Carlos Vinicius: Perfect for Spurs?

Playing the understudy to Harry Kane is a bitter-sweet situation for any young striker. On the one hand, the prospect of learning from one of the Premier League’s all-time prolific forwards. On the other, a distinct lack of Premier League minutes. Furthermore, the Spurs talisman does not look like slowing down this season. With 18 goals and 14 assists in 26 games, the England captain has been in scintillating form for Jose Mourinho’s side. 

The understudy in question has certainly given Mourinho another viable striking option. Carlos Vinicius has hit the ground running since his loan switch from Portuguese giants Benfica. He has netted six times whilst laying on a further three assists for teammates in as little as nine games for the Lilywhites. Remarkably, the Brazilian has only started five games for Spurs in all competitions, a testament to his knack for scoring goals. 

The 6”3 target-man hasn’t always been primarily focused on scoring. During his youth career, he was largely employed as a central defender due to his height and athleticism. He made his senior debut in 2017 as a defensive midfielder for fourth-tier Brazilian side Caldense. A move to Gremio Anapolis saw Vinicius play as an attacking midfielder before completing his rapid positional journey to become a forward. A switch to Europe saw the striker join Portuguese side Real SC. A £4 million switch to Napoli resulted in impressive loan moves to both Rio Ave and Monaco. Vinicius eventually signed for Portuguese champions Benfica in the summer of 2019. Notching 18 goals and 5 assists in 32 league matches for The Eagles was enough to convince Spurs chairman Daniel Levy into a year-long loan with a £45 million option to buy this summer.

Spurs fans have grown familiar with seeing Vinicius bring down long-balls and link play. These characteristics make him a useful weapon for when Mourinho’s side cannot play a counter-attacking game. As well as his strength and aerial threat, Vinicius has a respectable burst of pace and is technically adept to dribble at speed. This dimension to his game provides a more than valid attacking alternative for days in which Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son are struggling to convert.  

During his stint at Benfica, Vinicius was primarily utilised as a striker in a 4-4-2 formation. Mourinho has employed the same formation at points in his successful spell at Inter Milan, as well as currently in North London. The prospect of having both Kane and Vinicius to deal with is a headache for any centre-back partnership. Due to his pace and impressive agility, Vinicius also occasionally occupied a wide attacking birth during his time in Portugal. This gives the Special One a more combative wide option compared to the trickery of Steven Bergwijn, the raw pace of Lucas Moura, and the intelligence of Gareth Bale.

The current situation is beneficial for both the club and the player. At 25-years-old, Vinicius is entering the golden years of his career. Having been given a chance in the Premier League, he will feel he has to seize every playing opportunity that comes his way. Furthermore, having a hungry striker seeking to prove he belongs at the top level will only benefit Spurs. Time will tell if Vinicius has impressed enough to warrant a permanent switch.

Tottenham’s Dream Team – 2030/31

With first Dane Scarlett and then Alfie Devine breaking the record for the youngest player in Tottenham’s history (and in Devine’s case, youngest goal scorer as well), and a clutch of other young players gaining first-team experience, Spurs’ academy prospects are looking as gifted and plentiful as they’ve ever been.

Fast forward ten years and it’s unlikely that Harry Kane will still be leading the line at the age of 37, so we look at the players who are set to make the step up. Given the talent coming through, it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that our line up will be full of Hotspur Way graduates in a decade’s time.

This is our dream team 2030/31.

GK – Brandon Austin, 31 (age at the start of the 2030/31 season)

It’s a crowded field when it comes to Spurs’ goalkeeping prospects, with no less than nine Academy players on the books. However, it is England Under-21 stopper Brandon Austin that we feel has the best chance of making it in the first team.

Austin has been on the bench in four Europa League games this season and has been the first choice with the Under-23s, making eight appearances in the Premier League 2. He spent the second half of last season on loan with Danish side Viborg FF, impressing as he made 14 appearances in the NordicBet LIGA.

The next couple of years could be crucial for Austin – aged 22 and with his contract up in 2022, he will want to impress to prove to Jose Mourinho that he has what it takes to succeed Hugo Lloris and Joe Hart as they enter the autumn years of their careers. If he does so, he could be between the sticks come 2030/31.

