Tottenham 1 Wolves 1

With four home games in January in the Premier League it was always likely to happen that Spurs would slip up somewhere through the month and so it proved against Wolves who battled well for their point, assisted once again by some basic refereeing mistakes.

Tottenham Hotspur 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers 1

Scorers:  Modric                                         Fletcher 

Team: Friedel; Walker, Dawson, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto (Rose); Lennon (Defoe), Parker, Modric, Bale; Van der Vaart, Adebayor  Subs (unused): Cudicini, Kranjcar, Bassong, Liveremore, Pavlyuchenko 

Luka Modric

Disappointment, annoyance and frustration are the main feelings following Spurs home draw with Wolves.   Disappointment that two points were dropped against a team that Spurs should have beaten, annoyance that once again Spurs have lost points due to basic refereeing mistakes and frustration that those dropped points have prevented Spurs from sitting joint top of the League level on points with Manchester City and United.

Scott Parker's return to the side after injury in place of Jake Livermore was the only change from the team that defeated Everton on Wednesday evening.  Former Spurs schoolboy, Michael Kightly started his first League game of the season for Wolves after returning from a loan period with Watford.

Wolves showed their intent for hard work and endeavour from the start and Luka Modric also showed his early ambition of scoring a goal with a shot which passed just wide after four minutes.  The move had started with a good cross-field pass from Rafael Van der Vaart to Aaron Lennon who interpassed with Kyle Walker to set up Modric on the edge of the box.  As was to be expected Tottenham enjoyed the majority of the possession with Wolves working hard, high up the pitch, to deny them space and time.  The visitors tactics were very effective but Younes Kaboul was taking the game to them with powerful surging runs out of defence towards the Wolves area and from one of these runs after seventeen minutes he set up Emmanuel Adebayor who took the ball to the bye-line and pulled it back to Modric but as he tried to get control a defender managed to knock the ball away.

A minute later a Gareth Bale shot was deflected over for a corner as Wolves tackled quickly but the visitors were finding it more difficult to get out of their half as Spurs hemmed them in and started to build up some pressure.  On twenty minutes Modric again shot over following a good run by Lennon.

Then Wolves received just the boost their game plan needed.  On twenty one minutes Wolves were awarded their first, and only, corner.  Walker had carefully marshalled the ball out for a goal kick but the referee incorrectly gave them the corner.  Wolves play lives on corners and free-kicks so the defenders came forward and with poor Spurs defending Johnston got a header on goal.  Brad Friedel made a reflex save but it dropped to Steven Fletcher who poked the ball home from a few yards.  Spurs defenders should have coped with the corner but the referee's decision had cost Spurs and to add insult to injury it was the 1000th Premier League goal Spurs have conceded, the first club to reach that unwanted landmark.

Taking the lead inspired Wolves to maintain their hard work and for a time Spurs showed their annoyance with increased efforts on goal.  Two minutes later Modric found Bale in the centre but his shot went over.  Following good play between Van der Vaart and Adebayor, Bale had another shot blocked.  Van der Vaart had a long range effort deflected for another corner and then with over half an hour gone a Benoit Assou-Ekotto cross was headed out by a defender to Modric on the edge of the area but the goalkeeper saved his shot easily.

As Spurs pushed for a goal Wolves saw greater opportunities to counter attack and in the five minutes before half-time they had two goal scoring attempts - a shot wide and one over by Kightly.  Spurs retaliated with a shot from Kaboul which was saved and a goal disallowed for offside.  Bale had a shot which could possibly have been going in, touched into the net by Adebayor who was incorrectly given offside.  This is the third occasion since early December that Adebayor has had goals incorrectly disallowed for off-side - at Stoke and against Chelsea.

The half ended with a free-kick from Van der Vaart being caught by the goalkeeper.  Wolves had the interval lead when if the refereeing decisions had been correct Spurs would have been one goal to the good.

Spurs started the second half determined to get on level terms as Bale shot over but poor defending allowed Frampong a shot which Friedel saved.  Then on fifty minutes Modric scored.  It was a goal similar in creation to the one against West Brom.  Van der Vaart received the ball in the area and passed out to Bale on the edge of the box and he played it across the area for Modric to score from twenty five yards.

