Record at Stoke City

Tottenham face a difficult task in their visit to Stoke City as they seek to extend their impressive Premier League record, undefeated since the end of  August.  Both clubs have experienced Europa League football this season and while Spurs are on the verge of going out at the Group stages, Stoke have qualified for the knock-out stages.

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Stoke are eighth in the Premier League with 18 points although there is a gap of five points to Liverpool in seventh.  Stoke are undefeated in their Europa League group games but have suffered the problems of maintaining their form in League matches following European travels, especially with defeats at Sunderland (0 - 4) and Bolton (0 - 5).  However, both clubs have had a free week so there can be no excuses and Stoke have an impressive home record with wins over Liverpool, Fulham and Blackburn.  They also drew with Chelsea and Manchester United at the Brittania Stadium but their two home defeats have been at the hands of QPR and Newcastle United.  Last weekend they enjoyed a single goal success at Everton with defender Robert Huth scoring early in the game.  Spurs know the difficult task they face having already played Spoke in a goalless match in the Carling Cup with Stoke winning the penalty shoot-out.  Spurs must again be prepared for an aerial bombardment, something they have coped with quite comfortably in the past two seasons, recording wins on both occasions.  In those matches, Peter Crouch was  a useful aide in thwarting Stoke attacks at throw ins, corners and free-kicks but on this occasion he will be another target for the Stoke missiles.

Stoke have a number of players who have provided their goals this season, Kenwyne Jones and Jonathan Walters are joint top scorers with six each.  Jones has only one League goal but four in Europe and a Carling Cup goal.  Walters who thought he had scored late in last season's game has four goals in the League and two in Europe.  Crouch has contributed five with three in the League and two in Europe.

Stoke's team has the potential to contain four former Spurs players.  Peter Crouch, Wilson Palacios and Jonathan Woodgate joined during the summer while Matthew Etherington joined from West Ham in 2009 after spending six years with the club following his transfer from Tottenham.  Palacios has had little opportunity to impress since his transfer due to injury which he has recently recovered from but Woodgate and Crouch have been regulars in the side.  Woodgate has overcome the problems which so restricted his playing time at White Hart Lane and is part of a powerful, experienced defence in front of goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen who was injured last weekend but is expected to recover.  Etherington who scored in last season's game at Tottenham, has been an important player for Stoke, helping them to become established in the Premier League and reaching last season's FA Cup Final.

This will be a very difficult match for Spurs who will need to be prepared to match Stoke's hard work ethic and stand up to their powerful play.  However, Spurs have the players in Gareth Bale, Rafael Van der Vaart and Aaron Lennon to create problems for the Stoke defenders but it will require the same intensity of performance which saw them through difficult times at both Fulham and West Brom.

Tottenham's Premier League Record at Stoke
The clubs have met on three occasions at Stoke in the Premier League.  Spurs have won the last two with Stoke gaining the upper hand in the first match in October, 2008.

Oct. 2008  PL  Lost 1 - 2  Bent
This was the first meeting with Stoke in top flight football since season 1985-85 and the match summed up Gareth Bale's early days at Spurs and the abysmal start Spurs had to the 2008 - 09 season but it was also a turning point as Juande Ramos had departed and Harry Redknapp arrived before the next weekend's game.  Spurs were a goal down and a man down after eighteen minutes.  Gareth Bale was sent off after making a mistake and then conceding a penalty in trying to rectify the error.  Surprisingly, Darren Bent equalised within seven minutes but Stoke scored a second shortly after the interval.  Vedran Corluka was stretchered off after sustaining an injury and his replacement, Michael Dawson was sent off in the final minute. As if Spurs hadn't had enough, eleven minutes of added time was played as Spurs finished the day with '2 points from 8 games'.

Mar. 2010  PL  Won 2 - 1  Gudjohnsen, Kranjcar
After a scoreless first period, Spurs went ahead in the opening minute of the second half.  Eidur Gudjohnsen who had replaced Roman Pavlyuchenko scored his first goal for the club.  An Etherington penalty brought the game level but Nico Kranjcar restored Spurs' advantage with a great strike following a Gudjohnsen dummy which created the space for him.  Spurs remained in fourth place as they battled for a Champions League spot.