Austin features in our 2017 piece here: ‘Tottenham’s 4 Development squad Goalkeeper’s. What next?‘

Also look out for Thimothee Lo-Tutala

RB – Dermi Lusala, 27

Dermi Lusala has been gaining attention for some time, and was featured in the Guardian’s ‘Next Generation 2019: 20 of the best talents at Premier League clubs’.

Although primarily a right-back, the Edmonton-born Lusala is comfortable playing right across the defence. He has a touch of Kyle Walker about him, his pace and athleticism down the flanks standing out – his three assists in five Under 18 games demonstrate his ability going forward.

Already capped at youth level by England, we expect him to have formed an exciting full-back partnership with Dennis Cirkin by 2030/31.

Also look out for Kallum Cesay

CB – Malachi Fagan-Walcott, 28

It’s another Edmonton boy – Malachi Fagan-Walcott.

A former 200m sprint champion, Fagan-Walcott is a quick, powerful defender, but is also good in the air and reads the game very well. He has suffered from a knee injury this season, but he turned out regularly for the Under-23s last year and even made his first-team debut against RB Leipzig as a late substitute. He has also been called up to England Under 15s, 16s, 17s and 18s.

Fagan-Walcott’s idol is Ledley King – if he can go on to be half as good as the great man, he will have a very successful career in lilywhite.

Also look out for Alfie Dorrington

CB – Japhet Tanganga, 31

Aside from Oliver Skipp, Japhet Tanganga is the player with the most top-level experience in this group. Having made his debut in the EFL Cup in 2019, Tanganga has gone on to make 17 appearances for the senior side.

A versatile player comfortable playing right across the back, Tanganga has appeared for England at every youth level from the Under-16s to the Under-20s, and was called up for the Under-21s, but had to pull out due to injury. He signed a new five-year contract last summer and looks set to become a mainstay of the first team squad for years to come.

Hackney-born Tanganga joined the club aged just 10 – by 2030 he’ll have been with the club for two decades.

Also look out for the return of Luis Binks…?

LB – Dennis Cirkin, 28

Over two and a half years ago, I attended an Under 15s/16s game against Ipswich Town. A fair few players stood out in the 6-1 win – Luis Binks, Harvey White, J’Neil Bennett, Max Robson and Chay Cooper all shined. But it was our left-back that day who you instantly knew was destined for something special.

Dennis Cirkin is a future England international with a staggering array of attributes. His reading of the game, technique in both defence and attack, work-rate, surging runs from deep and ability to score and assist offers an all-round package rarely seen in someone so young.

Although he has yet to make his competitive first-team bow, Cirkin appeared in the friendlies against Ipswich and Reading and has been named as a substitute on a handful of occasions. Despite the presence of Ben Davies and Sergio Reguilon, it will be a matter of time before the England Under-18 left-back makes his debut.

When he does, he’ll be one step closer to making that number 3 shirt his own for the next decade.

Also look out for Jordan Hackett-Valton

RCM – Oliver Skipp, 29 (Captain)

“He can be a future captain here.”

Not my words, but those of Jose Mourinho, a man who knows a thing or two about these sort of things. After being with the club since 2013, Oliver Skipp made his debut as an 18 year old for Spurs, going on to make 23 appearances in all competitions over the next two seasons.

He has made a huge impact on loan with Championship side Norwich this season, quickly establishing as an indispensable member of a side pushing for promotion. If they go up, it may well that Skipp remains with the Canaries to get a full season of Premier League football under his belt.

Whether or not Skipp returns to Spurs next season, there is little doubt that the England Under-21 midfielder will be the heartbeat of our midfield for a decade to come. Like Jose, we believe he’ll be our captain in 2030/31.

Also look out for Jamie Bowden

CM – Alfie Devine, 26

At just 16 years and 163 days old, Alfie Devine became the youngest player in Spurs’ history. The youngest goalscorer in Spurs’ history.