Three minutes later the goalkeeper saved Wolves when stopping a shot from Modric and the follow up from Lennon.  On the hour Bale headed a Assou-Ekotto cross over and then two minutes later he headed a Lennon cross towards the centre but neither Van der Vaart nor Adebayor could get a scoring touch.  Van der Vaart put a free kick just wide as Spurs searched for the goal to put them ahead.  Bale and Walker both shot over and then the goalkeeper saved with his feet from Jermain Defoe who had replaced Lennon with seventeen minutes remaining.

Spurs continued to press as Walker had a shot blocked and Modric shot over.  The last opportunity to get a winner came in the final minute of added time but Bale's free-kick sailed over the bar.

Wolves deserved their point for their determined play and looked dangerous when they broke from defence but there is that annoying thought that Spurs were deprived of the three points by refereeing decisions going against them.  All the papers today are focusing on the 'Spurs fall short' theme in their attempt to go level on points with City and United but overlooking the refereeing decisions.  Similar decisions against Stoke City and Chelsea have now cost Spurs seven points.

The result now makes next weekend's match even more important for Spurs as they need to prevent City opening up an eight point gap, unless Wigan can do a 'Wolves' tomorrow evening. 

They Played for Spurs and Wolves

Jamie O'Hara was transferred from Spurs to Wolves last summer, having been on loan during last season.  Others have played for both clubs but the last player to join Spurs from the Midlands side was goalkeeper Hans Segers in 1996.

Robbie Keane (Wolves & Spurs)

Robbie Keane, Dean Richards and Paul Stewart are three of the nineteen former Spurs players who have played for Wolves none of them were inviolved in a direct transfer between the two clubs.

Jamie O'Hara who is currently injured spent part of last season on loan with Wolves and joined the Molineux club last summer for a fee of £5 million.  He had started his career with the Arsenal Academy before joining Tottenham.  He made 34 League appearances for Spurs and scored twice in six years with the club.  He had a period on loan with Portsmouth in 2010 and then a serious back injury required surgery at the start of the following season.  He went to Wolves on loan in January, 2011 and helped them avoid relegation and then joined the club in a permanent deal. 

Another player currently with Wolves started his career with Spurs but was released without making any senior appearances.  He went to non-League football before returning to League football with the Midlands club.  Michael Kightly was a schoolboy at Spurs but on being released worked his way back with Southend United and Gray's Athletic before joining Wolves in 2008 and helping them to promotion two years ago. 

The last player to sign for Spurs from Wolves was goalkeeper, Hans Segers who joined the club in 1998.  After a lengthy career with Nottingham Forest and Wimbledon, Segers joined Wolves as reserve in 1996.  He then went to Woking before returning to Wolves and made 11 appearances.  He joined Spurs as back-up and played one League game at Southampton in September, 1998.  He then became Spurs goalkeeping coach and was with the club until 2007 and the departure of Martin Jol.

Stefan Iversen moved from Spurs to Wolves in 2003 after seven years at White Hart Lane.  He had been part of the Worthington Cup winning team of 1999, scoring the semi-final goal against Wimbledon to secure Tottenham's place in the Final.  He scored 41 goals in 138 League appearances for Spurs and it was his powerful run and centre late in the Final against Leicester City which created the goal for Allan Nielsen.  One of his best Spurs' performances was at Sunderland when he scored a hat-trick in a 4 - 0 win in March, 1996.  He had a year with Wolves before returning to Norway.
 
Allan Nielsen was also with Wolves, joining them for a loan period in 2000.  He joined Spurs from Brondby in 1996 after the European championships.  He received the 'Man of the Match' award after his winning goal performance at Wembley.  After Euro 2000 he joined Watford for £2.5 million, having originally cost £1.65million.  He made 97 League appearances, scoring 12 goals for Spurs.

Andy Sinton who was a substitute for the Worthington Cup Final also moved to Wolves.  He had joined Spurs from Sheffield Wednesday in 1996, having also played for QPR.  In three seasons with Spurs he scored six goals in 83 League appearances.  He had three years with Wolves making 71 appearances.

