Spurs v Arsenal: Victory and Defeat




I have been a Spurs fan for 38 years. In that time there are two North London Derbys that that have left an indelible mark. 

1987
League Cup Semi Final Replay 
Spurs 1 Arsenal 2

This was an epic tussle for the ages. Tottenham won the first leg at Highbury 0-1. The prolific Clive Allen with the goal. 

Allen struck again in three second leg to give Spurs a 2-0 aggregate advantage. But Arsenal struck back with two second half goals to win the match 1-2 and so the tie headed for a replay (no away goals rule).

The two teams had a centre circle toss for the replay and Spurs called correctly. So three days later both teams returned to White Hart Lane.

Clive Allen struck again to give Spurs a 1-0. For 81 minutes Tottenham held onto the lead only for Arsenal to strike twice in the closing stages to win the tie and ultimately beat Liverpool in the final to claim George Graham's first trophy as Arsenal manager (ironically a trophy he would win for Spurs 12 years later).

To be honest, I'm not sure I've ever fully recovered from this defeat. I've been glass half empty "Spursy" ever since. 

1991
FA Cup Semi Final 
Tottenham 3 Arsenal 1

And so to the Gaza free kick match. One of the greatest free kicks witnessed at Wembley's hallowed turf sent Spurs on the way. 

Two further Gary Lineker goals reinforced Tottenham's win as underdogs Spurs saw off high flying Arsenal in the first North London FA Cup semi final. 

One of the most memorable matches for all Spurs fans and a match of unbridled joy as Terry Venables' much maligned side went on to lift the cup for a then record 8th occasion - the last time Spurs won the cup.

Hopefully Jose Mourinho can instill the spirit of 1991 into his side this Sunday and inspire a Tottenham Hotspur victory. 

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