Spurs v Chelsea FA Cup Preview

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Spurs v Chelsea

FA Cup 6th Round at stamford Bridge

Sunday, 11th March, 2007 KO 12.45pm

Referee: Mike Riley

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spurs in History - 10th March

10th March, 1919

‘The day that cemented the rivalry between Spurs and Arsenal.’

Not content with moving in from Woolwich some time earlier, Arsenal now managed to connive their way into the 1st Division at the expense of Spurs.

When football had stopped at the end of the 1914 -1915 season because of the out-break of 1st World War Spurs had been in the relegation position in the 1st Division.

However, in preparation for the resumption of football it was decided to increase the size of the League with 22 teams in the 1st Division. How would this be settled? Arsenal persuaded their ‘friends’ that they should be one of the promoted clubs as they had been a member of the League for far longer than Spurs, even though they had finished the pre-war season in 5th place in the 2nd Division. Not surprisingly this has never been forgiven or forgotten by Spurs fans.

Arsenal have never earned their place in the top flight of football - all that they may have achieved has been based on this early 'skullduggery'.

From an article that first appeared on Topspurs.com

May, 1913 – The Invasion of the Woolwich Nomads
Five years after entering the Football League and having then gained promotion to the First Division, Spurs found their patch of North London under invasion. As stated in the recent edition of ‘Spurs Monthly’, ‘Woolwich Arsenal were in crippling debt, had a rapidly dilapidating stadium and were struggling to attract supporters owing to their poor location.’ It was then that their Chairman, Henry Norris decided to move the club from the southern side of the Thames, north to Islington, less than five miles from Tottenham. This was a direct invasion of the area from where Spurs drew their support. There were immediate objections from Spurs, Leyton Orient and Chelsea and local newspapers wrote articles of protest. The protests fell on deaf ears at the Football Association and the move was sanctioned, enabling Arsenal to play their first game at Highbury in September, 1913. The reason for their move was confirmed in the programme for the first 2nd Division match at Highbury, ‘…the depressing times we had at Plumstead, with its poor train service and the lukewarm support we received from those in the immediate neighbourhood.’

The rivalry that had existed between two London clubs was now intensified as they became neighbours vying for support from the people of North London.

May, 1919 – Spurs Manoeuvred Out of 1st Division by Arsenal
Before the War, Spurs were in the 1st Division while Arsenal spent their first few seasons in North London in the 2nd Division, following their relegation in 1913. Although war was declared in September, 1914, League football continued for another year. Unfortunately for Spurs, that season saw them finish bottom of the Division, after losing three of their final four games. With League football suspended until the War was over, the rivalry between the two clubs would have been less intense as the whole nation worked together to support the ‘War effort.’ Indeed, in 1916, when White Hart Lane was taken over by the Ministry of Munitions, Arsenal and Orient offered Spurs the use of their grounds. For three seasons until the end of the War, Spurs alternated their home games between Highbury and Orient’s ground.

However, when the War hostilities ended in 1919, hostility between the two clubs broke out with renewed vigour. If their offer of assistance during those three seasons was intended to soothe the relationship between the two clubs following their move into Spurs’ territory, Arsenal’s action immediately after the War, only intensified the situation.

For the restart of League football in September, 1919 the authorities decided to increase the 1st Division to twenty two clubs. On previous occasions the two clubs in the relegation places retained their status. Spurs assumed that this procedure would be maintained again but they hadn’t allowed for the scheming of Arsenal and Sir Henry Norris. He was desperate to get Arsenal into the 1st Division and although Arsenal had finished fifth in the 2nd Division in 1915, he managed to bring influence to bear to gain support for his club. It was only when the meeting was held that Spurs realised they had a fight on their hands. Spurs thought they had ‘right on their side’ but Arsenal had managed to gain eighteen votes to Spurs’ eight in second place. There was no logical reason for the decision but Spurs had lost their 1st Division status to the manipulation of their nearest neighbours.

Spurs were stung into action and won promotion at the first attempt, with a record number of points, won the FA Cup for a second time a year later and finished runners-up in the 1st Division in 1922, the highest finish by a London club. Needless to say, relationships between the clubs and fans reached a new low. To this day Arsenal have never earned their right to play in the top division – having had to rely on secretive negotiations carried on behind closed doors.