Devine is an all-action central midfielder, his energy matched by his creativity and his ability to appear in and around the opposition penalty area and score goals. The England youth international has had a meteoric rise through the Spurs ranks after joining the club last summer, performing at Under-18, Under-23 and senior levels with distinction.

Along with Oliver Skipp and Harvey White, Devine represents the future of Spurs’ midfield.

Read our profile on Devine here: ‘A Touch of the Devine‘

Also look out for Nile John

LCM – Harvey White, 28

Harvey White completes our 2030/31 midfield trio.

A versatile, set piece specialist, comfortable in possession with and a wonderful left foot, White made his debut off the bench against Ludogorets in November before making his first start against Marine in the FA Cup.

Although he has been in and around the first-team squad for much of the season, White has underlined his creative potential with the Under-23s, scoring three goals and providing seven assists in just 11 games.

White was recently called up to the England Under 20 squad and he certainly has the talent to continue to move through the ranks to become a Tottenham and England regular by 2030/31.

Also look out for Max Robson

RF – Jamie Donley, 25

If our fan’s main Academy interest was Troy Parrott last season, and Dane Scarlett is this season’s, 2021/22 will see the focus switch to Jamie Donley.

Donley joined Spurs seven years ago from Colchester Villa YFC. As an Under 8, he scored a barely believable 175 goals from midfield. You read that right. 175.

Donley has only just turned 16 – and is the youngest player featured on this list – but his ability is obvious. Already this season, he’s scored 17 goals in just 12 games for the Under-16s, and has played three times for the Under-18s, scoring on his debut against Leicester. With Dane Scarlett likely to step up to the Under-23s by the end of the season, we expect to see Donley fill his shoes.

If the England youth international keeps scoring every time he moves up a level, we could be left with the mouth-watering prospect of a lethal Donley – Scarlett – Parrott forward line in 2030/31.

Also look out for Jack Clarke

ST – Dane Scarlett, 26

After his five goals against Newport in the FA Youth Cup, we posted a picture of Scarlett next to one of the great Ronaldo. It might have been a bit tongue in cheek, but if he keeps scoring at his current rate, the comparisons will only continue.

Scarlett has been in lethal form at youth level this season, scoring 19 goals in just 13 games, including three hat-tricks. As evidenced by his strikes against Newport, the England youth international’s goal scoring instincts are outstanding – his third goal in particular, a Cruyff finish, was sublime.

His record as Spurs’ youngest player may have only stood for two months, but we expect to see the name ‘Scarlett’ featuring on Premier League scoresheets for years to come.

Read our profile on Scarlett here: ‘A Study in Scarlett‘

Also look out for J’Neil Bennett

LF – Troy Parrott, 28

The heir to Harry Kane.

Although Troy Parrott’s recent spell at Millwall hasn’t gone to plan, we’ve got to remember he’s only 18. Injuries have disrupted his time there and he has often been played out of position – even Kane’s loan spells weren’t always an unqualified success.

Parrott remains a major talent – he’s already received two caps for the Republic of Ireland – and his natural ability will hardly disappear after only a few months. Let’s not forget, this is a player who made his debut for Spurs at the age of 17 and spent most of last season in the first-team squad. He has also scored 31 goals in just 38 games for the youth sides since joining the club in 2017.

With the right support and opportunities, we have little doubt that, in time, Parrott will blossom into one of Tottenham’s leading players.

Also look out for Roshaun Mathurin

5 Reasons Why Spurs’ Title Challenge Is Still On

Although Spurs’ last Premier League fixture was an emphatic 3-0 win over Leeds, their previous four game winless streak was a clear downturn in results from their pre-Christmas charge to the top of the table. Not only did Spurs fail to keep a clean sheet in that period, they have only scored 1.25 goals per game in their last eight games – 30.9% lower than their overall average for the season.

However, there are still a number of reasons to be optimistic that Spurs can return to the apex of the Premier League. Aside from a manageable four point gap, the form of a certain few key players and the culmination of Spurs’ long-term strategy might suggest that a league title is closer than it may seem.

