Sunderland 0 Spurs 0

The point which Spurs took from the Stadium of Light lifted them temporarily into third place but Arsenal's late winner over Manchester City increased their advantage by two points.  It was a game where Spurs totally dominated possession as Sunderland, the home team, looked to capitalise from any Spurs error or from a set-piece.

Sunderland 0 Tottenham Hotspur 0

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

This match with a lunchtime kick-off, never generated any level of excitement for the fans watching on television or in the ground.  A subdued Stadium of Light crowd have become accustomed to Martin O'Neill's negative tactics where they defend in depth for ninety minutes, hoping to snatch victory with a last ditch goal.  Sunderland retreated into defence as soon as Tottenham had the ball and allowed Spurs to pass it back and forward across the pitch at will.  This made for a very sterile match with little impetus and it was increasingly difficult for Spurs to make any forward movement.

Spurs started with the same team for their third successive Premier League match with Aaron Lennon among the substitutes to provide a further attacking option should it be required.

All the early threat, limited though it was, came from Spurs.  A shot by Benoit Assou-Ekotto from distance curled past the post after four minutes and then on ten minutes Luka Modric turned and shot from the edge of the area but it was saved easily.  A few minutes later, a free-kick was headed goalwards by Emmanuel Adebayor and struck the defender's arm but no penalty was awarded by referee, Chris Foy, no surprise there.  

At the quarter hour point, Spurs had had 75 % of possession and Sunderland raised their first positive forward movement on the break, with William Gallas putting in a blocking tackle for a corner which provided the home team with the type of opportunity they were looking for, to put the goalkeeper under pressure and try to create a goal scoring opportunity from such a situation.

Sunderland were content to play their containing game, looking to take advantage of any misplaced pass by Spurs.  This would enable them get forward on the break and try to create pressure through free-kicks and corners.  Spurs survived a period of such pressure and then Scott Parker had a shot from distance blocked after twenty six minutes.  The only threat to Spurs continued to come on the break and at set-pieces.  From one, the ball bounced up in the penalty area to hit Parker on the chest and arm.  In the final moments of the half, following close work by Spurs in the centre of the pitch they got forward and although it was very narrow, Rafael Van der Vaart managed to work his way into the penalty area but his shot was blocked.

It was a typical Martin O'Neill team performance - work hard, defend, look to counter attack and take advantage of free-kicks and corners.

Sunderland appeared to start the second half with a more positive approach but it wasn't maintained after a McClean cross nearly crept through.  Spurs continued to dominate possession but it was played in front of the well-marshalled and ranked Sunderland defence and didn't cause them any problems.  Modric and Bale worked well to set up Van der Vaart but he shot over.  Then after a rare home attack broke down Spurs attacked quickly but Adebayor was offside as he shot over.  A cross from Assou-Ekotto was headed over by Bale as Spurs continued to create the only goal scoring opportunities.

Brad Friedel made his first save of the day from a long range shot after an hour.  Sandro was booked for a foul but then was back defending  to make a clearance as Sunderland made a rare attack at pace.  Modric and Bale had crosses which were cut out just before they reached their intended target.  

In an attacking move Harry Redknapp replaced Sandro with Aaron Lennon and as Spurs continued to push forward, Gallas and Kaboul were positioned well inside the Sunderland half, so little threat were Sunderland causing to their goal.  On seventy minutes, Spurs had had 68% of possession in the second half.  Two minutes later a Van der Vaart shot hit a defender of the arm but play continued.

Louis Saha and Jermain Defoe were introduced late in the game as Spurs tried to find a way through but to no avail.  In the final minute, Bale broke away but was blocked by a solid last ditch tackle by the Sunderland defender.

This was the first scoreless draw in twenty two Premier League matches between the two clubs as Sunderland stifled the life out of Spurs and the match.

In recent months with the speculation of Harry Redknapp taking the England manager's position, we've had the David Moyes' and Brendon Rodgers' auditions for any vacancy which may arise at White Hart Lane.  With Martin O'Neill always touted as a contender whenever a top post becomes available, if yesterday was his audition, then it's a matter of thank you but no thanks.  The negative, defensive tactics applied by Sunderland killed the game as a spectacle and would not be accepted at Tottenham - it was even worse than George Graham at his worst.

Spurs now move on to play Norwich on Monday with the hope that they can take three points to give their challenge for Champions League qualification a more positive grounding, in the face of mounting competition from Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle United. 

Spurs and the FA Cup 6th Round

By the 6th Round of the FA Cup supporters of every club are aware that it is only two games away from the Wembley Final and nowadays it's only one win away from a trip to Wembley with the semi-finals being played there.  The the 6th Round has brought Spurs many memorable moments but also times of great disappointment as the hopes of Cup success have been dashed for another year. 

  

Spurs Writers' Club:
Tottenham, The Glory-Glory Game

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One memorable occasion was in 1982 when Spurs as Cup holders were drawn to play at Stamford Bridge against 2nd Division Chelsea who had defeated European Champions, Liverpool, in the previous round.  Spurs 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.   It was only a matter of time before Spurs would score and it came 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 Micky 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 Spurs had to displaying their passing talent on a bare pitch with a very uneven bounce.

In 1901, with fewer teams in the competition, Spurs had already reached the semi-finals but in 1921 they were drawn at home against the FA Cup holders, Aston Villa.  Having had a favourable draw in the earlier rounds, this was the first occasion they had met opponents from the 1st Division.  The clubs had met at the similar stage (4th Round) a year previously when a Tommy Clay own goal had taken Villa through.  This time, Clay and Spurs took revenge and triumphed when right winger, Jimmy Banks, scored midway through the first half, following a run by left winger, Jimmy Dimmock. In his book, Jimmy Seed, the influential Spurs player of the time describes how Banks saved his blushes with the goal.  Seed admitted that on occasions, in big games, he would ‘freeze’ and in this game as Dimmock crossed the ball, that’s what happened.  However, Jimmy Banks sized up the situation and hit both Seed and the ball as best he could.  The ball hit his knee and ended up in the Villa goal.  A freak goal and another piece of good fortune to take Spurs closer to success.