Spurs in History - 9th March

9th March, 1953

Spurs 1 Birmingham City 0 F.A.Cup 6th Round 2nd Replay at Molineaux

Today everything must be instant - coffee, fast food, connection to the internet, mobile phones, penalty shoot-outs - but in 1953 there was time for replays and second replays and third replays or as many as were required to settle the tie. No quick fix as we have today - extra time and a penalty shoot-out.

While the League Cup in all its forms has already lost replays and Arsene Wenger may want rid of them in the FA Cup so that he can concentrate on other things of greater importance, 'the Arsenal end of season party' - the replay brought an added something to the competition as clubs battled it out over a number of games for the right to progress to the next round.

This tie against Birmingham City who were in the 2nd Division went to three games before Spurs went through to the semi-finals. 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. The third game was played in the Midlands at the neutral venue of Molineaux, Wolves ground, and Spurs won with a goal from Sonny Walters.

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.

SC Braga v Tottenham Hotspur Match Preview

UEFA Cup (Round of 16)

Thursday, 8th March, 2007 - KO 9.35pm

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A trip to Portugal should be very pleasant for Spurs’ fans at this time of year and they will be travelling with high hopes following Spurs’ impressive return to form and taking note of Spurs’ record in Europe this season, unbeaten in six games.

Spurs’ European experience against teams from Portugal includes a meeting with SC Braga in the 1984-85 UEFA Cup. Spurs as Cup holders met Braga in the 1st Round and progressed comfortably, 9-0 on aggregate. They won the 1st leg in Portugal, 3-0, with Mark Falco(2) and Tony Galvin scoring and in the return game Garth Crooks scored a hat-trick with Gary Stevens, Chris Hughton and Mark Falco completing the scoring.

Spurs overall record against Portuguese team is very impressive:

P 8 W 5 D 1 L 2 For 17 Ag 7

– from four ties they have progressed on the last three occasions, defeating Vitoria Setubal (UEFA Cup in 1972-73), SC Braga (UEFA Cup in 1984-85) and FC Porto (ECWC in 1991-92). The only slip was in the European Cup in 1961-62, the ‘double’ team lost in the semi-final to Benfica, having had goals controversially disallowed in both games.

SC Braga reached this stage by beating Parma 2-0 on aggregate – winning both games by a single goal. In the home game against a very defensive-minded Parma Ze Carlos scored after 81 minutes and in the away leg Parma dominated the game but an 89th minute goal from their Brazilian striker, Diego, ensured qualification even though they had French midfielder Frechaut sent off with 15 minutes remaining. Their goalkeeper Paulo Santos had kept them in the game early on.

They had finished 3rd in their Group stages, behind AZ and Sevilla having lost to both teams.

Although SC Braga are currently 4th in the Portuguese League, they are way behind the leaders – 9 points off third, 14 away from Benfica in second and 18 points behind League leaders, Porto, whom they lost to in their last game. They lost by a solitary goal but missed a penalty and GB on FTL who saw the game described them as a neat passing side but with little end product. In always trying to pass they make mistakes to concede possession and may find difficulty against Spurs more physical approach. He reckoned they looked suspect defensively, especially the right back, although their keeper, Paulo Santos, looked useful.

SC Braga’s last results are not overly inspiring – they have won their last two home League games – 2-1 against Amadora who are 11th in the League, needing a penalty to bring them back into the game and a 90th minute winner from Wender who was then sent off. Their other victory was against bottom club, Aves, and needed an 81st minute strike from Ze Carlos. They lost by one goal to Leiria who are now fifth, two points behind them.

Between their ties against Parma SC Braga changed coach – Jorge Costa is now in charge. He played for Charlton Athletic in 2001-02 season. Apart from playing Spurs, Braga have met English opposition on one other occasion – West Bromwich in UEFA Cup of 1978-79 and lost 3-0 on aggregate, so they haven’t managed to score a goal in games against English opposition.