Jose Mourinho’s Second Season Successes

At every single team Mourinho has managed he has finished first in the league in his second season, apart from at Manchester United. Astoundingly, Mourinho dubbed this second place finish as one of his ‘greatest achievements’, and has since stated that his current Tottenham squad is superior to that of the United team that he managed to finish second with. Although this is not empirical evidence that Tottenham will succeed, few know more about the game than Jose – who averaged a trophy every 34 games at one stage in his career, and no team has seized the opportunity to pull away at the top of the league thus far.

Spurs sat in pole position after 12 games played, and in the 15 full seasons Mourinho has completed as a manager, his team has finished in the place he currently sat after 12 games 12 times, winning nine of those seasons. All managers take time to implement their philosophy and style of football, and some of the more reactionary Spurs fans need to trust in the process of one of the greatest managers of the modern era when results don’t go as expected.

The Resurgence of Eric Dier

One year ago, Eric Dier was seriously struggling for gametime and had faced a lengthy injury layoff. Forgettable midfield performances in the twilight of Mauricio Pochettino’s reign had changed the public opinion on Dier, from an exciting, versatile youngster to a player who epitomised Spurs’ defensive frailties in the last year under Poch – a regression in performances and consistency. However, the departure of Pochettino gave Dier a chance at redemption under Mourinho, who publicly wanted the signing of Dier at Manchester United.

Whilst Dier didn’t instantly adapt to the new centre back role with ease under Jose, his post lockdown form has been sensational. Still only 26, Dier has been one of the most consistent defenders in the league this season, and has forced his way back into the England XI. A typical Mourinho central defender; tall, strong and intelligent, Dier has been the focal point of the second best defence in the league this season, and having a resolute defence is key to challenging for league titles.

The Kane and Son Factor

The inclusion of this mesmeric duo shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone reading this list, Kane and Son are simply world class. They have combined to create 13 goals for each other this season, equalling the seasonal record for a duo after only 16 games. Now only 3 behind Drogba and Lampard’s all time record of 36, the pair are on course to create 30 goals for one another this season alone. For once, it truly feels as if Spurs can beat anyone in the world with these two on the pitch.

Harry Kane has been in arguably the best form of any player in the world this season, with 21 goal contributions in 16 games, and his new dynamic role has highlighted his incredible passing abilities on the ball without his monstrous goalscoring record drying up. Son Heung-min’s finishing has been nothing short of ridiculous, outperforming his xG (Expected Goals – amount and quality of chances created for him) more than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues in 2020, ahead of the likes of Messi, Ronaldo, and Harry Kane of course.

With two of the best attacking players in the world, a strong defense and one of the greatest managers of all time, it does seem as if Spurs should be competing for the league if they can find consistency.

The Mercurial Tanguy Ndombele

For me personally, Tanguy Ndombele is the player which I find most fascinating in this burgeoning Spurs side. Whilst appearing to never be fully fit and struggling to show his skills for a whole game, his talent shines whenever he touches the ball. One of the most naturally talented players I have watched pull on a spurs shirt, it suddenly makes complete sense to all Spurs supporters as to why Daniel Levy smashed Tottenham’s transfer record to pull off an eye-watering £57 million deal for the Frenchman. With last season’s fallout with Mourinho behind him, Ndombele has already achieved six goal contributions in all competitions this season, as many as he returned in the entirety of the 19/20 campaign. 

Spurs Are Still Improving

Mourinho’s appointment on 20th November 2019 signified a dramatic culture change for Tottenham Hotspur’s squad. The appointment of a serial winner was a statement of intent, the club objective was now solely focused upon winning a trophy. The tactical style of Mourinho is a polar opposite to that of Pochettino, more pragmatic and defensive, which requires a number of transfer windows to implement. It is worth remembering that Mourinho has only had 2 windows and has been disrupted by Covid-19, whilst also needing to change the mentality of the team. The additions of Hojbjerg and Reguilon along with the resurgence of both Dier and Ndombele have been very impressive, and it is also worth remembering that this squad will only improve the more they play together.