Robbie Keane played for Wolves after arriving from Ireland.  After two seasons he moved on to Coventry City and a year later joined Inter Milan.  He scored 24 goals for Wolves in 73 League games.  After a year in Italy he joined Leeds United and was signed by Spurs in 2002.  In six years he 82 League goals from 197 League games.  He unexpectedly joined Liverpool in the summer of 2008 having helped Spurs defeat Chelsea in the 2008 Carling Cup Final.  An unsuccessful time at Anfield saw him return to Spurs in February, 2009.  He failed to re-ignite his career or find his goal scoring touch and after periods on loan with Celtic and West Ham United, he joined LA Galaxy in 2011.  In total Robbie Keane scored over 100 League and Cup goals for Spurs, including a hat-trick against his former club in 2003 and had many memorable goal scoring moments throughout his Tottenham career.

At last season's Premier League game at Molineux, both clubs and supporters paid a touching tribute  to the former player, the late Dean Richards, who had sadly passed away just prior to the match.  Richards had played over 100 matches for Wolves before his transfer to Southampton in 1999.  He had two seasons at the south coast club before his former manager, Glenn Hoddle, signed him for Spurs in August, 2001 for £8.1 million.  A central defender, Richards made a scoring debut against Manchester United at White Hart Lane.  Spurs were three ahead by half-time but United recovered to win 5 - 3.  Richards failed to reach his full potential at Spurs due to injury and illness.  He retired in 2005 and passed away at the age of 35 after a long illness. 

Gordon Smith who had joined Spurs from Aston Villa joined Wolves in 1982 after four seasons at White Hart Lane.  Injury prevented him from establishing himself at Tottenham and he then spent two seasons with Wolves, making 38 League appearances for both clubs but Wolves got the better value as he scored 3 goals for them but only managed one with Spurs.

Steve Sedgley, Paul Stewart, Vinny Samways and Mark Kendall all played for both clubs but were not involved in direst transfers between the clubs.

The first player to move from Wolves to Spurs was goalkeeper Tommy Lunn.  He spent six years with Wolves and joined Tottenham in April, 1910.  He had won the FA Cup with Wolves in 1908 and came to Spurs towards the end of their first season in the 1st Division as they battled against relegation.  He played in the final two games of the season, no transfer windows in those early days, which Spurs won and avoided the drop.  He was th eregular goalkeeper until November, 1912 and then lost his place to John 'Tiny' Joyce and joined Stockport in June, 1913.

Sammy Brooks had a long career with Wolves before and after the 1st World War before joining Spurs for two seasons in 1922.  Brooks played on the left wing and appeared in the 1921 FA Cup Final against Spurs and had a chance to equalise.  He failed to live up to expectations at Tottenham and was eventually sold to Southend United.

Harry Hargreaves was a forward who joined Spurs from in December, 1923 having previously spent eighteen months with Wolves.  He was released and went to play in Wales before joining Spurs.  He only made 34 League appearances, scoring 7 goals before moving to Burnley in March, 1926.

Harry Marshall, a forward, played only once for Spurs in 1932.  He had signed from Port Vale in March, 1930 after two seasons with Wolves.  He was released after two years at White Hart Lane.

Cyril Spiers spent five seasons with Spurs playing 158 games in goal for the club from 1927 to 1933.  He had previously been with Aston Villa but was released after a serious injury and it was thought he wouldn't be able to play again.  However, after recovering he had a trial with Spurs and was signed by them.  He was regular goalkeeper for the next four years and joined Wolves in September, 1933 and was later made assistant manager.

He Managed Both Clubs
Glenn Hoddle is a Spurs 'Legend' and  having made over 350 League appearances for the club and helped them to numerous successes in the early 1980s he returned as manager in 2001.  This proved less successful and he was sacked in 2003.  he later managed Wolves from 2004 to 2006.

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 5 (1972)

Tottenham have enjoyed success in Europe and Bill Nicholson is quoted, "It's magnificent to be in Europe, and this club - a club like Tottenham Hotspur - if we're not in Europe, we're nothing." The UEFA Cup campaign of 1971-72 was a long and tiring road but ultimately successful.

Tottenham won the League Cup in 1971 by defeating Aston Villa at Wembley.  They qualified to play in the first UEFA Cup competition which replaced the old Inter Cities Fairs Cup.  This was Spurs' first appearance in a European competition for five years since a rather brief and disappointing foray in the European Cup Winners' Cup.