Spurs team should be on the usual lines, Rocha is ineligible so Gardner and Dawson will retain the central defensive duties, Zokora should return after injury but Jenas may be out after going off against West Ham. Robbie Keane is again available and may start ahead of Defoe. Berbatov has score in his last four European games and is looking to be the first Spurs’ player to score in five successive European games. Let’s hope he can do it.

Not wanting to under-estimate SC Braga but Spurs are very capable of winning in Portugal, although over two legs other results can be looked upon favourably as long as the end result is progression to the next round.

Two additional incentives to beat SC Braga – they play in red shirts with white sleeves and their nickname is Os Arsenalistas (The Arsenalists).

Spurs have an excellent record in Europe this season, they have shown considerable application, skill and awareness of tactics in all of those games and everyone will be looking for a similar performance on Thursday evening to take Tottenham Hotspur one step closer to Glasgow on a spring evening in May.

COYS.

Spurs in History - 7th March

7th March, 1993
Manchester City 2 Spurs 4 F.A.Cup 6th Round

A memorable game, not just because Spurs won through to a semi-final tie against Arsenal, 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 halftime through goals from Nayim and Steve Sedgeley. In the second half Spurs took control with Nayim scoring twice. Andy Turner 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.

Spurs in History - 6th March

Steve Perryman and Alan Gilzean with the UEFA Cup in 1972

6th March, 1985

Spurs 0 Real Madrid 1 UEFA Cup Quarter-Final (1st Leg).

In all European competitions, Spurs had maintained an unbeaten home record since their debut in 1961. Some of the performances had overturned deficits in exhilarating performances but in this game Spurs lost their unbeaten record in bizarre circumstances.

The only goal came in a Real breakaway, Ray Clemence palmed out a cross which struck Steve Perryman on the knee and rebounded into the goal.

Spurs battled gamely in the return game but without reward and the scoreless draw was insufficient. Perryman’s European career ended with a dismissal for a professional foul.

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 in History - 3rd March

3rd March, 1973
Spurs 1 Norwich City 0 LEAGUE CUP FINAL at Wembley.

Ralph Coates scored the goal which took the League Cup to White Hart Lane for the second time in three seasons. He had been substitute on the day but an injury after twenty five minutes to the unlucky John Pratt gave Coates his chance.

Norwich defended stoutly throughout the game but the breakthrough came after 72 minutes. Spurs then became more dominant in a game that was memorable only to Coates and Spurs fans.

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

West Ham United Preview

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‘Beware of the wounded lion – it can come back fighting more ferociously than before’ could be a warning for Spurs as they enter Upton Park on Sunday. West Ham have certainly been wounded especially after their defeat to Charlton and the players must have been stung by the criticism dished out. They are a team in much disarray and newspaper reports this week have simply added to that. If the players have any professional pride they will want to make amends quickly and as their new signing Calum Davenport is reported as saying, ‘We owe it to the fans!!! – an understatement if ever there was one.

So Spurs need to ensure that they don’t take anything for granted and that they show the same endeavour, work, passion and skill as they have in their last three games. Anything less than three points for Spurs would be unacceptable. I don’t care how they get the win but it is essential to build on the feel-good factor and confidence that has built up over the past fortnight.

Spurs recent record at Upton Park is poor, they haven’t taken a point there since a 1-0 win in November, 2001 from a Les Ferdinand goal. They have only three Premiership wins at Upton Park and the previous victories were in December, 1993 when goals from Dozzell, Hazard and Anderton gave Ossie Ardiles’ team three much needed points and in January, 1995 when they won 2-1 with Sheringham and Klinsmann scoring.

The overall away League record against West Ham is:
P 54 W 15 D 14 L 24 For 71 Ag 82

The more recent Premiership record doesn’t make as good reading:
P 11 W 3 D 2 L 6 For 13 Ag 16

The most memorable recent win there was in the FA Cup in 200 – 01 when Rebrov scored twice and Doherty once to give Spurs a 3-2 success.

The Spurs’ connections are all through the west Ham team – Bobby Zamora who is the leading scorer with 6 League goals, Sheringham, Etherington, Davenport and Konchesky have all played for Spurs while rumours in previous transfer windows connected Spurs with Ferdinand, Reo-Coker, Harewood, Neill who signed from Blackburn and Boa Morte who eventually joined West Ham from Fulham. West Ham will be without Ashdown who remains injured and Reo-Coker who is suspended.