Aug. 2010  PL  won 2 - 1  Bale (2)
Bale set aside the ghost of his previous indiscretions at the Brittania Stadium and proved the match winner.  All three goals came within eleven minutes of each other during the first half.  Bale scored from close range after Crouch had headed on Lennon's cross after nineteen minutes but Stoke equalised six minutes later following a corner.  He restored Spurs' lead with a wonderful left foot volley after half an hour to give Spurs their first win of the season.

League Record at Stoke (inc. PL)

 P  36  W  11  D  9  L  16  For  40  Ag  49

Memorable Matches
The previous meeting in the 1st Division in March, 1985 had seen the game settled in Spurs' favour with a goal by former Stoke player, Garth Crooks.  

The previous season, a Mark Falco penalty had earned Spurs the three points.


In October, 1980, Spurs won  3 - 2 with Chris Hughton, Steve Archibald and Peter Taylor (pen) scoring.


All of the results since their first away meeting in the 2nd Division in April, 1920 have been quite close.  On that occasion Spurs won 3 - 1 on their way to promotion as Champions after one season in the lower Division following Arsenal's unscrupulous dealings to gain a place in the top flight ahead of Tottenham when the Division was increased in size after the 1st World War.   Spurs legend, Jimmy Seed and that old man again, Jimmy Cantrell (2) providing the goals.  

In those days clubs met on successive weekends and the previous Saturday, Spurs had won 2 - 0 at White Hart Lane through goals from two other Spurs legends for their earliest days, Jimmy Dimmock and Arthur Grimsdell.


The largest win that Spurs have enjoyed at Stoke came early in September, 1951.  Spurs had won the 1st Division title the previous year for the first time and won 6 - 1 after a shaky start to the new season.  At the beginning of the month they had lost 2 - 7 at Newcastle but recovered to dominate Soke with goals from Alf Ramsey (p), Sonny Walters, Les Bennett, Les Medley (2) and Sid McClellan.  At the end of the season Spurs finished as runners-up, behind Manchester United, while Stoke avoided relegation by one place.


Although their first League meeting wasn't until season 1919-20, Tottenham and Stoke have been linked since Spurs entry into the Football League.  Spurs played in the Southern League and although they had turned professional in 1895 and won the F.A.Cup as a non-League club in 1901, the club had not applied for a position in the Football League.  However, at the end of 1907-08 season they resigned from the Southern League and applied for a place in the Football League but were not voted into the League, a major problem for the club.  However, in mid-June, 1908 Stoke City resigned their place in the Second Division for financial reasons, creating an opening which Spurs were able to fill, being elected to the Football League at the end of the month.  Stoke, however, further added to the confusion when they tried to change their decision on resigning.

A tough match can be expected as Stoke are inclined to raise their game when faced with top opposition, always making it difficult for them.  The latest team news is that Bale and Jermain Defoe are doubtful with injuries, Ledley King may not have recovered from the problem which kept him out of last week's match and Sandro is still doubtful.  On the bright side, Rafael Van der Vaart has recovered from the hamstring injury which has troubled him for the past couple of weeks.  It's at this time of the year as injuries start to take their toll that the depth of the squad will be tested so hopefully any of the players who come into the team will be fully committed now that an opportunity has arisen for them so enabling Spurs to continue with their ascent of the Premier League table.
 

Tottenham v Bolton Wanderers Preview

Spurs will look to set aside the disappointment of the second team's defeat in the Europa League and continue their climb up the Premier League table.  In the past Bolton have proved awkward opponents for Spurs but the 'new' Spurs will want to ensure there isn't any disappointment at White Hart Lane for their fans come the final whistle.

This will be Tottenham's first Saturday home League match of the season and we're in December and have played twelve games.

Bolton started the season with an impressive four goal defeat of QPR at Loftus Road with Tottenham target, Gary Cahill, scoring their first goal.  Since then, however, they have struggled and have only three wins and ten defeats from their thirteen matches.  

After their opening day success they lost their next six League games to Manchester City (h), Liverpool (a), Manchester United (h), Norwich City (h) Arsenal (a) and Chelsea (h).  Their second win of the season came at Wigan (3 - 1) before they lost at home to Sunderland in mid-October.  An away defeat to Swansea (1 - 3) was followed by their first, and only, home win of the season a 5 - 0 defeat of Stoke City at the beginning of November.  They then lost at West Brom and Everton inflicted a 2 - 0 home defeat on them last weekend.  With only three wins and nine points Bolton are currently in 18th place in the Premier League.

