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's Joy of Winning the Cup 2 (1981)

Thursday, 14th May, 1981 marks the night Ricky Villa became a Tottenham 'legend'.  He came back from the disappointment of a poor performance and being substituted in the first game the previous Saturday, to score twice, the winner being one of the best goals ever seen at Wembley Stadium.

1981 FA Cup Final (Replay)
Tottenham Hotspur 3 Manchester City 2

Ricky Villa's Wonder Goal Wins Cup for Spurs!

Ricky Villa lifts FA Cup

The 1981 - 82 season had been just another step in Tottenham's endeavours to re-establish themselves as one of the top clubs in the country.  Keith Burkinshaw had slowly brought together a group of players who were capable of playing football in the style associated with Spurs.  After the club's relegation in 1976 - 77 and promotion the following season it had taken time  for the team to blend together together and in the League Tottenham were only to finish the season in 10th position.

However, from early January and the 3rd Round of the FA Cup the players grew in confidence and belief in themselves that they progressed to Wembley for the 100th FA Cup Final.  That small step during the 1980 - 81 season had turned into a massive stride forward for the manager, the players and the club as they went on to enjoy more success in the coming years.

1981 FA Cup Final Replay (from youtube)

Road to Wembley:
3rd Round: v Queen's Park Rangers (a) Draw 0 - 0
Replay: v Queen's Park Rangers (h) Won 3 - 1  Galvin, Hoddle, Crooks
Happy to leave Loftus Road with a draw against 2nd Division QPR, Spurs ensured their progress to the next round with a comfortable win at White Hart Lane.  Ricky Villa missed the home game through an injury sustained in the first game.

4th Round: v Hull City (h) Won 2 - 0  Archibald, Crooks
A visit from another 2nd Division side but the two strikers signed the previous summer scored the goals required to take Spurs into the 5th Round.

5th Round: v Coventry City (h) Won 3 - 1 Hughton, Ardiles, Archibald
Another home tie but against 1st Division opposition who were dismissed and Spurs supporters started to consider the possibility of the Cup returning to White Hart Lane as the year did end in '1'.

6th Round: v Exeter City (h) Won 2 - 0 Robertts, Miller

The draw once again proved favourable for Tottenham with a home game against the last lower League team left in the competition.  However, Exeter proved more difficult than had been expected bur two goals from central defensive partners Paul Miller and Graham Roberts took Spurs to the semi-finals for the first time since 1967.

Semi-Final: v Wolverhampton Wanderers (Hillsborough) Draw 2 - 2 (aet) Archibald, Hoddle
Ricky Villa returned from injury to start his first game since the 3rd Round.  Steve Archibald gave Spurs an early lead only for Wolves to draw level.  Before half-time Spurs went ahead through Glenn Hoddle and retained their lead until going into the final minutes when Wolves were awarded a controversial penalty.  Hoddle was penalised for a tackle which took place outside the penalty area.  Wolves scored from the spot taking the game went into extra time but neither team could settle the tie so requiring a replay.

Replay: v Wolverhampton Wanderers (Highbury) Won 3 - 0 Crooks (2), Villa
Tottenham took over Highbury and Garth Crooks scored twice with the third coming from Ricky Villa - a fierce drive following a run from halfway.

FA Cup Final: v Manchester City (Wembley) Draw 1 - 1 (aet) Hutchinson (og)
In a game that was rather dour, Manchester City's non-stop commitment and effort denied Tottenham and they took the lead through Tommy Hutchinson after half an hour.  It was a disappointing display from Spurs who couldn't get their game going and with twenty minutes remaining Ricky Villa was substituted.  The lasting memory is of the Argentine forlornly and slowly making his way past the Wembley stands to the dressing room - dejected and disappointed with his contribution to the game.  However, eleven minutes from time, good fortune favoured Tottenham.  They were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area and when Hoddle struck it, Hutchinson in trying to defend it only succeeded in deflecting it into his own goal.  Tottenham had been given a second chance.