The UEFA Cup, like all European competitions of the time was knock-out tournament over two legs with the Final also played on a home and away basis.  Tottenham played twelve games, visiting four different countries en-route to the joy of winning the Cup.

1971-72 UEFA Cup Final
Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 Tottenham Hotspur 2 (1st Leg)
Tottenham Hotspur 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 (2nd Leg) 
                                                          [Tottenham Won 3 - 2 on aggregate]

Chivers the Inspiration for Tottenham

Martin Chivers

Martin Chivers showed all his power and goal scoring ability to give Tottenham the advantage in the first game at Molineux.  Captain, Alan Mullery, in what was to be his final match in a Spurs' shirt, scored the goal which ensured that Spurs became the first winners of the UEFA Cup and the first English team to win two European trophies.


Road to the Final:
1st Round (1st Leg) v Keflavik (Iceland) (a) Won 6 - 1 Mullery (2), Coates, Gilzean (3)
The anticipated routine win for Spurs with the main interest surrounding Ralph Coates who scored his first goal for Spurs since signing from Burnley during the summer.  The match was also significant as the only occasion when a young Graeme Souness played for Tottenham.  An exciting prospect in the mould of the great Dave Mackay, he came on as a substitute for Mullery.  Impatient for a place in the senior team Bill Nicholson reluctantly sold him to Middlesbrough in January, 1973.

1st Round (2nd Leg) v Keflavik (h) Won 9 - 0   
                                 Knowles, Coates, Perryman, Chivers (3), Holder, Gilzean (2)  (Agg. Won 15 - 1)
A full strength team played in the second game at White Hart Lane and gave Spurs an their highest ever aggregate success in European football.

2nd Round (1st Leg) v FC Nantes (France) (a) Draw 0 - 0
A much more difficult match saw Spurs relieved to return home with the tie in the balance but with home advantage in the next match making them slight favourites.


2nd Round (2nd Leg) v FC Nantes (h) Won 1 - 0 Peters  (Agg. Won 1 - 0)
In a close encounter Martin Peters scored the all important goal in what was a very tense, nervy evening for everyone at White Hart Lane.

3rd Round (1st Leg) v Rapid Bucharest (Romania) (h) Won 3 - 0 Chivers (2), Peters
An early goal set Spurs up to take a three goal advantage to Romania thanks to the two Martins whose understanding and link up play along with Alan Gilzean was a feature of the season. 

3rd Round (2nd Leg) v Rapid Bucharest (a) Won 2 - 0 Chivers, Pearce  (Agg. Won 5 - 0)
On paper, this result looks quite straightforward but Spurs had to deal with some of the most robust tackling and tactics that they had ever met in European football.  For the players, it was the survival of the fittest, many finishing the game with knocks and bruises, leaving Bill Nicholson so infuriated that he branded Rapid as the dirtiest team he had ever experienced.  Chivers and substitute, Jimmy Pearce scored.  Pearce replaced the injured Gilzean but was only on the pitch for  twelve minutes, just long enough to come on, score the first goal and get sent off.

4th Round (1st leg) v UT Arad (Romania) (a) Won 2 - 0 England, Morgan
After the previous round, the last thing Spurs wanted was a return trip to Romania but this time they recorded an uneventful but comfortable win with goals from Mike England and Roger Morgan who was trying to come back after being out through injury for eighteen months. 


4th Round (2nd Leg) v UT Arad (h) Draw 1 - 1 Gilzean  (Agg. Won 3 - 1)
The draw provided Spurs with a comfortable passage into the semi-finals - Gilzean getting the goal.

Semi-Final (1st Leg) v AC Milan (Italy) (h) Won 2 - 0 Perryman (2)
Alan Mullery and Steve Perryman were the names which made the headlines from this game.  Mullery had been out with injury earlier in the season and when fit had been unable to displace John Pratt.  Wanting to be playing he asked to go out on loan and joined Fulham.  However, an injury to Pratt just before the semi-final saw Nicholson unexpectedly recall his captain and instal him in the team.  

Steve Perryman produced a man of the match performance to give Spurs a slender advantage going into the second leg.  Spurs found themselves a goal down early on and being outplayed by the experienced Italian team.  Perryman showed industry and endeavour to drag Spurs back into the game, scoring from the edge of the box just before half-time and then repeated the exercise late in the second half.