That match was watched by a crowd of 51, 991 spectators at White Hart Lane but it falls well short of the record attendance for the ground which was achieved in 1938.  On 5th March, 1938, Spurs’ record crowd of 75,038 spectators witnessed the team lose by a single goal to Sunderland.  At that time Spurs were in the 2nd Division while Sunderland were from the 1st Division.  However, a controversial refereeing decision denied Spurs an opening goal.  A Colin Lyman shot beat the goalkeeper but Jack Gibbons following up to make sure the ball went in, handled and although the referee gave the goal, a linesman flagged for handball and the goal was disallowed.

In 1961, however, the roles were reversed and the 6th Round draw took Spurs to Roker Park to meet Sunderland who were in the 2nd Division and their young team came closest to ending that season’s all conquering Spurs team’s dream of the ‘Double.’  By the end of that game Spurs were hanging on for a draw.  Cliff Jones had given Spurs the lead after nine minutes with a header from a partially cleared corner.  Bobby Smith hit the post just before half-time, but then the famous ‘Roker Roar’ lifted the home team and they equalised at the start of the second half.  Sunderland pressurised Spurs to the final whistle and tested them to the limit but where weaker teams would have succumbed Danny Blanchflower galvanized Spurs who held out for the replay.  It was a relieved Spurs team who prepared for the replay the following Wednesday and having escaped with a draw, they made no mistakes this time.  Sunderland had had their day and now it was time for Spurs to show their superiority.  Fans had queued for ten hours to get in and they saw Spurs sweep majestically into the semi-final.  Spurs were three ahead by half-time with goals from Les Allen, Bobby Smith and Terry Dyson.  After 65 minutes Dyson scored his second and five minutes later Dave Mackay completed the scoring.  Burnley awaited in the semi-finals.

In 1962, Spurs had to meet Aston Villa.  Spurs had beaten them 2-0 at Villa Park the previous season in the 5th Round and with home advantage recorded the same score this time.  In a typical cup-tie, in slippery conditions due to constant rain, Spurs hit the post twice during the first half, with shots from Terry Medwin and Jimmy Greaves.  However, Villa defended resolutely and the game remained scoreless but sixty seconds in the second half changed all that.  In the 47th minute, Danny Blanchflower scored with a low shot and a minute later, Jones headed home a cross from Greaves.

Second Division, Birmingham City were Spurs 6th Round opponents in 1967.  A visit to the Midlands saw Spurs held to a goal-less draw as the home team battled heroically to ensure Spurs could not play their natural game.  The Spurs defence also had be alert to thwart Birmingham and Pat Jennings had to make a number of important saves.  In the replay, order was restored and Jimmy Greaves threw off the shackles that had been imposed on him in the first game to score twice in the second half.  Terry Venables had scored two early goals and Alan Gilzean made it three before half-time.  Greaves’ brace and a final goal from Frank Saul completed the scoring after the interval and took Spurs to a meeting with Nottingham Forest.

In 1981, the draw was favourable to Spurs, a home game against Exeter City from the Third Division. Spurs couldn’t have been more delighted and were looking towards the semi-finals and beyond. Surely, a team with Perryman, Hoddle, Ardiles, Archibald, Crooks and Georgio Mazzon would have too much class for the lower Division team.  However, it took two goals from the central defenders to take Spurs into the semi-finals.  Exeter made Spurs fight all the way but two moments of Glenn Hoddle magic created the goals for Spurs.  Firstly, a Hoddle cross enabled Graham Roberts to score his first goal for the club and then from his free-kick Paul Miller scored after the goalkeeper had made a mistake.

The two recurring themes from the 1991 Cup triumph are Spurs’ worsening financial situation and Paul Gascoigne.  As the months passed so Spurs’ future outlook grew bleaker by the day but the one bright spot was the FA Cup and Paul Gascoigne’s ability to overcome injury worries and continue to amaze with his outstanding performances.  The 6th Round opponents were Notts County at White Hart Lane and if Spurs were expecting an easy victory over the 2nd Division side, they must have been in a state of shock when County took the lead.  Nayim scored to bring Spurs level and then a winner from the one and only, Paul Gascoigne, took Spurs to a semi-final tie against Arsenal.

Dismissal at the 6th Round is particularly disappointing as supporters watch other teams progress to the ‘big’ games of the semi-final and possibly the Final with all the added expectancy and media coverage that accompanies these games.  Reviewing Spurs’ games at this stage of the competition, it is surprising to find that many have a claim to recognition.  The 6th Round experience in 2005 took them to Newcastle and after conceding an early goal Spurs set about rectifying the situation but a certain referee managed to deny Spurs’ claims for at least two penalties and disallowed a goal which would have provided Spurs with the chance to bring the game back to White Hart Lane.  Undeserved defeat in such circumstances brings such frustration and disappointment.

An unexpected hero emerged from the five goal thriller at Upton Park in 2001 when Sergei Rebrov showed why Spurs had spent their record transfer fee to sign him.  His two goals and one from Gary Doherty gave George Graham’s team a thrilling victory and another chance to play Arsenal in the semi-finals.  Everything was up-beat at Tottenham after that win but behind the scenes all was not well and within seven days Graham was gone with Glenn Hoddle to be his eventual successor.

In 1999, the 6th Round draw took Spurs to Barnsley where they had lost in a 5th Round Replay twelve months earlier.  This time a David Ginola inspirational run and goal was sufficient to overcome the side that had suffered relegation at the end of the previous season.

In 1993 Spurs had to visit Manchester to play City and it was a memorable game, not just because Spurs won, but because of the football that Spurs played, the hat-trick scored by Nayim and the fact that the game had to be stopped due to a pitch invasion by the City fans.  City went into the lead but Spurs were ahead at half-time through goals from Nayim and Sedgeley.  In the second half Spurs took control with Nayim scoring twice.  Spurs had a goal disallowed and direct from the free-kick City went the length of the pitch and scored.  This was the signal for the City supporters to spill onto the pitch.  The game was halted and the players left the pitch for thirteen minutes while the mounted police restored order.