Replay: v Manchester City (Wembley) Won 3 - 2 Villa (2), Crooks

For the replay, manager, Keith Burkinshaw, made a brave decision to include Ricky Villa as many had expected him to be dropped after his poor display on the Saturday.  However, having been given a reprieve, Villa immediately set about proving the manager correct by scoring the opening goal after eight minutes, a good strike as the ball fell to him in the penalty area.  The lead was short lived as three minutes later City equalised with a well struck shot from the edge of the box.  In a game that was much more open than the first match, City went ahead with a penalty early in the second half.  Tottenham battled on and equalised with a goal from Garth Crooks.  Level with twenty minutes remaining either team could have won but seven minutes later, Tony Galvin made a short pass to Ricky Villa wide on the left just inside City's half.  Villa set off on a run that took him past the City defenders and on into the penalty.  He continued his mazy dribble with team mates waiting for a pass, until finally getting past the last defender he placed the ball beyond the despairing keeper to score the winning goal.

That wonder goal not only won the FA Cup for Spurs for the sixth time but it turned Ricky Villa into an instant Tottenham legend and provided supporters with a moment in their lives that they will never forget, whether having been at Wembley or simply watching on television.  The joy of winning the Cup for Tottenham.
Team: Aleksic; Perryman, Roberts, Miller, Hughton; Ardiles, Hoddle, Villa, Galvin; Archibald, Crooks. Sub: Brooke (unused)

Ricky Villa Cup Hero

Ricky and Ossie Celebrate FA Cup win

Ricky Villa had arrived at Tottenham in the summer of 1978 with fellow Argentine, Oswaldo Ardiles, having helped their country win the World Cup.  Spurs had just won promotion from the 2nd Division after one season out of top flight football.  The news of their arrival caused great excitement not just at Tottenham but in English football in general as grounds were packed to see the two World Cup winners.  However, the reality was that Spurs were finding it difficult back in the 1st Division and the two new players needed time to adjust to English football.  In time Ardiles settled into the team but it was more difficult for Villa who was missing his home country and on occasions struggled with injury.  The manager struggled to find a suitable position for his new player who was not guaranteed a start in every game whereas Ardiles had quickly become an influential member of the team.  However, by the start of the Cup winning season, Villa had become a regular in midfield but injury in the first game of the Cup campaign saw Villa missing until the semi-finals.  What a contribution he made to the drama and excitement of the FA Cup in those four games which led to Tottenham enjoying a period of success not seen since the days of Bill Nicholson.

Spurs' Summer Expectations Shattered Once Again.

Ardiles - World Cup Winner

The early summer expectations of a World Cup that would throw up a host of foreign players who would enhance the Premier League were quickly dashed as the realisation dawned very early in the competition that South Africa 2010 was a rather poor and disappointing vintage to offer to the world.  Tottenham Hotspur have benefitted in the past from World Cup signings - they set high standards when Keith Burkinshaw returned to Argentina to sign World Cup winners, Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa.  In 1984 Alan Sugar pulled a rabbit out of the hat with the unexpected signing of Germany's Jurgen Klinsmann but on other occasions the stars of the World Cup have disappointed when faced with the rigours of English football.  This year there were few who did themselves much good in the shop window of the World Cup.

Every summer Spurs fans hope for an early resolution to all transfer negotiations as the manager, with the Chairman's assistance, endeavours to strengthen the Tottenham team for the following season.  The reasoning being that on the resumption of training all the new players will be in place and the work of preparing for the new season can commence in earnest.  However, sadly, once again, this has proved to be a forlorn and false hope as, to date, no new signings have appeared at White Hart Lane.  The only signing of note has been the acquisition of the young Brazilian midfield player, Sandro, but he remains in his homeland and is not expected to be available until September. 

The rumour mill has once again been in full swing with Spurs centre field for every conceivable target but no-one has signed on the dotted line and held up the lilywhite shirt at White Hart Lane.