Ivan Klasnic is their leading goalscorer with 6 League goals, Chris Eagles has 5 goals (4 in the League and 1 in the Cup) and Kevin Davies has scored twice.  Klasnic and Eagles both scored twice in the rout of Stoke.  Kevin Davies has scored six goals in his last six league games against Tottenham.

Bolton have a very experienced team with many players who have served them well in the Premier League.  David Wheater will not be available as he is suspended having been set off last weekend.

Premier League Home Record v Bolton
The clubs have met twelve times in  the Premier League at White Hart Lane.  Spurs have won 8 and drawn 2 of the games.
2010 - 11
Last season Spurs won 2 - 1 having got off to a whirlwind start when they were awarded a penalty after six minute which Rafael Van der Vaart scored.  A minute later and Spurs had another penalty.  Van der Vaart again scored but it had to be retaken for encroachment but he put the retake wide.  Late in the half it appeared that Spurs had another penalty but the linesman was flagging for offside.  Bolton equalised in the second half and would have earned a point but for a thunderbolt strike from substitute Nico Kranjcar in added time.
2009 - 10
The previous season a Tom Huddlestione strike was enough to give Spurs all three points.  This match at the beginning of May was part of the run of results which was to take Spurs into the Champions League.
2008 - 09
26th October, 2008.  Harry Redknapp had replaced Juande Ramos as manager but Clive Allen was in charge of the team which achieved their first win of the season.  Roman Pavlyuchenko and Darren Bent scoring the goals to give Spurs 5 points from 9 games.  Redknapp was there beside Allen even though he had only been appointed a few hours earlier.
2007 - 08
Bolton went ahead in the first minute of the second half but Steed Malbranque scored six minutes later.
2006 - 07
Spurs enjoyed a 4 - 1 success with goals from Robbie Keane (2), Jermaine Jenas, Aaron Lennon
2005 - 06
An Aaron Lennon goal gave Spurs victory in the last home game of the season.  It came after an hour and fans celebrated as it ensured that Spurs were going on their first European tour for some considerable time with their qualification for the UEFA Cup.
2004 - 05
23rd October, 2004.  This match was played on the day that the sad passing of Spurs legend, Bill Nicholson, was announced.  It is the last occasion that Bolton recorded a win at White Hart Lane.  On a wet, grey October afternoon the ground was a sombre place and the team played in a similar manner.  They conceded an early goal, Keane equalised before half-time but Spurs conceded a second midway through the second half.

Harry Redknapp will restore his first choice players to the team and expect them to produce the required result.  If fit, Van der Vaart would probably start ahead of Defoe with Luka Modric restored to midfield in an otherwise unchanged team.  A win would take Spurs to second in the table ahead of Manchester United whose game doesn't start until 5.30pm.  It may only be a short stay but it is continued progress and would be Tottenham making a statement of their intent for the season. 

One must be wary, however, of assuming too much as in December, 1995 Spurs were looking to go second in the table with a win over bottom placed Bolton but the visitors put an end to that idea.  Bolton were newly promoted to the Premier League and had lost nine away games in succession.  They had no away points and Spurs had secured a two goal lead with second half strikes from Chris Amstrong and Teddy Sheringham.  However, a distraction was created when former player Nayim was shown on the big screen.  The crowd chanted 'Nayim from the halfway line' in recognition of his goal in the European Cup Winners' Cup Final over Arsenal.  Spurs lost concentration and conceded two goals in three minutes with the equalising goal scored by former Spurs player, Gudni Bergsson.  This gave Bolton their first away point of the season and denied Spurs second place.  

Note to Spurs TV - no crowd shots on Saturday. 

Tottenham v PAOK Salonika (Europa League)

Spurs return to Europa League action on Wednesday evening at White Hart Lane, against PAOK Salonika who top Group A and are unbeaten in their four matches.  Spurs must avoid defeat or their European campaign will surely come to a premature end and they really need to defeat their visitors from Greece if they have desires on qualifying to the knockout stages as Group winners.

The opening match of the Group stages of the Europa League matched these two teams and Spurs who send out a young team returned to London well satisfied with a scoreless draw.  The younger players, including Tom Carroll, Harry Kane and Andros Townsend, all excelled in a difficult atmosphere and were very controlled and disciplined in their play for much of the game.  PAOK missed a first half penalty and it was only as the second half neared its conclusion that the home team endeavoured to increase the tempo so as to take the three points.  At this point Spurs were grateful for the experience of Carlo Cudicini in goal.  In the final minutes he made a number of crucial saves to deny the home team and earn Spurs a well deserved point.  Spurs, with so many youngsters coped well but PAOK certainly had the ability to win the match and will be dangerous opponents on Wednesday evening.