Wimbledon often proved a difficult side for Spurs to beat as they disliked their long ball, high pressured play and often came off second best.  In 1987, however, David Pleat’s side showed their worth in a visit to Plough Lane and with application and commitment went through as the skill of Chris Waddle and Glenn Hoddle provided the goals to ensure the ‘Diamond Lights’ were still shining for the semi-final tie.

Season 1955-56 was disappointing for Spurs in the League but the team showed great endeavour in the Cup and their 6th Round game against West Ham was one to remember.  At White Hart Lane on a very heavy pitch Spurs came from 2-3 down to earn a draw after captain, Danny Blanchflower, moved centre-half, Maurice Norman, forward to assist the attack.  It worked and Spurs were grateful to Tommy Harmer (pen), Len Duquemin and George Robb for the goals. In the replay Harmer and Duquemin both scored as Spurs won 2-1.

Three years earlier Spurs were involved in a three game thriller against Birmingham City at this stage of the competition. They had already played five games to reach the 6th Round and in those days extra replays were arranged to determine who went through rather than curtail the process with penalties as happens today.  The original match was at St Andrews where Spurs earned a 1-1 draw with a goal from Les Bennett.  In the replay at White Hart Lane Bennett again scored and with Len Duquemin ensured a 2-2 draw after extra time.  Spurs won the third game with a goal from Sonny Walters and went on to meet Blackpool in the semi-final.

In 1995 Spurs gave one of the truly memorable performances of the decade in their 6th Round game against Liverpool. Having fought back at Southampton Spurs had a visit to Anfield as their reward but it wasn’t a ground with many happy memories for them and Spurs weren’t given much chance. Liverpool took the lead late in the first half but Teddy Sheringham managed to equalize right on half-time.  In the second half Spurs played much better and it looked set for a replay but with two minutes remaining, Sheringham put Jurgen Klinsmann through to score the winner.  A great result for Spurs as they went on to meet Everton in the semi-final.

Spurs last experience of the 6th Round was two years ago.  Having defeated Bolton Wanderers 4-0 in a replay at White Hart Lane after a 1-1 draw at the Reebox in the previous Round, Spurs again needed a replay to progress.  The first match at Craven Cottage was goalless but in the replay Spurs recovered from conceding an early goal to score three in the second half.  David Bentley came on as a substitute at half-time and within a minute had put Spurs ahead.  Roman Pavlyuchenko scored after an hour and six minutes later Eidur Gudjohnsen added the third.

Progress to the next round, at such a late stage of the competition, is so sweet while failure is so disappointing.  Spurs want to experience more of that sweet taste of success. 

COYS

They Played for Spurs and Wigan

Wigan Athletic are currently the youngest club in the Premier League having been formed in 1932.  They were elected in to the Football League in the summer of 1978, replacing Southport and over the years eventually gained promotion to the top flight of English football in 2005.  With such a short history, not surprisingly, there have been only two transfers negotiated between the two clubs and both have been from Wigan's Premier League era.

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Pascal Chimbonda

Pascal Chimbonda played in Wigan's successful debut season in the Premier League and was included in the PFA 'Team of the Season' for 2005-06.  He had joined the club from Bastia for £500,000 the previous summer and after just one season he joined Spurs in August, 2006 for a fee of £4.5 million.  He made his debut against Manchester United the next month and was a regular at right back and played in the Carling Cup winning team against Chelsea in 2008.  He made 65 League appearances for Spurs and scored three goals.

He was transferred to Sunderland in July, 2008 for an undisclosed fee but returned to Spurs the following January for a fee in the region of £3 million having only made 13 appearances at the Stadium of Light.  His second Tottenham debut was at Bolton Wanderers at the end of January when he made an appearance as a substitute.  He made another substitute appearance in the next match and the only League match he started in his second period with the club was in a 1 - 1 draw at Sunderland in March.  He started both UEFA Cup matches against Shakhtar Donetsk when Harry Redknapp fielded understrength teams.

In August, 2009 he moved to Blackburn Rovers for a fee thought to be around £2.5 million where he stayed for eighteen months.  Since then he has had short spells with QPR and is now with Doncaster Rovers.

Wilson Palacios

Wilson Palacios joined Spurs in January, 2009 for £12 million having joined Wigan the previous January after spending six months on loan with Birmingham City.  He made his debut in the 3 - 2 defeat at Bolton and worked hard to strengthen the Tottenham midfield as they battled to ensure Premier League survival in Harry Redknapp's first season as manager.  The following August Palacios scored his first goal in Premier League football against Hull City.  That season he helped Spurs qualify for the Champions League and played his part in the Spurs success in that competiton the following season.  His controlled midfield display in Italy against AC Milan alongside Sandro where Spurs secured a single goal victory was one of the highlights of his time with the club.  His opportunity to play regularly was being restricted with the development of Sandro and last summer he moved to Stoke City for a fee of around £6 million.  He made 86 League and Cup appearances for Spurs, scoring once.

Tottenham 1 Sunderland 0

Spurs regained third place in the Premier League after a hard earned victory over Sunderland with a goal from substitute Roman Pavlyuchenko.

Tottenham Hotspur 1 Sunderland 0

Scorer: Pavlyuchenko

Team: Friedel; Walker, Gallas, King, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon (Pavlyuchenko), Parker, Sandro (Livermore), Modric; Van der Vaart (Rose), Adebayor.  Subs (unused): Cudicini, Bassong, Kranjcar, Pienaar

The Return of 'Super-Pav' (for a few seconds)

Roman Pavlyuchenko

The announce of the teams brought good and bad news for Spurs.  The return of captain, Ledley King, was greeted enthusiastically by spectators but the absence of Gareth Bale following a training ground injury was a major disappointment.  The absence of Jermain Defoe from the list of substitutes through injury also reduced the manager's options.  Sandro returned to the team in central midfield beside Scott Parker with Luka Modric playing on the left.

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Sunderland boosted by the appointment of Martin O'Neill and last week's win over Blackburn Rovers were just outside the relegation zone but have a very good defensive record and as would be expected from any team sent out by O'Neill they were very well prepared and organised, working extremely hard to deny Spurs the time or space to place their usual game.  Without Bale Spurs had lost the pace and drive on the left side of the team as Modric drifted in towards the centre from his starting position.  This put added importance on the play of Aaron Lennon and after a slow start just as Spurs began to take advantage of his pace, Lennon had to go off with an injury after half an hour.  The appearance of Roman Pavlyuchenko as his replacement was unexpected to say the least and his early non-contributions to the game before half-time didn't exactly endear him to the supporters.