For many years as Spurs have chased possible transfer targets, the lack of first, European football, and then Champions League football has always been held up as a reason why players have been reluctant to commit themselves to Spurs.  But now with Champions League football beckoning, players still show a reluctance to come to Tottenham.  In past years all we could do was watch as our star players went off to pastures new to fulfill their dreams of playing for the top clubs in the top competitions - Sol Campbell deserted Tottenham for our closest rivals, Arsenal, Teddy Sheringham, Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov couldn't wait to get to Old Trafford while Robbie Keane had to sign for his boyhood team, Liverpool.  Spurs couldn't offer those players the opportunity to play at the highest level so there was nothing the club could do but release them with their best wishes and accept the transfer fees to swell the coffers while we, the fans, felt betrayed and disconsolate.  However, now things have changed, Spurs have access to the Champions League while Liverpool are consigned to the Europa League, that should make a difference.  But No - Spurs are still struggling to make those important signings while Liverpool have managed to hold on to their stars - Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres and have persuaded Joe Cole to move north to Anfield rather than move to Tottenham.  So as Manchester City and Liverpool have proved, players aren't just interested in the playing opportunities, they're very interested in the money on offer and will go to wherever they get the best salary.  Perhaps, Mr Levy will have to reconsider his financial restrictions where transfer fees and salaries are concerned if Tottenham Hotspur are going to become one of the big players in the Premier League as well as in Europe.  No-one wants Spurs to spend foolishly or offer extravagant salaries but to achieve greatness there will have to be a loosening of the purse strings to attract quality players to the club.

With less than three weeks remaining of this very quiet transfer window, it is to be hoped that any signings will improve the quality of the team and not just be a signing for the sake of it - in the past Spurs have suffered through Mr Levy's desire to shop at 'last-minute.com'.  Late, hasty purchases rarely achieve great success.  Spurs need better than that if they are to maintain the progress achieved by Harry Redknapp in the past two years.

Spurs in History - 23rd August

23rd August, 1978

‘Party Poopers!’

Spurs 1 Aston Villa 4

An Argentinean style World Cup ticker tape welcome was prepared for the home debuts of Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa.

The ground was throbbing with excitement and anticipation but the wrong Villa made the headlines.

Aston Villa came to spoil the party and ruined Spurs and the Argentineans’ big night. Spurs goal was scored by Glenn Hoddle from the penalty spot but it was inconsequential.

Spurs had come back down to earth with an almighty crash – they had discovered that life back in the First Division was going to be very difficult.

Spurs in History - 19th August

19th August, 1978

Nottingham Forest 1 Spurs 1

Newly promoted Spurs had to play Champions Forest on the opening day.

The game marked the start of a new era, the League debuts of the Argentinean Internationals, Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa. Demand for tickets was immense; Spurs had created an excitement that was unbelievable and the kick off had to be delayed to allow everyone into the ground.

Many people were waiting for them to fail, ‘they wouldn’t be able to adapt to English football’ being a familiar comment. However, while it took time for them to establish themselves, Ricky Villa had the perfect start scoring late in the first half to equalise for Spurs and earn a deserved point.

Spurs in History - 8th August

8th August, 1981

Glentoran 3 Spurs 3 (Pre-season Friendly)

Tottenham Hotspur, the F.A.Cup winners brought the trophy to Belfast and received a great welcome. Ossie Ardiles, Glenn Hoddle, Ricky Villa, Steve Perryman, Steve Archibald and Gaham Roberts were all present in what was an entertaining game.

New signing Paul Price played in place of Paul Miller and Mark Falco replaced Garth Crooks.

The local side gave a good account of themselves being one up at half time and Spurs had to work hard for the draw. Hoddle equalised with a penalty, Mark Falco (called Faldo in a local newspaper report) put them ahead only for Glentoran to equalise. Ardiles put Spurs ahead but with three minutes left the home side equalised.

Spurs in History - 14th July

Keith Burkinshaw, Spurs' second most successful manager, with new signings Ossie and Ricky

14th July, 1976

Spurs were looking for a new manager. Less than two years after replacing Bill Nicholson, Terry Neill resigned. It was reported that he had fallen out with the directors during the close season tour to Australia.