Following the home draw with Spurs, PAOK travelled to Russia and earned a very creditable draw against Rubin Kazan.  They took a first half lead but the home team responded with two second half goals but PAOK snatched an equalizer nine minute to earn a point.  They have now completed their double header against Shamrock Rovers, taking all six points from two comfortable wins, 2 - 1 at home and 3 - 1 in Dublin.

Tottenham will again use this match to give younger players experience and Jake Livermore, following Saturday's success against West Bromwich Albion, spoke of the benefit of this tournament to himself and the other young players.  Roman Pavlyuchenko looks unlikely to be fit while Giovani Dos Santos is also struggling to overcome injury.

With losing in the last fixture in Russia, Spurs now find themselves in third place in their group, a point behind the leaders, PAOK, and behind the Russians on goal difference.  Rubin Kazan are surely guaranteed another three points with a home win over Shamrock Rovers and so regardless of the result in London, will maintain their advantage over Spurs.  Tottenham are on such a good run at present that it would be disappointing to lose momentum by slipping up in this competition and so may need to have some back-up, with senior players on the bench, in case the game doesn't go as planned.  PAOK have experienced players and they will see this game an opportunity to win in England and secure a place in the next stage of the competition.

To have the chance to finish top of the group Spurs need a win over PAOK - any other result would leave them in the hands of the other two teams and the result of their final match.  They could still qualify if they get a draw but would probably finish second as they would be dependent on the other result while a defeat would leave them in danger of elimination as they would require a big win over Shamrock Rovers and probably require a home win for PAOK in their final match.

Some supporters will be of the opinion that this match and competition are of no importance when compared with the statement Spurs are making in the Premier League at the moment but I want to see the club progress in this tournament as well - it's all about winning and Spurs have enjoyed success in Europe previously and benefited from it.

Tottenham's Record at West Brom

Spurs' games against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns have proved difficult for them in the past.  Spurs look to extend their undefeated Premier League run which has stretched to nine games while Albion are in mid-table in tenth place.

West Bromwich Albion had a difficult start to the season with opening matches against Manchester United and at Chelsea.  They lost both in close games and then lost at home to Stoke.  Their first win came in mid-September at Norwich before losing by three goals at Swansea.  They then drew with Fulham and at Sunderland before defeating their Midlands neighbours, Wolverhampton Wanderers at home and Aston Villa at Villa Park.  A home defeat to Liverpool was followed by a loss at Arsenal.  Last weekend they defeated Bolton (2 - 1) at the Hawthorns. 

Shane Long is their leading scorer with 4 goals, while Peter Odemwingie has two.  They have scored only five goals in six home games, conceding six from two wins over Wolves and Bolton and a draw against Fulham.  Their home defeats have been against Manchester United, Stoke and Liverpool.  Every home game has been close with only Liverpool managing to gain a two goal advantage.  This is in line with Roy Hodgson's style of management.  He presents his team in a way which makes them difficult to beat - hard-working and well organised, while able to break quickly and use set-pieces to their advantage.

During the summer West Bromwich strengthened their squad by signing a number of players at a minimum of expense.  Irish forward Shane Long came from Reading for an undisclosed fee.  Hungarian and former Tottenham reserve goalkeeper  Marton Fulop and Northern Ireland defender Gareth McAuley were signed on free transfers from Ipswich Town.  Hungarian midfielder Zoltan Gera was a free transfer from Fulham and goalkeeper Ben Foster came on loan from Birmingham City.  Midfielder Billy Jones was a free transfer from Preston.  Albion have an experienced line-up but can call upon talented younger players, especially in central defence with Craig Dawson who has been very impressive with the England Under-21 side this year.

Tottenham and West Bromwich Albion have only met on five occasions at the Hawthorns in the Premier League due to Albion's tendency to win promotion and then get relegated the following season.  They avoided the drop last year after Roy Hodgson's arrival last February led to a revival which lifted them to an eleventh place finish, their highest for almost thirty years.