Brad Friedel was the busier of the two goalkeepers with the best of his saves being in the first half when he dealt with a free-kick from Larsson.  The nearest Spurs came to a first half chance was a shot from Benoit Assou-Ekotto which Van der Vaart deflected wide and when the goalkeeper punched a dangerous Parker cross into Pavlyuchenko and it rebounded wide in the final minutes of the half.  Spurs had failed to get a shot on target during the opening forty five minutes - the first time that's happened since August, 2008.


Losing both wingers meant Spurs needed to rethink their approach and after the interval, the two full backs pushed forward more to provide pace and create width.  Sunderland had been encouraged by their first half performance and were still competing fiercely and keeping the pressure on Spurs.  The game was going from end to end but neither side was creating any clear goal scoring opportunities.  Rafael Van der Vaart started to have a greater influence and was to be the creator of the opening goal although it was a strong forward run by Kyle Walker after fifteen second half minutes which seemed to be the inspiration for a lift in the Spurs play.

Sunderland had almost worked a chance in the Spurs area but Sandro got back to clear the danger and then following a short period of play where Spurs followed Sunderland's example and harried and hounded their opponents which allowed Modric to pick up a free ball inside his own half and move forward before passing to Van der Vaart who with a lovely reverse pass released Pavlyuchenko to finish from the edge of the penalty area, shooting across the goalkeeper.


This relieved the tension around White Hart Lane and Spurs should have added to their score.  Van der Vaart with another exquisite pass sent Emmanuel Adebayor free into the area but the keeper blocked his shot but when it fell to Modric in front of goal he shot over the empty net.  Van der Vaart displayed the full range of his talent with a beautiful cross field volleyed pass from right to left to set Assou-Ekotto free.


Sunderland tried to find an equaliser but Bendtner shot wide and Friedel saved a dangerous cross in the final moments of added time.


Spurs overcame last week's defeat at Stoke but the absence of Bale and Lennon was a big loss to the team.  They managed, however, to score the important goal which lifts them to third ahead of Chelsea who could only draw at Wigan on Saturday.  The next fixture is on Thursday against Chelsea so it's to be hoped that Bale and Defoe will be available as the busy Christmas period is not a time to be struggling with injuries.  A win in that match would consolidate Spurs hold on third with a game in hand. 

Robbie Keane - 100 Goals for Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs Fans Salute Robbie Keane

http://www.topspurs.com/newsnow/thfc-keano190108.htm

(for a record of all Robbie Keane's goals at Spurs use the above link to Topspurs)

Deep into injury time as Spurs hang on against a determined Sunderland and second half substitute, Robbie Keane, steps up to score his 100th goal for Tottenham Hotspur and most importantly secure the win and the three points. The fans rise as one to salute Robbie Keane.

However, go back a few weeks to the last game of 2007 - six goals against Reading and the club’s leading scorer for the calendar year of 2007 doesn’t get on the score sheet, in fact, he misses a penalty at 4 – 4 but sees Jermain Defoe save his blushes as he heads in the rebound. He is then substituted as the team wins 6-4.

That sums up the enigma that is Robbie Keane. Love him or loathe him, as some Spurs fans do, you have to acknowledge that he has an instinct for goals and frequently goals of the spectacular variety.

He has been described as a scorer of great goals rather than a great goal scorer and while there is an element of truth in that he has over the past couple of seasons added greater consistency to his game and the ability to be in the right place to knock in simple, goal-poacher’s type of goal as well.

Robbie Keane joined Tottenham in August, 2002 from Leeds United for £7 million as his former club slipped into financial ruin. Only turned 22 years of age, Keane had also played for Wolves, Coventry and Inter Milan. At the time there was newspaper talk that the signing was controversial due to a difference in view between the manager, Glenn Hoddle, and the Director of Football, David Pleat. Pleat was reported to be in favour of the signing while Hoddle was opposed to it, a view which could be supported as the manager left his new signing on the bench for the next game at Fulham which they lost from a winning two goal position.

Keane made his debut in a 3-2 home win over West Ham United and scored his first goal for the club in an away win at Blackburn three weeks later. He has now scored 100 goals for Spurs in all competitions and his second goal against Fulham on Boxing Day was his 100th Premier League goal, making him the thirteenth player to achieve that milestone.

Keane has developed his game to become creator as well as goal scorer and has developed a great understanding with Dimitar Berbatov as shown on numerous occasions, including by the cross that led to the Bulgarian scoring the first goal against Reading. He also won the penalty which led to Spurs going ahead.

Until recently, Keane had been so reliable and consistent when taking a penalty. His record shows 14 successful strikes from seventeen penalties. He was so calm and showed such composure, able to focus on the task and exclude all distractions from the opposition. He had previously only missed one penalty for Spurs, saved by Spurs now reserve keeper, Ben Alnwick, when he was playing for Sunderland at White Hart Lane.

Keane has shown great commitment to Spurs and has been the leading scorer for a number of seasons and even when omitted from the team, he has battled back into contention and shown a willingness to play from the substitutes’ bench. Able to play a variety of roles he has also combined well with other strike partners, Teddy Sheringham, Fredi Kanoute and Defoe.

For the early part of last season, manager Martin Jol rotated Keane and Defoe with Berbatov but eventually sided with Keane who could provide greater support to midfield as he often came to collect the ball before moving forward in attack. On occasions this was a fault in his play as when Spurs were under pressure Keane came further and further back leaving Berbatov isolated and Spurs brought more pressure on themselves.

Keane has many memorable goals – hat-tricks against Wolves and Everton, his juggling goal against Blackburn Rovers and the super strikes against Fulham in the Cup and in Europe. One other memorable moment was his dribbling and bamboozling of the Chelsea full back, leaving him on the ground, as he tricked his way up the line to eventually set up Aaron Lennon for the winner at White Hart Lane in November, 2006.