Semi-Final (2nd Leg) v AC Milan (a) Draw 1 - 1 Mullery  (Agg. Won 3 - 2)
Spurs withstood Milan's expected early onslaught and on seven minutes mounted an attack from which Mullery scored.  Mullery was the inspiration as they then defended as if for their lives and although Milan scored with a penalty twenty minutes from time, they held out to reach the Final.

Final (1st Leg) v Wolverhampton Wanderers (a) Won 2 - 1 Chivers (2)
Tottenham's season started with a League game against Wolves and there was some disappointment that it was going to end there against an English team rather than in a glamorous European setting.  It was Martin Chivers and Pat Jennings who inspired Tottenham to grab the first leg initiative.  Jennings produced a series of outstanding saves to foil Wolves while Chivers scored two goals of amazing quality.  The first was a powerful header and although Wolves levelled, he then scored a late winner with a ferocious shot following a powerful run from halfway.

Final (2nd Leg) v Wolverhampton Wanderers (h) Draw 1 - 1 Mullery  (Agg. Won 3 - 2)
Alan Mullery played a captain's part in this game and led by example, putting Spurs ahead after half an hour, injuring himself as he dived to meet Peters' free-kick.  Wolves battled back to equalise before half-time but Spurs held on, exhausted after playing 68 matches during the season.  It was a night of triumph for Mullery - to score and lift the trophy in his last game for Tottenham.  During the summer he was transferred to Fulham.  Bill Nicholson was so disappointed with Tottenham's performance that he first went to commiserate with the Wolves players.
     

1972 UEFA Cup Winners - Tottenham Hotspur

At the end of a long, exhausting season Spurs had won a trophy - they missed out in returning to Wembley in the League Cup when Chelsea scored a very late equaliser, they lost in the 6th Round of the FA Cup to eventual winners Leeds United and finished 6th in the League.  A second European triumph was added to those 'Glory, Glory Nights' at White Hart Lane.

Adebayor Scores on his Tottenham Debut

Adebayor - No: 11

Adebayor celebrates his debut goal

In the 67th minute of his debut for Tottenham against Wolves at Molineux, Emmanuel Adebayor collected a through ball from Scott Parker and coolly scored his first goal for his new club.  This set Spurs up for their first Premier League win of the season and made him the eleventh Tottenham player to score on their Premier League debut.

Who else is on that list?

Sol Campbell: (Dec. 1992) In the first season of the Premiership Campbell made his debut as a late substitute against Chelsea at White Hart Lane. His goal was a late consolation in a 2-1 defeat. Campbell went on to captain Spurs to a Worthington Cup success at Wembley against Leicester City in 1999 but he will forever be despised by Spurs fans for the way he left the club in 2001 on a Bosman free to sign for the club's near neighbours and greatest rivals, Arsenal.

Ronnie Rosenthal: (Feb. 1994) Battling against relegation Ossie Ardiles signed Rosenthal to bring some experience to the team which was struggling to score goals. In his debut at home to Sheffield Wednesday Rosenthal scored but it didn't prevent Spurs losing 1-3. the highlight of Rosenthal's career with Spurs was the hat-trick he scored against Southampton in the FA Cup in 1995. Spurs were two down at half-time but Rosenthal came on as a substitute and scored twice to take the game to extra time. He completed his hat-trick (three tremendous goals) to give Spurs an improbable 6-2 victory.

Jurgen Klinsmann: (Aug. 1994) (pictured) Spurs were in deep trouble having been severely punished by the Football Association for financial irregularities. Chairman, Alan Sugar had managed to persuade Klinsmann to join Spurs and his presence gave Spurs an immediate boost and an opening day success against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough. Klinsmann scored in a 4-3 victory, introduced his 'dive' celebration and was carried off injured on his debut. Klinsmann formed an exciting goal scoring partnership with teddy Sheringham but unfortunately it didn't produce any silverware for the club and he departed at the end of the season. His later return was not as effective although he scored four vital goals against Wimbledon to save spurs from relegation under Christian Gross.

Dean Richards: (Sept. 2004) Signed from Southampton by Glenn Hoddle, defender Richards scored against Manchester United as Spurs took a three goal lead in the first half. However, that was as good as it got as after half-time United stormed back at White Hart Lane to win 5-3. Richards career at spurs was blighted by injury.