This game is an excellent opportunity for Spurs to avenge the ‘lasagne-gate’ defeat last May which finally ended Spurs’ chances of making the Champions League. West Ham showed no mercy to Spurs last season, as you would expect, so Spurs must not be charitable to them this year.

The game at White Hart Lane was won by a Mido goal in first half injury time and was a much closer match than would have been expected as the visitors arrived without a win in nine League and Cup games and without a goal in their previous six games.

West Ham have won six games this year, all at home, including victories over Arsenal and Manchester United, the latter in Alan Curbishley’s first game as manager. However, since then it has been very much a struggle for him and the team – without a League win in 10 games and they haven’t scored a goal in almost 4 ¾ hours.
Spurs will be without the suspended Robbie Keane so last season’s goal scorer at Upton Park, Jermain Defoe, should start alongside Berbatov and if all are fit, the only other decision would centre on whether Anthony Gardner should regain his place from Rocha.

Everything points to a Spurs’ win. Their recently improved form, the nature of last week’s win and the confidence is high while West Ham are in 19th place with 20 points, the team and players are in disarray and confidence is low.

However, Spurs must not take things for granted – as West Ham invariably raise their game against Spurs, the players will want to respond positively to last week’s stinging criticism and they need to do something urgently if they are to avoid relegation at the end of the season.

Spurs to win – but remember last season at Sunderland in mid-February, it had seemed so similarly easy against a team who hadn’t won at home and were certainty’s for relegation but a late goal gave the home side the point which finally brought their total of points to double figures. Spurs be warned – make sure you don’t take anything for granted and be complacent – you could regret it.

The referee is Martin Atkinson who refereed the recent match against Sheffield United and the earlier game at Villa. He awarded penalties against Spurs in both games. West Ham are the only team in the Premiership who hasn't scored from a penalty this season.

Spurs in History - 2nd March

2nd March, 1986

Spurs 1 Liverpool 2 (1st Division)

This 1st Division game marked the end of an era for Spurs. The team had been having a difficult season and this defeat meant that they had only won once in eight League games, a 2-1 victory at Sheffield Wednesday in their previous match. Chris Waddle scored for Spurs after two minutes but Liverpool won with a last minute goal, denying Spurs a deserved point. This was to be Steve Perryman’s last League appearance.

Following a Cup defeat to Everton two days later, he was dropped and joined Oxford United. Perryman amassed a record 655 appearances and served Spurs loyally from his debut in 1969. As Captain he led the team to the Cup victories of the 1980s and was an inspirational and committed leader and a model professional.

Perryman later returned to the club as Assistant Manager under Ossie Ardiles but when Ardiles was sacked, Perryman took charge for one game until a new appointment was made.  The team lost at Blackburn Rovers by two goals to nil in November, 1995.  By the time of the next game, Gerry Francis had been appointed and Perryman had left the club.  He later teamed up with Ardiles to manage in Japan.

Thank you Steve Perryman.

For more about Steve Perryman - go to his Official Web-site: http://www.steveperryman.com/

Spurs in History - 1st March

Ronnie Rosenthal

1st March, 1995
Southampton 2 Spurs 6 (aet) F.A.Cup 5th Round Replay

On 1st March, 1995 an unlikely hero stepped forward to rescue Spurs in a 5th Round Replay.  Spurs and Southampton had drawn 1-1 at White Hart Lane and when the Sheringham/Klinsmann team found themselves two goals down just before half-time at the Dell, their Cup dreams looked to be over.

The match is remembered for the remarkable comeback and for Ronny Rosenthal’s incredible three goal contribution to the win.  Spurs’ cause looked lost when they were two goals down before half time but an inspired substitution by Gerry Francis saw him brought on as substitute just before the interval.  Rosenthal scored twice to take the game into extra time, the second from twenty five yards.  Just returned from injury Rosenthal scored twice in two minutes, having been on the pitch less than fifteen minutes.  He outdid that goal in extra time with a shot from thirty yards to put Spurs ahead and complete his hat-trick.