Martin Jol showed great faith in Keane, making him vice-captain, and he has accepted the responsibility as he did when appointed captain for the Ireland team. He is now their leading international goal scorer.

Last calendar year, 2007, Robbie Keane scored 31 goals in all competitions, 19 of which were in the Premier League from 32 appearances, keeping him ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo (18 goals from 31 appearances) and other strikers including Benni McCarthy, Carlos Tevez, Yukubu, Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba.

Last year started slowly for Keane who didn’t start a game in January and his first League goals didn’t come until late February when he scored two against Bolton Wanderers but was then sent off before half-time for handling the ball on the line following a corner. In his final seven League games of the season he scored nine goals and after a slow start to this season he scored another ten, bringing his total to nineteen.

To date, Keane is the fifteenth player to have scored one hundred or more goals for Spurs. That elite group is headed by Jimmy Greaves and includes Teddy Sheringham, Martin Chivers, Alan Gilzean, Bobby Smith and Glenn Hoddle, all Spurs ‘Legends’. Given his age and continued good form and avoiding injury, Keane could very quickly move well up that list.

Hopefully, Robbie Keane will continue to head Spurs’ goal scoring lists as the club move forward to claim some long awaited silverware in the coming seasons.

‘There’s Only One Robbie Keane!’

Sunderland Aim to Spoil Spurs' Party Again!!

Saturday’s game at White Hart Lane will be the 100th competitive meeting between Spurs and Sunderland with Tottenham holding a slight advantage in the overall record with 38 wins ahead of Sunderland’s thirty five.

Through that record, Sunderland have a history of spoiling Spurs’ hopes and ambitions.

Back in 1938, no I wasn’t there, Sunderland travelled to London for an FA Cup 6th Round tie. Sunderland were the 1st Division side and the FA Cup holders while Spurs had dropped down into the 2nd Division three years earlier and White Hart Lane recorded the highest ever attendance – 75,038 were packed into the ground as the players took to the pitch. Such a scenario, a record crowd, deserved a home win but Sunderland had other ideas, however their victory was not without controversy.

Today’s television commentators would have been in their element trying to assess if the Spurs’ forward had handled the ball before or after it crossed the line. It was into the second half of the exciting game when a cross shot from Colin Lyman was handled by Spurs’ Jack Gibbons as it crossed the line. Was it a goal? The referee awarded a goal but after consulting the linesman, he ruled against Spurs. Sunderland having escaped that scare won the game late on when one of their most famous players, Raich Carter, scored the only goal.

In September,1969 after a poor start to the season, Spurs manager, Bill Nicholson, gave a debut to a young home grown player for the visit of Sunderland. His name was Steve Perryman. Unfortunately, Sunderland rather spoiled his first game by again winning 1-0 through an own goal from Spurs’ Welsh international, Mike England. At least the early set-back to his career didn’t upset Perryman who went on to become Spurs’ captain and to be a vital member of the successful Spurs’ teams in the early 1970s and 1980s as well as make a record 854 appearances for Spurs in all competitions.

In 1961, 2nd Division, Sunderland almost achieved something that the top clubs of the day failed to do. They made Spurs fight all the way in the FA Cup 6th Round tie at Roker Park. Spurs had taken an early first half lead through Cliff Jones but after half-time Sunderland came roaring back, fully supported by their fans who created an incredibly atmosphere in the ground. Sunderland equalised through Willie McPheat and by the end Spurs were greatly relieved to escape Roker Park with a draw but they managed to win the replay in mid-week to continue on their way to the ‘Double’.

Spoiling Spurs’ ambitions – Sunderland don’t have to go back any further than last August, the opening day of the season and a deserved win with a last minute goal from substitute, Michael Chopra. Spurs went in to that game with such high hopes for the season but they fell flat in the face of a determined performance from Sunderland.

Sunderland will be hoping to do the same on Saturday and deflate Spurs’ tentative recovery under Juande Ramos. Roy Keane will demand total commitment and hope to add further misery to Spurs’ season.

Having remembered some of Sunderland’s finer moments against Spurs, I will just mention a Spurs’ legend. Jimmy Greaves loved playing against Sunderland – 10 goals in total, including four in a game in 1968. Perhaps, Berbatov could take over that role, if he’s in the mood.

Enjoy the game!!!!

Spurs in History - 22nd April

22nd April, 1978

Spurs 2 Sunderland 3 (2nd Division)

It was getting very close for the three promotion spots out of the 2nd Division. Earlier in the season, Spurs had been sitting quite comfortably but now four teams, Bolton, Southampton, Brighton and Spurs were in pursuit of promotion.

In their two previous games Spurs had overcome Bolton at home but lost away to Brighton and were sitting in second place. However, this result put another dent in the Spurs' promotion bid and created additional anxiety and uncertainty among the players and the supporters.

Spurs had taken the lead within 30 seconds through Peter Taylor but Sunderland equalised before half time and went 3-1 up midway through the second half. Spurs tried to retrieve the situation and scored through John Duncan who was returning from injury, but it wasn’t enough.

The pressure was on with two games remaining.

Spurs in History - 4th April

4th April, 1961
Sunderland 1 Spurs 1 F.A.Cup 6th Round.

[Pic: Danny Blanchflower played a captain's role as Spurs held on for a replay]

This was a game that tested the soon to be ‘Double’ winning team to the limit Sunderland were in the 2nd Division and the atmosphere at Roker Park was extraordinary. Cliff Jones gave Spurs the lead after nine minutes with a header from a partially cleared corner. The rest of the half was tranquil but Bobby Smith hit the post just before halftime.

However, in the second half Sunderland were transformed and forced Spurs to defend. The 61,236 crowd awoke and roared their team to an equaliser. Weaker teams would have succumbed but Danny Blanchflower galvanized the team which held out for the replay.

Spurs in History - 26th March

26th March, 1921

Sunderland 0 Spurs 1 (1st Division)

Now-a-days with substitutes you never see outfield players taking over in goal when the goalkeeper is injured or gets sent off. It always added excitement to a game to see the substitute goalkeeper flapping at crosses or making amazing saves.