Fredi Kanoute: (Aug. 2003) Signed from West Ham United during the summer he made his debut at home to Leeds United. His substitute appearance in the first home game of the season ensured Spurs' 2-1 victory. A player of great technique, Kanoute's languid style divided supporters but he scored many important goals before his departure to Seville in 2005. After his departure some supporters came to realise what he brought to the team.

Mbulelo Mabizela: (Oct. 2003) Signed by Spurs following their summer tour to South Africa Mabizela made his debut as a late substitute at Leicester City. He scored the winning goal in the 2-1 success but failed to build on that promising start to his Spurs career.

Jermain Defoe: (Feb. 2004) Signed from West Ham United, Defoe was an instant hit scoring early on his debut against Portsmouth at White Hart Lane as Spurs won 4-3. A regular goal scorer he left for Portsmouth in January, 2008 but returned a year later.

Mido: (Feb. 2005) A loan signing Mido made an impressive debut against portsmouth, scoring twice. He became an important member of Martin Jol's team which just missed out on a Champions League place. When his application and effort were right he was good and scored vital goals but he struggled to maintain this endeavour.

Gilberto: (Mar. 2008) A disappointing signing, the Brazilian rarely showed his true ability but scored in a 4-0 victory, having come on as a substitute against West Ham United at White Hart Lane. He had played his first game for Spurs in a UEFA Cup tie against PSV Eindhoven in mid-week but it was his error which had given the visitors the only goal of the game.

Sebastien Bassong: (Aug. 2009)  The opening day of the new season and scored with a header from a corner against Liverpool at White Hart Lane.  This set Tottenham up for a 2 - 1 win and a run that was to be their best start to the season since the famous 'Double' season of 1960 - 61.

Pre-Premier League Goal Scoring Debuts

Many players have scored on their debut prior to the creation of the Premier League. That list of players include many legends:

• Jimmy Greaves (a hat-trick against Blackpool (h))
• Martin Chivers (2 at Sheffield Wednesday)
• Colin Lee (4 in a 9-0 demolition of Bristol Rovers at White Hart Lane in Spurs last season in the old Second Division)
• Richy Villa at Nottingham Forest
• Garth Crooks against Nottingham Forest

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur Preview

Spurs Enter the Wolves' Den

After the mauling they've taken in their opening two League games against the strength of Manchester, Tottenham have to prepare for a trip to Molineux and the combative side that Mick McCarthy will have lying in wait for them.

Of the four matches that these two teams have played since Wolves returned to the Premier League, Spurs have won only one, when three late goals at White Hart Lane last September retrieved a difficult situation for them - a penalty, 13 minutes from time and two goals in the last three minutes gave Spurs the three points.

Mick McCarthy's side have started well this season with two wins and a draw and sit fifth in the early Premier League table.  They defeated Blackburn Rovers 2 - 1 at Ewood and followed that with a 2 - 0 home victory over Fulham who had returned from their Europa League game in Ukraine the previous Thursday.  They played a scoreless draw against Midlands rivals, Aston Villa in their last League match and progressed in the Carling Cup with a comprehensive four goal win at Northampton Town.

Confidence will be high in the Wolves camp where the manager strengthened his side during the summer with the acquisition of Roger Johnson from Birmingham and Spurs will face former player, Jamie O'Hara, for the first time as his loan deal was made permanent for £5 million.  Spurs know what to expect from Wolves - they will be hard-working, denying Spurs time and space to play the ball and they will be looking to hit them quickly to prevent them from settling into the game and with a striker who will work tirelessly constantly looking to keep the Tottenham defence on high alert.   This is exactly how Wolves have played it in the past two seasons and it has been very effective.  Another player with Tottenham connections who was among the Wolves substitutes for their last game is Michael Kightly who was a schoolboy at Spurs but was released.  He worked his was back with Southend United and Gray's Athletic before joining Wolves in 2008 and helping them to promotion two years ago.

Last Season's Results:
Last season's visit to Molineux in March was full of emotion and controversy as both set of fans paid tribute to the late Dean Richards who had passed away and then the match turned up a number of interesting issues.  Wolves showed their never give up spirit, twice coming back to level the score and earn a 3 - 3 draw with a late goal.  This was quite a fortuitous point for Spurs, who could easily have lost.  Wolves went ahead from a penalty but Alan Hutton could easily have been dismissed, having committed the foul.  Later, as Wolves chased an equaliser, they had a goal disallowed for a foul on Gomes which was a decision that went in Spurs' favour.