Then goals from Teddy Sheringham, Nick Barmby and Darren Anderton completed the 6-2 rout.

‘Rocket’ Ronnie had made a name for himself in Spurs folklore.

Spurs in History - a Leap Year Extra

29th February, 1964

Birmingham City 1 Spurs 2 1st Division

This is the last occasion that Spurs played on this unusual date. A First Division game at St. Andrews saw Spurs take the two points through goals from Cliff Jones and a Jimmy Greaves’ penalty. This was a transitional period after the ‘Double’ and Nicholson’s next successful team.

Danny Blanchflower was about to retire through injury, Dave Mackay was injured and Bill Brown and Bobby Smith were out of favour. The team contained some unfamiliar faces, including a centre-half, Laurie Brown, signed from Arsenal, playing at centre-forward.

Nicholson was active in the transfer market and a number of new players would soon be arriving at White Hart Lane, the nucleus of the new team - Alan Mullery, Jimmy Robertson, Pat Jennings and Cyril Knowles would all arrive before the start of the next season.

Spurs in History - 28th February

28th February, 1996

Nottingham Forest 2 Spurs 2

Nine days earlier this F.A.Cup 5th Round tie was abandoned after 15 minutes because of snow. At the second attempt, Forest took an early fourth minute lead but Spurs managed to equalise through Chris Armstrong on eight minutes. Armstrong’s second goal after 28 minutes put Spurs ahead before succumbing to a second superbly struck free-kick in the 72nd minute to take the tie to a replay at White Hart Lane on the Saturday of the 6th Round matches.

Spurs in History - 27th February

Two goal hero Martin Chivers celebrates winning the League Cup with manager Bill Nicholson and captain Alan Mullery

27th February, 1971
Aston Villa 0 Spurs 2 League Cup Final at Wembley

Having defeated Swansea, Sheffield United, West Bromwich Albion, Coventry City and Bristol City to reach their first League Cup Final, Spurs had to play 3rd Division Aston Villa, not as easy a task as could have been expected.

Villa made it very difficult for Spurs but they eventually came through thanks to two excellent goals late in the second half. With twelve minutes remaining, Martin Chivers scored against the run of play and then three minutes later added a second.

Chivers' late strikes maintained Spurs 100% record in Cup Finals and Bill Nicholson had produced another winning team that was about to uphold the Spurs tradition of Cup success in the coming years at home and in Europe.

Team:Jennings; Kinnear, Knowles; Mullery (Capt), Collins, Beal: Gilzean, Perryman, Chivers, Peters, Neighbour. Sub: Pearce.

Martin Jol's New Improved Tottenham

Martin Jol’s New Improved Tottenham

(from Logan's Column on www.Topspurs.com)

What a change! Whatever happened at the training ground in the days following the defeat at Sheffield United – it’s had the desired effect. That’s all that supporters have been looking for – a team that is committed, players who show they want to play for Spurs, players for whom winning matters and who are playing to their ability and in a style that is more akin to the Tottenham ‘way’.

Certainly, the three wins have greatly boosted the player’s confidence and raised the spirit within the team and the players are playing with a style and flair that many had despaired of ever seeing from them.

The players showed against Fulham that they were prepared to compete and took the goal scoring chances when they presented themselves. They carried this endeavour forward into the Everton game and played a skilful passing game that had Everton bewildered. It was only after the goal from their fortunate free-kick that Everton started to exert themselves. However, Spurs set aside their annoyance at that decision and showed resilience uncommon for Spurs’ teams and battled through the second half and became stronger through the final minutes as Jenas scored the winner.

The opening minutes against Bolton were unbelievable. Going into this game everyone knew how they expected Bolton to play and Spurs’ results showed that they have had great difficulty against them in recent seasons – only one win in eight games. Most supporters would have been expecting a very tight, competitive game with Spurs having to battle for any opportunity to play football against a very well organised team. They would have been grateful for a hard-earned win to maintain the momentum of the past week. However, in those opening minutes Spurs were a revelation, playing creative, exciting football that had Bolton reeling and in disarray as they found themselves three goals down within twenty minutes – the stuff that dreams are made of. Spurs continued to dominate and looked likely to add to their goal tally when Bolton were awarded a penalty and Robbie Keane was sent off.