For this game Spurs regular goalkeepers, Alex Hunter and Bill Jacques, were injured. Their deputy for the whole game was Tommy Clay, an England international full back. He kept a clean sheet and Spurs won with a goal from Jimmy Seed.

Spurs and the FA Cup 6th Round

Can Spurs Add to the Memorable FA Cup Moments at Stamford Bridge?
Spurs and the FA Cup – 6th Round

Chelsea in the 6th Round, Chelsea at Stamford Bridge – that wasn’t what I’d been hoping for when Steve McLaren and Terry Venables made the draw on the 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.

With Chelsea in mind the obvious starting point for a review of Spurs in the FA Cup 6th Round is Stamford Bridge in 1982. Spurs as Cup holders were drawn against 2nd Division Chelsea who had defeated European Champions, Liverpool, in the previous round. A memorable game with Spurs 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. It was only a matter of time before Spurs would score and it came 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 bare pitch with a very uneven bounce.

A similar performance and result on Sunday would be very, very satisfying.

In 1901, with fewer teams in the competition, Spurs had already reached the semi-finals but in 1921 they were drawn at home against the FA Cup holders, Aston Villa. Having had a favourable draw in the earlier rounds, this was the first occasion they had met opponents from the 1st Division. The clubs had met at the similar stage (4th Round) a year previously when a Tommy Clay own goal had taken Villa through. This time, Clay and Spurs took revenge and triumphed when right winger, Jimmy Banks, scored midway through the first half, following a run by left winger, Jimmy Dimmock. In his book, Jimmy Seed, the influential Spurs player of the time describes how Banks saved his blushes with the goal. Seed admits that on occasions, in big games, he would ‘freeze’ and in this game as Dimmock crossed the ball, that’s what happened. However, Jimmy Banks sized up the situation and hit both Seed and the ball as best he could. The ball hit his knee and ended up in the Villa goal. A freak goal and another piece of good fortune to take Spurs closer to success.

That match was watched by a crowd of 51, 991 spectators at White Hart Lane but it falls well short of the record attendance for the ground which was achieved in 1938. On 5th March, 1938, Spurs’ record crowd of 75,038 spectators witnessed the team lose by a single goal to Sunderland. At that time Spurs were in the 2nd Division while Sunderland were from the 1st Division. However, a controversial refereeing decision denied Spurs an opening goal. A Colin Lyman shot beat the goalkeeper but Jack Gibbons following up to make sure the ball went in, handled and although the referee gave the goal, a linesman flagged for handball and the goal was disallowed.

However, in 1961 the roles were reversed and the 6th Round game took Spurs to Roker Park to meet Sunderland who were in the 2nd Division and their young team came closest to ending that season’s all conquering Spurs team’s dream of the ‘double.’ By the end of that game Spurs were hanging on for a draw. Cliff Jones had given Spurs the lead after nine minutes with a header from a partially cleared corner. Bobby Smith hit the post just before half-time, but then the famous ‘Roker Roar’ lifted the home team and they equalised at the start of the second half. Sunderland pressurised Spurs to the final whistle and tested them to the limit but where weaker teams would have succumbed Danny Blanchflower galvanized Spurs who held out for the replay. It was a relieved Spurs team who prepared for the replay the following Wednesday and having escaped with a draw, they made no mistakes this time. Sunderland had had their day and now it was time for Spurs to show their superiority. Fans had queued for ten hours to get in and they saw Spurs sweep majestically into the semi-final. Spurs were three ahead by half-time with goals from Les Allen, Bobby Smith and Terry Dyson. After 65 minutes Dyson scored his second and five minutes later Dave Mackay completed the scoring. Burnley awaited in the semi-finals.

In 1962, Spurs had to meet Aston Villa. Spurs had beaten them 2-0 at Villa Park the previous season in the 5th Round and with home advantage recorded the same score this time. In a typical cup-tie, in slippery conditions due to constant rain, Spurs hit the post twice during the first half, with shots from Terry Medwin and Jimmy Greaves. However, Villa defended resolutely and the game remained scoreless but sixty seconds in the second half changed all that. In the 47th minute, Danny Blanchflower scored with a low shot and one minute later, Cliff Jones headed home a cross from Greaves.

Second Division, Birmingham City were Spurs 6th Round opponents in 1967. A visit to the Midlands saw Spurs held to a goal-less draw as the home team battled heroically to ensure Spurs could not play their natural game. The Spurs defence also had be alert to thwart Birmingham and Pat Jennings had to make a number of important saves. In the replay, order was restored and Jimmy Greaves threw off the shackles that had been imposed on him in the first game to score twice in the second half. Terry Venables had scored two early goals and Alan Gilzean made it three before half-time. Greaves’ brace and a final goal from Frank Saul completed the scoring after the interval and took Spurs to a meeting with Nottingham Forest.

In 1981, the draw was favourable to Spurs, a home game against Exeter City from the Third Division. Spurs couldn’t have been more delighted and were looking towards the semi-finals and beyond. Surely, a team with Perryman, Hoddle, Ardiles, Archibald, Crooks and Georgio Mazzon would have too much class for the lower Division team. However, it took two goals from the central defenders to take Spurs into the semi-finals. Exeter made Spurs fight all the way but two moments of Glenn Hoddle magic created the goals for Spurs. Firstly, a Hoddle cross enabled Graham Roberts to score his first goal for the club and then from his free-kick Paul Miller scored after the goalkeeper had made a mistake.

The two recurring themes from the 1991 Cup triumph are Spurs’ worsening financial situation and Paul Gascoigne. As the months passed so Spurs’ future outlook grew bleaker by the day but the one bright spot was the FA Cup and Paul Gascoigne’s ability to overcome injury worries and continue to amaze with his outstanding performances. The 6th Round opponents were Notts County at White Hart Lane and if Spurs were expecting an easy victory over the 2nd Division side, they must have been in a state of shock when County took the lead. Nayim scored to bring Spurs level and then a winner from the one and only, Paul Gascoigne, took Spurs to a semi-final tie against Arsenal.