After deliberating for three weeks, not long by today’s standards, the appointment of a new manager was announced. Keith Burkinshaw who had worked under Neill at White Hart Lane was appointed as his replacement.

After a difficult opening season in which Spurs were relegated from the old 1st Division, Burkinshaw showed his worth and became a very successful manager at Spurs. He brought the club back to the top flight at the first attempt finishing third in the 2nd Division, in a very close contest.

Then following a summer extravaganza when he signed Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa from World Champions, Argentina, the club took a few seasons to establish themselves in the 1st Division.

Burkinshaw brought success back to White Hart Lane with successive FA Cup wins in 1981 and 1982 and a UEFA Cup success in 1984, Burkinshaw's final game in charge. He had become the club's second most successful manager, after Bill Nicholson.

Concerned about the outside influences and pressures that were coming into football, Burkinshaw resigned, with the comment, 'There used to be a football club over there...'

Neill took up the vacant post at Arsenal, no surprise there then.

Spurs in History - 10th July

10th July, 1978

Spurs Scoop the World

Transfer Coup!

Spurs and Keith Burkinshaw shocked the football world by signing two stars of the successful Argentine World Cup team. The signing of Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa brought a great lift and buzz to the club which was looking to re-establish itself in the 1st Division following promotion that summer.

Ossie and Ricky became firm favourites at WHL and although taking time to acclimatise to English football they were important members of the successful team of the early 1980s.

Spurs in History - 10th June

10th June, 1981

Trabzonspor 0 Spurs 4 (Friendly)

After winning the F.A.Cup Spurs played three games in Bahrain and Kuwait at the end of May, winning all of them.

In mid-June they went to Turkey for two games which they also won convincingly. For this game Steve Archibald was the only member of the Cup winning team not to play. Mark Falco replaced him and scored one of the goals, the others being scored by Ricky Villa, Ossie Ardiles and Garth Crooks.

Spurs in History - 22nd May

22nd May, 1982

Spurs 1 Queen’s Park Rangers 1 F.A.CUP FINAL at Wembley (aet).

In their Centenary year, it was now down to this game if Spurs were to have any reward for a long and exhausting season which at one point had looked so promising. Fourth in the League, they had reached the League Cup Final and ECWC semi-finals and now success depended on this one game against 2nd Division Q.P.R., managed by Terry Venables.

It wasn’t a great game, Spurs, without Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa, were lethargic with weariness taking over and the doggedness of QPR making it very difficult. Scoreless after ninety minutes, Spurs went ahead in extra-time with a shot from Glenn Hoddle only for QPR to level and another replay was required.

Team: Clemence; Perryman (Capt), Miller, Price, Hughton: Hazard (Brooke), Roberts, Hoddle, Galvin: Archibald, Crooks.

Spurs in History - 14th May

14th May, 1981

Spurs 3 Manchester City 2 F.A.CUP FINAL REPLAY at Wembley.

If the first match was a disappointment, the Replay made up for it. Many thought that Ricky Villa had missed his chance in that game but Keith Burkinshaw kept faith in him and he was repaid handsomely.

Within seven minutes Villa had given Spurs the lead but this only lasted three minutes as City equalised with a spectacular goal. Both teams were creating chances and City went ahead five minutes into the second half from a penalty.

The match became tense with tackles flying in on both sides. In the 71st minute Spurs equalised with a goal from Crooks.

Seven minutes later, Ricky Villa stepped forward and dribbled around and through the City defence to score the most incredible Cup Final winner of all time – Saturday’s ‘failure’ had become the Hero with a never to be forgotten goal.

Team: Aleksic; Perryman(Capt), Miller, Roberts, Hughton; Ardiles, Hoddle, Villa, Galvin; Archibald, Crooks. Sub:Brooke

Spurs in History - 9th May

9th May, 1981

Spurs 1 Manchester City 1 F.A.CUP FINAL at Wembley (aet).