Tottenham's Away Premier League Record against West Brom:

P  5  W  1  D  2  L  2  For  5  Ag  8

League Record at The Hawthorns (inc. PL) 

P   58  W  14  D  10  L  34  For  73  Ag  122

As can be seen from the above statistics, The Hawthorns has never been a happy hunting ground for Spurs, something they will want to rectify on Saturday.  Their last win at The Hawthorns was in the first Premier League game to be played there between the two sides in season 2002 - 03.  Tottenham won 3 - 2 with Robbie Keane scoring twice and Teddy Sheringham getting one as Spurs completed the 'double' over their Midlands rivals.  Albion were relegated at the end of that season, having been absent from top flight football for sixteen years. 

Premier League Results at The Hawthorns

Apr. 2003  P  Won 3 - 2  Keane (2), Sheringham

Twice Albion who were already relegated took the lead but first Robbie Keane equalised on the stroke of half-time and then Teddy Sheringham scored two minutes after West Brom had regained the lead.  Keane's second goal came with five minutes left.  Sheringham's strike was his last goal for the club.

Aug. 2004  PL  Draw 1 - 1  Defoe

Gera gave Albion the lead after three minutes but Jermain Defoe levelled after 34 minutes.  Both clubs maintained their undefeated start to the new season.

Dec. 2005  PL  Lost  0 - 2

More festive disappointment for Tottenham's travelling fans as tow goals, one in each half, from Kanu saw them suffer their first defeat in seven games. 

Dec. 2008  PL  Lost 0 - 2

Tottenham had Benoit Assou-Ekotto sent off ten minutes before half-time but held out until late in the game before conceding two goals in the final seven minutes.

Sept. 2010  PL  Draw 1 - 1  Modric

Luka Modric gave Spurs an early lead but went off injured a few minutes later.  Chris Brunt equalised just before half-time and in the second half Spurs had goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini to thank for keeping them in the game.

In this period there was also an FA Cup 4th Round tie in January, 2005 which ended 1 - 1, Defoe scoring for Spurs who won the replay 3 - 1 with Defoe scoring twice.  Defoe has scored five goals for Tottenham against WBA in League and Cup matches.

Such is the intensity of competition at the top of the Premier League that no team can afford any slip-ups so having risen to third place Spurs need another win to be guaranteed of retaining that position.  West Bromwich will be difficult opponents - they made it hard for Manchester United earlier in the season and will be equally determined to put in a good performance against Spurs.  Tottenham will be looking to continue the impressive form of recent weeks and make the most of the chances they create so that Albion aren't given any encouragement or opportunity to deprive them of the points they require to continue their march towards the summit of the Premier League table.

Tottenham's Home League Record against Villa

Another weekend of catch-up for Tottenham as their home game against Aston Villa has been moved to Monday evening for live television coverage.  Spurs, as they seek to continue their impressive Premier League form, will know what to expect from a team put out by Alex McLeish.

Tottenhan Hotspur v Aston Villa

Aston Villa come to White Hart Lane with the knowledge that Tottenham won the two matches last season with Rafael Van der Vaart scoring all four Spurs goals.  They will be hoping that he doesn't recover from the injury he received in the Holland match last weekend while every Spurs supporter will be wishing him a speedy recovery.  

Villa with Alex McLeish in charge are currently in 8th position with fifteen points.  They remained undefeated in their opening seven games of the season but only managed two wins.  They have yet to win away from Villa Park but are proving difficult to beat with four draws and their only defeat coming at Manchester City (1 - 4).  They drew at Fulham, Everton, QPR and Sunderland.  Their home record shows a defeat against West Brom, draws with Wolves and Newcastle while defeating Wigan, Blackburn and Norwich City (3 - 2), in their last game. 

Darren Bent and Gabriel Agboniahor are joint top scorers with five goals each.  Bent who for some unaccountable reason always seems fired up when playing against Spurs, scored twice against Norwich with Agboniahor getting the other.  Stiliyan Petrov has scored two goals while Richard Dunne, Emile Heskey, Barry Bannon who may be available, and Stephen Warnock have scored one each.