Defoe - scored twice last year

The match saw two strikers who had a very poor goal scoring record last year, suddenly find their touch.  Spurs were content with Jermain Defoe's two goal strike but disappointed that Kevin Doyle's two goals helped secure Wolves' point.  Doyle and Matt Jarvis who both scored against Fulham always cause Spurs problems.  Pavlyuchenko restored Tottenham's lead just after half-time while substitute Stephen Fletcher headed a late equaliser.

Spurs' home win saw Rafael Van der Vaart score his first goal for Spurs from the penalty spot following a foul on Hutton as he ran into the penalty area.  The other goals came from Pavlyuchenko and Hutton who again, went on a run into the area and his blocked shot, rebounded against him and into the net.

Team News
Tottenham need a good result from this game and after their poor start have ground to make up.  They will be looking to give debuts to their latest signings, Scott Parker and Emmanuel Adebayor.  Parker will give the team a greater solidity and combative presence in midfield alongside Luka Modric who scored for Croatia in midweek.  However, the Modric may have an 'injury'.  Adebayor will look to lead the line either as a lone striker or in partnership with Defoe and as Van der Vaart is injured Harry Redknapp may resort to the 4 - 4 - 2 formation which was the basis of the success in the season before last when they qualified for the Champions League.

In defence, could Ledley King be about to make a surprise appearance.  After playing in the final two matches of last season, he underwent more surgery during the summer and missed pre-season.  He is reported to have played in a behind closed doors match and Tuesday and didn't play for the Spurs XI on Wednesday, so the question arises is he fit to play or injured again?

Last win at Molineux
Tottenham have found Wolves a difficult side since their return to the Premier League two season ago.  However, prior to that they were quite successful on their travels there.

Mar. 2011 PL Draw 3 - 3 Defoe (2), Pavlyuchenko
Feb. 2010 PL Lost 0 - 1
May, 2004 PL Won 2 - 0 Keane, Defoe
Feb. 1996 FA Cup Replay Won 2 - 0 Rosenthal, Sheringham
Oct. 1983 1st Div Won 3 - 2 Archibald (2), Falco
Sept. 1981 1st Div Won 1 - 0  Galvin

Players Who Have Played for Both Clubs
Jamie O'Hara, Robbie Keane, Dean Richards, Steffan Iversen, Alan Nielsen, Andy Sinton, Hans Segers, Steve Sedgley, Vinny Samways, Paul Stewart, Gordon Smith and Mark Kendall.

Glenn Hoddle is a past manager of both clubs.

Memorable Matches
2003 - 04 PL (h) Won 5 - 1 Keane (3), Kanoute, Dalmat
1981 - 82 (1st Div) Won 6 - 1 Villa (3), Falco, Hoddle (p), Crooks Official opening of the West Stand
1971 - 72 UEFA Cup Final (1st Leg) Won 2 - 1  Martin Chivers scored two great goals to put Spurs on road to glory.
1920 - 21 FA Cup Final @ Stamford Bridge Won 1 - 0 Dimmock
1908 - 09 (2nd Div) (h) Won 3 - 0 Morris, Woodward (2)  Tottenham's first game in the Football League, Vivian Woodward scored Spurs' first goal in League football - it all started with Wolves 

Spurs in History - 3rd May

3rd May, 1972

Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 Spurs 2 UEFA CUP FINAL (1st Leg)

An all English Final, disappointed players and supporters alike who had been hoping for further success on foreign fields.

Both teams played cautiously and it was as the hour approached that Martin Chivers broke the deadlock with a majestic headed goal from a long free kick taken by Mike England. Wolves equalised from a quick free-kick, twelve minutes later.

Spurs were now under pressure until Chivers awoke from his ‘famed’ lethargy and collected the ball out wide and headed for goal to crash home a shot from thirty yards - a goal worthy of any final.

Team: Jennings; Kinnear, Knowles; Mullery (Captain), England, Beal; Gilzean, Perryman, Chivers, Peters, Coates (Pratt).