The 100th F.A.Cup Final produced a disappointing display from Spurs in a game which is best remembered for the long, lonely walk of a disconsolate Ricky Villa as he slowly trudged around Wembley, having been substituted.

Spurs record of being undefeated in Cup Finals was still in place but it was a close run thing and they were eternally grateful to City’s Tommy Hutchinson for deflecting Hoddle’s shot from a free kick past his own goalkeeper with ten minutes left.

Hutchinson had given City the lead after half an hour and Spurs were glad of an opportunity to redeem themselves on another day in the replay.

Team: Aleksic; Perryman(Captain), Miller, Roberts, Hughton; Ardiles, Hoddle, Villa(Brooke), Galvin; Archibald, Crooks.

Spurs in History - 8th May

8th May, 1979

Bolton Wanderers 1 Spurs 3 (1st Division)

An end of season game with nothing at stake for either team. Spurs had not tasted victory for ten games and were sitting in mid-table while Bolton were to finish six places below them.

This game was the debut of a young forward who had been a regular goal-scorer in the youth and reserve teams. Mark Falco scored on his debut and was to play his part in Spurs success of the early eighties and was Spurs top scorer in seasons 1984-85 and 1985-86. While not a classic goal-scorer he was strong and skilful, working hard to succeed where others had failed and is the only successful young goal-scoring forward that Spurs have produced since Len Duquemin in the fifties. In 162 League appearances, Falco scored 68 goals. He scored another 8 goals in Cup competitions and 13 in Europe.

The other goal scorers against Bolton were Ricky Villa and Jimmy Holmes.

Spurs in History - 15th April

Villa and Crooks(2) - Spurs' Goal scorers at Highbury against Wolves in FA Cup S/F Replay

15th April, 1981

Spurs 3 Wolverhampton Wanderers 0 F.A.Cup Semi-Final Replay at Highbury.

The perfect place for Spurs to win an exciting replay. Determined not to be deprived of their place at Wembley as they had been the previous Saturday, Spurs were fired up for the game from the outset and took an early lead when Garth Crooks headed the opening goal.

Wolves came back strongly but couldn’t get an equaliser. Then just before half-time Crooks scored the second when taking a Glenn Hoddle pass, he finished with ease.

Spurs were celebrating and Ricky Villa sealed the victory with a great goal scored from thirty yards. A great victory and a stylish performance as ‘Spurs were on their way to Wembley’ again to meet Manchester City in the Centenary Final.

Spurs in History - 6th February

6th February, 1982

Spurs 6 Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 (1st Division)

Another of those Ricky Villa Days

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 hen 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.

A Hero Needed

‘Come On You Spurs’ – Give Us A Hero!

The lyrics of Paper Lace’s 1974 anti-war song, ‘Billy Don’t Be a Hero’ remind us of the great loss of life brought about by war and the grief brought upon family and friends. A young woman is distraught that her fiancé chooses to leave the area with an Army contingent passing through the town, and go with them to fight. She laments,

"Billy, don't be a hero! Don't be a fool with your life!
"Billy, don't be a hero! Come back and make me your wife!"
And as Billy started to go, she said, "Keep your pretty head low!"
"Billy, don't be a hero! Come back to me!"

The song goes on to describe how Billy is killed in action in a pitched battle after volunteering to ride out and seek reinforcements. In the end, the woman throws away the regret letter notifying her of Billy's "heroic" death.

Football is only a game and the heroics achieved over ninety minutes on the pitch are as nothing compared to the bravery of soldiers prepared to give their lives in the line of duty – but on Wednesday evening as Spurs make their second visit to the Emirates Stadium – the one thing their game is crying out for is a hero to keep his head high and while all around are feeling the pressure, he will come through and show his true worth to the team. It’s a long, long time since Spurs have had a player who has risen to the occasion and produced an outstanding display against all the odds and when it has really mattered.