Was the dream going to turn into a horrible nightmare? That thought must have been going through every Spurs supporter’s mind as they recalled how Spurs have folded in the past when put under constant pressure. Somehow, Spurs survived and got through to half-time without conceding another goal but they were under pressure and it wasn’t looking good. Could they hold out for the second half – an early Bolton goal was the fear, but Spurs showed early signs that they could take the Bolton pressure and be dangerous on the counter attack. Dimitar Berbatov caused Bolton constant problems and showed his class throughout the game – he always looked capable of scoring or setting someone else up for a goal. Spurs displayed their new found resilience and slowly minute by minute the half ticked away and, in fact, the Bolton goalkeeper was busier than Paul Robinson, so well had Spurs marshalled their defence to ensure they gave Bolton not a glimmer of hope that they could win. Then to add the final touch to a perfect day, Aaron Lennon scored the fourth goal in added time – one that Spurs fully deserved.

How has this change come about? The defence has been much tighter and Robinson has looked to be returning to his best form while the strikers have taken the goal scoring opportunities that have been on offer. Mido worked hard against Fulham while Berbatov returned and played well alongside Keane, working together for the team and providing movement that has made it easier to make chances and create space for other players. Berbatov’s movement and touch have been outstanding and displayed his real class – making him very difficult for any defender to play against.

The improvement at the back and upfront has been important but the biggest difference has been in midfield. For much of the season, Spurs have had a midfield which has lacked pace and movement. They have been very static and ponderous, neither providing cover for the defence nor supporting the strikers. Only Aaron Lennon can be excluded from this criticism as on many occasions his pace and trickery have been the only creativity within the team and if he was out injured or not performing well, the team had nothing else to offer. The return of Jermaine Jenas from injury has brought vitality to central midfield and he uses his pace both in defensive duties and to support from midfield and his four goals since returning have been invaluable. He was often criticised but in his absence supporters have discovered his importance to the team. Didier Zokora has finally started to show why Spurs signed him in the summer. It has taken him a long time to adjust to football in the Premiership and hindered by illness, only occasionally did we see his pace and strength to take players on – now he is prepared to do it more often and the two central midfield players are working well as a partnership. The play of Teemu Tainio has also added strength to the team – if only he could stay clear of injury to get a consistent run in the team. Although, still missing a natural left sided player, this combination of players has given a balance to the team that had previously been missing. Constant player rotation didn’t help the team develop a style of play or allow the players to develop an understanding of how to play together. Perhaps Martin Jol has settled on his best options and will stay with the side as much as possible, keeping future team changes to a minimum.

The players are now playing with a passion that was lacking earlier in the season. The success in the Carling Cup and in Europe was papering over the cracks of the poor league form and the lack of motivation when under pressure. Too often Spurs succumbed to heavy defeats through a lack of fight and determination – they were too ready to accept defeat when things weren’t going their way, the poor away results and their poor goal difference are evidence to that. In the past three games the Spurs players have shown more passion – encouraging and rebuking each other where previously whatever happened was just accepted without blame or comment. Such a competitive attitude is essential if the players are to perform to the true level of their ability and skill and must be maintained in the coming weeks with a number of difficult games in League, FA Cup and Europe.

Two weeks ago, pressure was mounting on Martin Jol as disgruntled supporters aired their grievances on the team’s failings – now, in the space of a week – a Cup win followed by six points in the Premiership and Spurs fans can’t wait for the next game – a trip to play troubled West Ham United. The same urgency, determination, endeavour and application that have been displayed in the past week will be needed there and in the subsequent games against Braga and Chelsea. A week can be a long time in football but if the lessons of the past few games aren’t taken into the coming games then the past week’s success and enjoyment will have been as nothing and Spurs will still be in a cycle of success and failure, going nowhere fast.