Dismissal at the 6th Round is particularly disappointing as supporters watch other teams progress to the ‘big’ games of the semi-final and possibly the Final with all the added expectancy and media coverage that accompanies these games. Reviewing Spurs’ games at this stage of the competition, it is surprising to find that many have a claim to recognition, including Spurs’ last 6th Round experience in 2005. That took them to Newcastle and after conceding an early goal Spurs set about rectifying the situation but a certain referee managed to deny Spurs’ claims for at least two penalties and disallowed a goal which would have provided Spurs with the chance to bring the game back to White Hart Lane. Undeserved defeat in such circumstances brings such frustration and disappointment.

An unexpected hero emerged from the five goal thriller at Upton Park in 2001 when Sergei Rebrov showed why Spurs had spent their record transfer fee to sign him. His two goals and one from Gary Doherty gave George Graham’s team a thrilling victory and another chance to play Arsenal in the semi-finals. Everything was up-beat at Tottenham after that win but behind the scenes all was not well and within seven days Graham was gone with Glenn Hoddle to be his eventual successor.

In 1999, the 6th Round draw took Spurs to Barnsley where they had lost in a 5th Round Replay twelve months earlier. This time a David Ginola inspirational run and goal was sufficient to overcome the side that had suffered relegation at the end of the previous season.

In 1993 Spurs had to visit Manchester to play City and it was a memorable game, not just because Spurs won, but because of the football that Spurs played, the hat-trick scored by Nayim and the fact that the game had to be stopped due to a pitch invasion by the City fans. City went into the lead but Spurs were ahead at half-time through goals from Nayim and Sedgeley. In the second half Spurs took control with Nayim scoring twice. Spurs had a goal disallowed and direct from the free-kick City went the length of the pitch and scored. This was the signal for the City supporters to spill onto the pitch. The game was halted and the players left the pitch for thirteen minutes while the mounted police restored order.

Wimbledon have often proved a difficult side for Spurs to beat – they disliked their long ball, high pressured play and often came off second best. However, in 1987 David Pleat’s side showed their worth in a visit to Plough Lane and showed application and commitment that took them through and the skill of Chris Waddle and Glenn Hoddle provided the goals to ensure the ‘Diamond Lights’ were still shining for the semi-final tie.

Season 1955-56 was disappointing for Spurs in the League but the team showed great endeavour in the Cup and their 6th Round game against West Ham was one to remember. At White Hart Lane on a very heavy pitch Spurs came from 2-3 down to earn a draw after Captain, Danny Blanchflower, moved centre-half, Maurice Norman, forward to assist the attack. It worked and Spurs were grateful to Tommy Harmer (pen), Len Duquemin and George Robb for the goals. In the replay Harmer and Duquemin both scored as Spurs won 2-1.

Three years earlier Spurs were involved in a three game thriller against Birmingham City at this stage of the competition. They had already played five games and in those days extra replays were arranged to determine who went through rather than curtail the process with penalties as happens today. The original match was at St Andrews where Spurs earned a 1-1 draw with a goal from Les Bennett. In the replay at White Hart Lane Bennett again scored and with Len Duquemin ensured a 2-2 draw after extra time. Spurs won the third game with a goal from Sonny Walters and went on to meet Blackpool in the semi-final.

In 1995 Spurs gave one of the truly memorable performances of the decade in their 6th Round game against Liverpool. Having fought back at Southampton Spurs had a visit to Anfield as their reward but it wasn’t a ground with many happy memories for them and Spurs weren’t given much chance. Liverpool took the lead late in the first half but Teddy Sheringham managed to equalize right on half-time. In the second half Spurs played much better and it looked set for a replay but with two minutes remaining, Sheringham put Jurgen Klinsmann through to score the winner. A great result for Spurs as they went on to meet Everton in the semi-final.

Coincidently that victory over Liverpool and the win over West Ham in 2001 took place on 11th March – Spurs are due to meet Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 11th March – here’s hoping that today’s players can take inspiration from those results against the odds and bring further success on Sunday.

COYS

Spurs in History - 8th March

8th March, 1961

Spurs 5 Sunderland 0 FA Cup 6th Round Replay

The 6th Round F.A.Cup Replay, attracted 64,797 supporters willing Spurs to victory. Sunderland had had their day and now it was time for Spurs to show their superiority. Fans had queued for ten hours to get in and they saw Spurs sweep majestically into the semi-final.

Spurs were three ahead by half-time with goals from Les Allen, Bobby Smith and Terry Dyson. After 65 minutes Dyson scored his second and five minutes later Dave Mackay completed the scoring.

Spurs in History - 5th March

5th March, 1938

Record Attendance at White Hart Lane

Spurs 0 Sunderland 1 F.A.Cup 6th Round

Sprurs were in the 2nd Division and this game against 1st Division Sunderland attracted Spurs’ record crowd of 75,038 spectators.

They witnessed Spurs lose by a single goal in this FA Cup 6th Round tie. However, a controversial refereeing decision denied Spurs an opening goal. A Colin Lyman shot beat the goalkeeper but Jack Gibbons following up to make sure the ball went in, handled and although the referee gave the goal, a linesman flagged for handball and the goal was disallowed.

Spurs in Histroy - 4th March

4th March, 1961

Sunderland 1 Spurs 1 F.A.Cup 6th Round.

This was a game that tested the soon to be ‘Double’ winning team to the limit. Sunderland were in the 2nd Division and the atmosphere at Roker Park was extraordinary. Cliff Jones gave Spurs the lead after nine minutes with a header from a partially cleared corner. The rest of the half was tranquil but Smith hit the post just before halftime.

However, in the second half Sunderland were transformed and forced Spurs to defend. The 61,236 crowd awoke and roared their team to an equaliser. Weaker teams would have succumbed but Blanchflower galvanized the team which held out for the replay.

Team: Brown; Baker, Henry; Blanchflower, Norman, Mackay, Jones, White, Smith, Allen, Dyson.

Spurs' New Signings

Spurs Sign Taarabt and Alnwick

Adel Taarabt

With the January transfer window open Spurs have announced the signing of two young players.

They have reached agreement with Lens for the loan of French midfielder Adel Taarabt. He is 17 years old and will register with Spurs when his International Transfer Certificate has been received from the French Football Federation.