McLeish made a number of signings during the summer.  He has added experience to his squad rather than rely on the younger players who have come through the Villa Academy in recent years.  He signed Shay Given to replace Brad Friedel who arrived at White Hart Lane on a free.  Moving in the other direction, Alan Hutton joined his former Rangers manager for £4 million and Jermain Jenas went on a season long loan deal.  Hutton who spoke out against Harry Redknapp after his departure from Spurs will, like Bent, feel that he has a point to prove against Tottenham.  Jenas who came on as a sub against Norwich, following injury, for his first game can not play as he is on loan.  Villa have a very experienced defence with Dunne and James Collins in the centre.  Charles N'Zogbia was signed from Wigan to bring pace and creativity to the midfield as well as his goal scoring touch.

Alex McLeish's teams are hard working and full of endeavour so Tottenham know that they will make it difficult for them to play their fast moving game.  They have plenty of experience and will look to stifle Tottenham early on and look to score on the break and from set pieces.  

Premier League Home Record v Aston Villa 

P  19  W  8  D  7  L  4  For  28  Ag  22

Home League Record v Aston Villa 

P  68  W  34  D  14  L  22  For  131  Ag  120 

Last 6 League Games v Aston Villa at White Hart Lane

Oct. 2010  PL  Won 2 - 1 Van der Vaart (2)

Villa went ahead after sixteen minutes through Albrighton but Van der Vaart equalised before the interval.  He scored the winner with fifteen minutes remaining.

Feb. 2010  PL  Draw 0 - 0

Villa frustrated Spurs with a tight defensive display with Friedel playing his part as they earned a point. 

Sept. 2008  PL  Lost 1 - 2  Bent

The Monday night televised match in the early stages of Tottenham's 'two points from 8 games' start to the season under Juande Ramos.  Reo-Coker scored after five minutes for Villa and Luke Young increased their lead early in the second half.   Darren Bent scored a consolation goal with three minutes remaining. 

Oct. 2007  PL  Draw 4 - 4  Berbatov, Chimbonda, Keane (p), Kaboul

Another Monday evening match for Tottenham's 125th Anniversary game.  Dimitar Berbatov gave Spurs the lead after twenty minutes.  Villa quickly equalised and after an hour were 4 - 1 ahead with Paul Robinson culpable for a number of the goals.  Things were not going to plan on Spurs' 'big night' but a late rally saw Pascal Chimbonda pull one back with twenty minutes remaining, Robbie Keane scored from the penalty spot on 82 minutes and Younes Kaboul led rapturous celebrations after his goal in added time.

Dec. 2006  PL  Won 2 - 1  Defoe (2)

The Boxing Day match saw two second half goals from Jermain Defoe enable Spurs supporters to enjoy the festive celebrations.  Gareth Barry replied with a late goal.

Jan. 2006  PL  Draw 0 - 0

Thomas Sorensen almost single-handedly earned Villa a point they didn't deserve.  Tottenham fans simply couldn't believe that their team had failed to score in a game which they dominated and where they had created so many chances.   

Memorable Games at White Hart Lane

There have been a number of high scoring games between the two clubs but even though Spurs have had home advantage, they haven't always come out on top.

Tottenham's last big win was in April, 2005 when they won 5 - 1.  Fredi Kanoute scored twice, with Andy Reid, Ledley King and Stephen Kelly, his only goal for the club, getting the others.

In April, 2000, I watched Tottenham totally dominate the game for an hour and be two goals ahead through Stefan Iversen and Chris Armstrong.  Spurs then conceded a controversial penalty for Villa score four times in twelve minutes to take the three points.

 

Gerry Frances was managing Spurs for the first time in October, 1994 but Villa scored three times in six minutes midway through the first half.  Teddy Sheringham scored before the interval and Jurgen Klinsmann added a penalty early in the second half.  With less than twenty remaining Spurs levelled through an own goal and looked to have earned a point until the third minute of injury time when Villa snatched the win.

Villa won 5 - 2 in April, 1992 when a Gary Lineker goal and another own goal were all that Tottenham could manage.

In March, 1966 the match ended 5 - 5.  Spurs scored three in the first fifteen minutes, were 4-1 ahead at half-time and 5-1 up after five minutes of the second half.  The scorers were Alan Gilzean, Jimmy Greaves, Frank Saul, Laurie Brown and Jimmy Robertson.  Then came the Villa fight back.  They scored three goals in four minutes, equalised with 11 minutes to go and should have won when with three minutes remaining Tony Hateley was clean through, took the ball around Pat Jennings but hesitated and allowed Alan Mullery time to recover and clear.