Spurs in History - 26th February

26th February, 1962

Spurs 4 Dukla Prague 1 European Cup Quarter- Final 2nd Leg

A goal down from the first leg, Spurs returned to European Cup football at White Hart Lane determined to proceed to the next round. Jimmy Greaves was not eligible to make his European debut for Spurs so Tony Marchi came into the team. The pitch was covered with snow but Spurs attacking flair over-powered the Czechs. The match was virtually decided after fifteen minutes as Bobby Smith and Dave Mackay had scored to wipe out the first leg deficit. At the start of the second half a mistake by the Spurs defence allowed the visitors to score and level on aggregate, but Smith and Mackay continued their domination with two goals in a minute, one each, to see Spurs into the semi-finals.

Team: Brown: Baker, Henry; Marchi, Norman, Mackay; Medwin, White, Smith, Blanchflower, Jones.

Spurs in History - 25th February

25th February, 1904

Aston Villa 0 Spurs 1 FA Cup 2nd Round Replay

In the first match at White Hart Lane, five days earlier, there was a very large crowd of 32,000 with additional seating around the ground. At half-time a large number of spectators invaded the pitch and being unable to clear them, the referee abandoned the match with Villa one goal ahead. Spurs were fined £350 and ordered to replay the game at Villa Park.

Spurs went on to win the tie through a goal scored by Jack ‘Bristol’ Jones. The reason for the invasion is unclear but Spurs certainly benefited from it. It was said that this was the first time a crowd had invaded the pitch in an attempt to have a Cup tie abandoned but this was not the case. It seems to have been that having left their place in the stands most of the spectators were unable to get back to there. When it was announced that the game had been abandoned the crowd became very annoyed and made all sorts of threats. The police had to be called to clear the ground but there was no violence.

Tottenham Hotspur v Bolton Preview

Tottenham Hotspur v Bolton Wanderers

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

Sunday, 25th February, 2007 K.O. 3.00pm
Referee: Graham Poll

Spurs will need their newly acquired endeavour and team spirit if they are to win over Bolton. I really want Spurs to win this game, to make up for the disappointment of that defeat on the opening day in August when all our optimism was dashed within minutes. Also, I’m fed up with Bolton turning us over so often and so easily – it’s time for a change and to add to last season’s hard-earned victory brought about by Aaron Lennon’s goal.

That solitary goal victory ended a sequence of six straight defeats in the Premiership back to March, 2003. However, prior to that Spurs had been undefeated in seven games, with three successive home wins and a win and two draws at Bolton.

Considering the recent difficulties against Bolton, Spurs home record in the Premiership isn’t too bad:

P 7 W 4 D 1 L3 For 11 Ag 8

And their overall League record is good:

P 38 W 23 D 6 L 9 For 71 Ag 40

Hopefully, Spurs will be able to build on those figures on Sunday with another win, a draw wouldn’t really be enough for Spurs at the moment – they need to build on the up-turn in form and keep the upward momentum going.

Everyone knows exactly how Bolton will play so Spurs should be well prepared for it and ready to battle against their hard-working side. Bolton are currently in 5th place in he Premiership, two points behind Arsenal and 11 points ahead of us If Spurs are going to close that gap it must start on Sunday. Spurs have played twice since Bolton lost in the Cup replay but they have won their last two League games against Fulham and at Watford. Uncharacteristically, Bolton only managed to draw with Charlton and lost 1-5 to Middlesbrough, al5though the Cup draw at the Emirates was sandwiched between those results. Nolan has caused Spurs a few problems in the past as have Anelka, Pedersen and Speed with important goals at crucial times. Campo’s long-range goal in August basically sealed Bolton’s victory and their goalkeeper, Jaaskelainen, usually performs well at White Hart Lane. Anelka is the leading scorer with 9, while a number of others contribute regularly – they’ve had five different goal scorers in the last six games. Nolan has 5 League and Cup goals with three in the last 6 games. Diouff has 5, Campo and Speed 4 each, Faye 2 and Pedersen 1.

Bolton will be without Tal Ben Haim and David Thompson who are suspended but Faye may return after injury.

To maintain Spurs’ recent improved form Martin Jol will probably make only a minimum of changes. Anthony Gardner is doubtful so Rocha may play. The manager then has to decide whether he goes for player rotation or stays with the players who have produced results at both Fulham and Everton – I know what my choice would be.