The top teams have players who are all capable of producing top-class performances when it really matters. The current Liverpool team doesn’t stand comparison with the teams of previous generations but they have won the FA Cup, the League Cup, the UEFA Cup and the biggest prize of all, the Champions League. Why? They have Steven Gerrard who has time and time again risen to the occasion, produced an outstanding performance when everything has been going against Liverpool and pulled them through – the Champions League Final, three down at half-time, in last season’s FA Cup Liverpool could have gone out in the opening round at Palace but for Gerrard and then in the Final itself, two outstanding goals with the spectacular goal at the death to snatch victory from West Ham and take the game into extra-time and eventual success. In fact, such was his influence on Liverpool winning the Final that the DVD for the Final is called ‘The Gerrard Final!’

The major difference between Spurs and Liverpool at the moment is one player who can produce amazing performances which lift the players around him and produce results above what they deserve. If only Spurs could find such a player but with their pay structure at the club they’ll never get a player of Gerrard’s caliber. However, at the moment there is a great need for one of the current players to step forward and take that mantle and make themselves a hero and what better place to do it than the Emirates Stadium – they would become an instant ‘Legend’, remembered for years to come.

In summing up last week’s 1st Leg match a radio commentator stated that at two nil Spurs had a great chance but by the end it had gone. There was an opportunity to really put one over Arsenal and make the 2nd Leg academic but it wasn’t taken. The departure of Berbatov with injury changed the game but there were enough experienced players on the Spurs’ team who should have been able to take control and dominate the game for Spurs but they didn’t and it cost them dearly – they bottled it.

Now at 2-2 for the second game on Wednesday, Spurs have it all to do. With the away goals against them Spurs can’t let the game drift and hold on to what they’ve got because in terms of reaching the Final at the moment they don’t have anything. Spurs will need to be positive against probably the Arsenal young team who will greater experience among the re-enforcements, waiting to be called upon if necessary. This is where Spurs need every player totally committed to the cause but sometimes even that isn’t enough. There have been numerous occasions in recent seasons when Spurs have given it everything, put up a fighting, gutsy performance but lost to a late goal or some other hard-luck story. To take that step to the Carling Cup Final it will need a player to really shine – be dominant, take the goal scoring chances that are presented – we’ve had enough of being the nearly team, the unlucky losers, it’s time for Spurs to strike out for glory.

Spurs have had players in the past who achieved such heights – Gascoigne and his contribution in the 1991 FA Cup being almost single-handedly responsible for getting Spurs to the Final and nobody will forget that semi-final goal! A decade earlier, Ricky Villa in the FA Cup semi-final at Highbury and then in the Final replay he was able to shake off the disappointment of the first game and scored the goals to bring the FA Cup to Tottenham. Graham Roberts in the UEFA Cup Final when all looked lost led from the front, scored the equaliser and stepped up to dispatch the first penalty in the nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out. If supporter message-boards had been around in Martin Chivers’ day he would have been criticised endlessly but in big games, he produced the goals – two in the League Cup final of 1971 and another ‘double’ against Wolves in the UEFA Cup semi-final. Jimmy Greaves, Dave Mackay, Teddy Sheringham and Jurgen Klinsmann, 1994 FA Cup semi-final excluded, were all able to show their worth – we need a player of that ilk in the team today.

Who will raise their game and take that chance to be the ‘star’ and become a hero?
If Spurs win, all eleven players will be heroes but there is a need for someone to up their performance when it really matters and inspire those around them to greater heights. It’s all very well to score the goals against Southend or Villa, or to perform lesser teams - it keeps all of us happy, but when the trophies are being handed out the question that has to be asked is, ‘Where were your goals against the best?’

The top players have that star quality and will do it in the vitally important games. Spurs’ need for a new hero on Wednesday is critical. Step forward and take that opportunity now. Robinson, Chimbonda, Dawson, Rocha, Lee, Lennon, Jenas, Zokora, Malbranque, Defdoe, Keane or whoever is selected, your chance to be immortalised in the history of Tottenham Hotspur awaits you.