On Monday evening Tottenham fans will be hoping that Harry Redknapp is well enough to return to his managerial duties after his surgery and that the players returning from international duty are free from injury and can maintain the form they show for their countries.   They will be looking for two names, in particular, who make all the difference to the team - Ledley King and Van der Vaart.  They will want Spurs to produce their brand of fast, tricky football for the whole game and not just one half.  In recent games after gaining the ascendency they have put themselves under pressure by conceding from a corner and then had to battle to retain their advantage.  Free-kicks and corners will again be an area of concern as Villa are a team who focus on taking advantage in these situations and have the players who can cause problems - Dunne, Collins, Warnock, Bent and Agboniahor.  

A win is vital as Spurs strive to keep up with the top teams while still retaining their game in hand which has been re-scheduled for early January.  It is a game Spurs will feel that they should win but Villa will make it very difficult for them to take the three points. 

Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal preview

Spurs and Arsenal meet at White Hart Lane in the north London derby with Spurs in the ascendency and for the first time in decades, looking to forge ahead of their closest rivals.  Will Arsenal put their earlier poor performances behind them or will Spurs maintain the momentum gained from three consecutive Premier League wins?

Tottenham Continue to Play Catch-up.

This afternoon Tottenham continue this season's game of catch-up as they try to overcome near neighbours, Arsenal, at White Hart Lane.  Having a game in hand due to the riots in Tottenham in August and with Thursday evening Europa League games, come Saturday evening Spurs find themselves two games behind the teams around them in the League table.  As the teams above them continue to win, Spurs find themselves under an added pressure to win and take three points to once again close that gap.  They have managed it so far and will be hoping to add to Arsenal's miserable start to the season with another success over their greatest rivals.

Arsenal have had their worse start to a season since 1953, a year when they won 4 - 1 at White Hart Lane in October but lost 0 - 3 at Highbury the following February.  George Robb scored Spurs' only goal in the home defeat but scored twice in the return fixture with Sonny Walters getting the other goal.  That season Spurs finishes 16th in the twenty two team Division 1 while Arsenal managed 12th.  Arsenal have shown slight improvement in recent weeks with three successive home victories in league and Cup matches but none of the performances have been convincing.  They defeated Shrewsbury in the Carling Cup, defeated a poor Bolton Wanderers team 3 - 0 last weekend and had a 2 - 1 success in the Champions League over Olympiakos of Greece.

Tottenham have won three Premier League games since losing heavily to United and City in their first two league games.  With players returning to fitness, Harry Redknapp, will have to make decisions on team formation and personnel for this important game.  It's the first time in Premier League history that Spurs go into a north London derby as favourites.  Aaron Lennon, Sandro, Rafael Van der Vaart and Jermain Defoe are all expected to be fit and making a claim for a place in the starting line-up.  Spurs will look to take advantage of Arsenal's defensive frailties, they lost 2 - 8 at Old Trafford, and will want a quick tempo start that worked so well against Liverpool, putting the visitors on the back foot and never allowing them to recover.

For the duration of the Premier League Spurs have found themselves trailing in the wake of a successful Arsenal team.  This season, there is just a slight chink in that aura of invincibility that has surrounded Arsenal under Arsene Wenger so Tottenham have to be prepared to ensure they grab that opportunity with both hands and force home any advantage they can gain.

All eyes will be on Emmanuel Adebayor who used to do so well at White Hart Lane, playing in the red of Arsenal.  Tottenham will be hoping he can perform as he has done in the opening three games of his Spurs career while the Arsenal fans are still sore about him leaving to join Manchester City two years ago and his celebrations when scoring twice against them.  The player will be under immense scrutiny to maintain his cool under provocation but he has seemed very level-headed in interviews since joining Spurs.  He sees himself like any other person who changes his place of employment - he has great memories of his time there but now he works/plays for Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs really should win and need that victory to close the gap on those clubs above them and they really want to put one over on Arsenal who have made them suffer so much for far too long.

Memorable Matches (from a Spurs perspective)
Apr. 1983 (Div. 1) (h) Won 5 - 0  Hughton (2), Brazil, Falco (2)
Nov, 1999 (PL) (h) Won 2 - 1  Iversen, Sherwood  (Arsenal had two men sent off)
Apr. 2010 (PL) (h) Won 2 - 1  Rose, Bale

Spurs were desperate for points to ensure fourth place in the league and reach the Champions League for the first time.  The previous weekend they had lost at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final against Portsmouth.  Danny Rose, on his debut, struck a beautiful shot from a corner that was cleared to him and put Spurs ahead after ten minutes.  Gareth Bale added a second immediately after half-time and although Arsenal pulled one back, Spurs took the three points for the first time in the league since the 1999-2000 season and gained a momentum that took them to Champions league qualification.