It remains difficult for Spurs to win the league this season, given that this is Mourinho’s first full season and the team is still transitioning. not to mention the depth and quality at our rivals’ disposable. Nevertheless, to be just four points away from league leaders Liverpool with a game in hand is still a good position – especially when taking the dismal performances against Leicester and Wolves into consideration. In my opinion, you can expect Tottenham to still be in the top four come the end of the season, and will be going toe-to-toe with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City. Furthermore, the league is completely open this season with all of the big six dropping points on a regular basis. We can at least hope, right?

Sonny Joins The 100 Club

Son Heung-min joined Tottenham’s 100 club last season, the 18th player to do so. Here are all the players who have brought up a ton:

17=. Billy Minter (1908-1919) – 101 goals in 263 appearances

Billy Minter was the first player to reach 100 goals for Spurs and was our record scorer until he overtaken by Jimmy Dimmock in 1930. Minter has short spells with Norwich City, Woolwich Arsenal and Reading before joining Spurs in 1908. His goals helped Spurs first gain promotion from the Second Division, then secure top flight status over the following season.

Minter served during the First World War and was wounded during the fighting in France. He returned to the club after the war, but retired in 1920 after scoring 101 goals in 263 games. A Spurs stalwart, he was appointed as a manager of the club, as well as serving as a coach, scout and assistant secretary, a role which he held until his passing in 1940.

A great profile on Minter can be found here.

17=. Johnny Morrison (1933-1939) – 101 goals in 154 appearances

A lethal striker who would have surely scored far more had it been for the outbreak of war, Johnny Morrison scored 101 goals in just 154 games.

After a few years of non-league football Morrison joined Spurs in 1931, but had a spell with Northfleet United, Spurs’ nursery club, before making the step up a couple of years later.

Morrison was particularly prolific between 1935-38, scoring 28, 35 and 35 goals in three consecutive seasons. As previously mentioned, his career was cut short in 1939 by the Second World War.

16. Bert Bliss (1912-1922) – 104 goals in 215 appearances

As with Johnny Morrison, Bert Bliss was another dangerous striker with a scoring ratio of nearly a goal every two games.

Although Bliss was another whose career was interrupted by the First World War, he returned to the club with success, winning the FA Cup in 1921 and an England cap just a few weeks before. He left the club the following year after scoring 104 goals in 215 appearances, before retiring in 1926.

‘One of the most conscientious of players and pretty nearly the hardest shooting forward in football, his surprise efforts flashing into the net before the danger is even realised.’

‘An English Football Internationalists’ Who’s Who‘ by Douglas Lamming

15. Son Heung-min (2015- present) – 107 goals in 280 appearances

Unquestionably one of the best players in England, if not the world, Sonny’s hundredth goal for Spurs came in 253 games and he’s since gone on to score another seven. He has also chipped in with 64 assists.

He’s formed a lethal partnership with Harry Kane, with the duo set to break the Premier League record for goal combinations imminently.

He is nearing one hundred caps for his country and will surely go down as a modern-day great.

14. Glenn Hoddle (1975-1987) – 110 goals in 490 appearances

Unquestionably one of the greatest players in Tottenham’s history, Glenn Hoddle played nearly 500 games for the club over 12 years, scoring 110 goals. He had everything – unbelievable passing and shooting ability, plus a touch and balance which few before or since have possessed. Perhaps underappreciated during his time, he gained a little over 50 caps for England.

He won two FA Cups and the UEFA Cup with Spurs, before moving to Monaco in 1987 where he won the French league title. He moved back to England in 1991 as a player-manager with Swindon, a role he then took up with Chelsea a couple of years later. He lead England at the 1998 World Cup and also managed Southampton.

Hoddle later returned to Tottenham as a manager in 2001 but wasn’t able to bring success back to the club and was sacked a couple of years later. One final managerial spell with Wolves followed but left in 2006 and has been a television pundit since.

13. Jimmy Dimmock (1919-1931) – 112 goals in 438 appearances

Having served as a gunner in the First World War, Jimmy Dimmock joined Tottenham in 1919 and would go on to play for the club for more than a decade. He is best known for his winning goal in the FA Cup Final against Wolves in 1921 despite sustaining an injury earlier in the game. He was Spurs’ record goal scorer for a time with 112 goals and, after playing 438 games, remains 9th on the club’s all time appearance list.