Taarabt is an attacking midfield player who can also play as a second striker and is able to play on either wing. He has represented France at U-16, U-17 and U-18 level and made his first team debut with Lens earlier in the season.

Taarabt is regarded as one of the best talents in Europe for his age group and it is reported that a number of other Premiership clubs, including Manchester United and Chelsea, were interested in signing him.

Goalkeeper Ben Alnwick has been signed from Sunderland with Marton Fulop moving in the opposite direction. Alnwick who is 20-years old broke into the Sunderland team during their Championship winning campaign of 2004-05 and then made seven Premiership appearances the following season - including playing at White Hart Lane when he saved a penalty from Robbie Keane. The initial fee will be £900,00.

He made a total of 22 first team appearances for Sunderland and has played for England at Under-17, U18, and U19 level. He was in the Under-21 squad for the game against Moldova last August.

Marton Fulop joined Spurs from MTK Hungaria in May 2004 and had loan spells at Chesterfield and Coventry. The Hungarian international played a number of pre-season friendlies but was third choice at White Hart lane behind Robinson and Cerny. He joined Sunderland on loan in November and his move now becomes permanent for a fee of £500,000.

Spurs are continuing their policy of signing young players with an eye to them developing into Premiership players with further experience.

8th March - Spurs in History

1961
Spurs 5 Sunderland 0 FA Cup 6th Round Replay

After the difficulties in the first game Spurs made sure in the replay at White Hart Lane.  Sunderland, in the 2nd Division, had made Spurs work hard the previous Saturday, but Spurs had little difficulty with the goals being scored by Dave Mackay, Bobby Smith, Les Allen and Terry Dyson (2) as they took another step towards that elusive 'Double'.

Next in the Semi-finals would be a massive game against the League Champions - Burnley, how times have changed.

1986
Spurs 5 WBA 0 1st Division

Gary Mabbutt, Mark Falco(2), Tony Galvin, Chris Waddle scored the goals.  January and February had been lean months for Spurs and they had just lost at home to Everton in the FA Cup, the previous weekend - 6 League games - no goals for and only 1 point - so this scoreline was a relief to the long suffering fans.

However, Peter Shreeve's tenure as manager was under threat.  The pressure of that losing sequence hadn't done him any favours and in spite of closing the season on a winning streak - losing once between this day and the end of season (recording 7 wins, 3 draws and 1 defeat) the team could only manage 10th position and he was sacked, to be replaced by David Pleat, the manager of Luton Town.

5th March - Spurs in History

5th March, 1938

The record attendance at White Hart Lane is 75,038 and was achieved for a FA Cup 6th Round game against Sunderland.

Spurs were in the 2nd Division and Sunderland were the Cup holders. One goal separated the teams and it went to the visitors but before Sunderland scored Spurs had a goal disallowed in controversial circumstances. Colin Lyman fired in a shot which beat the goalkeeper but Jack Gribbons following in to make sure the ball was over the line, handled the ball. The referee gave the goal but the linesman was of the view that he had handled the ball before it crossed the line. The referee had been closer to the incident but he took the linesman's advice and disallowed the goal.

1963 - Not a good day in Europe.

Bill Nicholson was furious after Spurs lost the 1st Leg of the European Cup Winners' Cup tie against Slovan Bratislava. Two goals behind after the away game was going to make the return match at White Hart Lane very difficult. The mangaer accused the team of being sloppy and half-asleep. Would the harsh criticism inspire the team to greater effort in the second leg?

1921 - Spurs are on their way to a second FA Cup win.

Playing Aston Villa in the 4th Round of the FA Cup, Spurs won by a single goal at White Hart Lane. Thew teams had met at the same stage of the competition in the previous season when Spurs has lost. However, they gained revenge this time with a goal scored by Jimmy Banks. The goal was created by two of the star members of the team - Jimmy Dimmock and Jimmy Seed. Spurs' win was more convincing that the single goal suggests.

Spurs next oppentents in their quest for the Cup would be Preston North End in the semi-final.

4th March - Spurs in History

Sunderland 0 Spurs 4 Premier League

Steffan Iversen Hat-trick

Spurs' season under Gerry Francis was inconsistent and mediocre. Out of the Cup, they hadn't won since a home win over Blackburn at the end of January and were slipping towards the relegation zone.  However, Steffan Iversen had his moment and helped Spurs to an easy win with three goals. The other goal came from Allan Neilsen.

Probably not the highlight of his time at Spurs, that being reserved for his goal in the Semi -Final win over Wimbledon and his assist in the Final of Worthington Cup in 1999, but one of his better moments.

This result helped ease the relegation fears and set the team on a run of five games with only one defeat. The final weeks of the season were poor, taking only 4 points from the last six games but they somehow managed to finish 10th.

Not a great day for Spurs:
1961 - Sunderland 1 Spurs 1 FA Cup 6th Round
Spurs' quest for the 'Double' nearly came to grief in this game at Roker Park as Sunderland tested Spurs to the limit.  Sunderland were in the 2nd Division and the atmosphere at Roker Park was extraordinary.  Cliff Jones gave Spurs the lead after nine minutes with a header from a partially cleared corner.   The rest of the half was tranquil but Smith hit the post just before halftime.

In the second half, however, Sunderland were transformed and forced Spurs to defend.  The 61,236 crowd awoke and roared their team to an equaliser.  Weaker teams would have succumbed but Blanchflower galvanized the team which held out for the replay.

The replay at White Hart Lane, four days later, went according to script with Spurs winning by 5 - 0, Les Allen, Bobby Smith, Terry Dyson (2), Dave Mackay provided the goals.

1987 - Spurs 1 Arsenal 2 LC Semi-final Replay - losing at home to Arsenal in last moments of the game, the only time they were ahead over the three games.  Disappointment for Clive Allen who had scored the three goals Spurs managed in the three semi-final matches.

1992 - Feyenoord 1 Spurs 0 ECWC 3rd Round 1st Leg
A mistake from Paul Allen gave Feyenoord the advantage in this tie.  Former Spur, Johnny Metgod organised the home defence to deny Spurs any scoring opportunities and managed to do the same in the secong leg at White Hart Lane.   Spurs European adventure was over once more.