Spurs v Chelsea FA Cup Preview

W W W D W W - - - W W W W W L

Spurs v Chelsea

FA Cup 6th Round at stamford Bridge

Sunday, 11th March, 2007 KO 12.45pm

Referee: Mike Riley

Chelsea in the FA Cup 6th Round, Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup 6th Round wasn’t how I’d envisaged the draw on the Monday afternoon following the win over Fulham. In less than twenty four hours the euphoria of that win had been dampened by the realisation that Spurs had to visit the Billionaires of West London. Plymouth Argyll at White Hart Lane had been more what I had thought of but we’ll keep them for the semi-finals.

Ignoring the last FA Cup game against Chelsea for obvious reasons, preferring the 6th Round game at Stamford Bridge in 1982 when Spurs as Cup holders met the 2nd Division side who had defeated European Champions, Liverpool, in the previous round. A memorable game as Spurs appeared in an all white strip with yellow socks and as the game progressed everything clicked for them. Chelsea had taken a first half lead but gradually Spurs started to show their superior class with Glenn Hoddle giving a master class of ball control. Eventually Spurs scored when Steve Archibald poked the ball home after the Chelsea goalkeeper failed to hold a Hoddle free-kick. Spurs immediately stepped up a gear and within ten minutes were 3-1 ahead. The second goal was a masterpiece. Hoddle and Hazard cut through the Chelsea midfield with an exchange of passes and, after Hazard's flick had left them wrong-footed, Hoddle crashed a 25-yard drive past the goalkeeper. Hazard then confirmed Tottenham's superiority with a coolly taken drive and although Chelsea pulled a goal back Spurs coasted home on a wave of possession football. The performance was even greater as the match was played on a barren pitch with a very uneven bounce. (Just why was Hazard included in the Daily Mail’s all time worst Spurs team?)

A similar performance and result on Sunday would be very, very satisfying but just as Chelsea sought revenge in the last FA Cup meeting in 2002 following their Worthington Cup defeat, so Spurs need to avoid being caught in the same way as Chelsea seek to avenge the Premiership defeat at White Hart Lane in November.

This preview is more difficult than against most other teams because when you look at Spurs’ record against Chelsea – the last win at Stamford Bridge was in 1990, David Howells and Gary Lineker scored – and compare it with Chelsea’s record at Stamford Bridge under Mourinho, only two defeats in 80 games – against Barcelona in the Champions League and to Charlton on penalties – you realise the extent of the task facing Spurs.

Spurs are the last English team to defeat Chelsea although they did lose to Werder Bremen in the Champions League.

Chelsea have been favoured with this season’s FA Cup draw – this is their fourth home game, having defeated Macclesfield, Nottingham Forest and Norwich in the previous rounds.

Mourinho has shown respect for what Martin Jol has achieved at Spurs in that he has always sent out a full strength side against Tottenham. He will be anxious to include John Terry if he is given the all clear by the medical staff as the Chelsea defence is so much more secure when he plays. Chelsea have relied heavily on Didier Drogba this season for their inspiration and outstanding goals (29) and while Shevchenko is showing improving form he has yet to reach the level of performance shown before coming to England. The Spurs midfield will have to be at their very best to compete against Ballack, Essien, Makelele, Lampard but if they can, then Berbatov, Lennon and Keane or Defoe are capable of creating problems for Chelsea’s defence.

At least Spurs are going into this game with confidence following their five consecutive wins and if they need inspiration to believe they can win on Sunday, they need look no further that a 6th Round tie in 1995 when Spurs had to go to Anfield and given little chance, Sheringham and Klinsmann combined to give Spurs an impressive, if unexpected 2-1 victory. Can Berbatov and Keane combine to produce a similar result on Sunday?

This game will show whether Spurs’ improvement has been more due to the standard of opposition they have played recently or whether they have taken a real step forward. Recent visits to Stamford Bridge have seen Spurs compete and make Chelsea earn a result, while just falling short themselves – perhaps this time they will get some reward for their endeavours. (Although with Mike Riley in charge, Spurs will do well not to concede any penalties.)