Dimmock, 90 years after leaving the club, is still the only player in Spurs’ history to play 400 league games and score 100 league goals. He also remains the younger player to appear in an FA Cup Final, at 20 years and 139 days.

He won 3 caps for England, his first being just a few weeks before that FA Cup final, becoming the then youngest Spurs player to play for England.

12. Les Bennett (1946-1954) – 117 goals in 294 appearances

Another who joined Spurs after serving his country, Les Bennett had spent much of the Second World War with the Devon Regiment in Burma, India and Egypt. Born in Wood Green, Bennett had originally signed for the club in 1939, but was called up before he could make an appearance. Aged 28, he finally turned out in Lilywhite in 1946.

Bennett made up for lost time, his goals helping Tottenham to a Second Division title in 1949-50 and He was a key figure in Arthur Rowe’s ‘push and run’ team that won the First Division in 1950-51. Bennett followed that success up that with a career best total of 20 league goals in 1951-52 as Spurs finished as runners up.

After 117 goals in 294 appearances, Bennett moved onto West Ham in 1954 before further spells with Clacton and Romford until his retirement in 1960.

11. Robbie Keane (2002-2008; 2009-2011) – 122 goals in 306 appearances

Still only 22, Keane was gaining a reputation as a journeyman player after spells with Wolves, Coventry, Inter Milan and Leeds before joining Tottenham in 2002. However, save for one short spell with Liverpool, and short loan spells with Celtic and West Ham, Keane remained with Tottenham for the best part of a decade, making over 300 appearances and scoring 122 goals, and winning the League Cup in 2008.

Keane often deputised for Ledley King as captain and formed a brilliant partnership with Dimitar Berbatov as the club entered a new era with regular European football. He was the first Spurs player to score double figures in the Premier League in six consecutive seasons and also won Player of the Year three times during his Tottenham career.

He moved the MLS with LA Galaxy in 2011 where he stayed until 2016. He had one final a single season in the Indian Super League after which he retired with 325 goals in 737 games, an outstanding career.

His 146 caps and 68 goals are both Irish records, having made his debut as a 17 year old in 1998 before his final international appearance in 2016.

Since his retirement in 2018, Keane has had coaching spells with Republic of Ireland and Middlesborough.

10. Teddy Sheringham (1992-1997; 2001-2003) – 124 goals in 277 appearances

Oh Teddy, Teddy! After joining from Nottingham Forest in 1992, Sheringham made an instant impact, winning the Premiership’s Golden Boot in its inaugural season. He scored just under 100 goals in five seasons with his brilliant strike partnership with Jurgen Klinsmann being a particular highlight.

He left Tottenham to go to Manchester United in 1997 where he won…a fair bit…before returning in 2001. He helped the club to the League Cup Final in 2002, but left the following year after a total of 124 goals in 277 appearances for Spurs.

Spells with Portsmouth, West Ham and Colchester followed before retiring at the age of 42. He holds the record as the oldest outfield player to appear in a Premier League match (40 years and 272 days), the oldest player to score in a Premier League match (40 years and 268 days) and the oldest player to score a Premier League hat-trick (37 years and 146 days). He also won 51 England caps scoring 11 goals.

9. Alan Gilzean (1964-1974) – 133 goals in 439 appearances

Alan Gilzean joined Tottenham in 1964, after a prolific spell with Dundee where he scored 169 goals in just 190 games.

Although he adapted his game with Spurs, he remained highly successful, forming effective partnerships with Jimmy Greaves and Martin Chivers until his retirement in 1974.

Gilzean became known as the ‘King of White Hart Lane’, winning the FA Cup, the League Cup twice and the UEFA Cup, as well as scoring 133 goals – his 439 appearances for Tottenham is 8th on the all-time list. He also won 22 caps for Scotland, scoring 12 goals.

8. Len Duquemin (1947-1957) – 134 goals in 307 appearances

Joining Spurs in 1946, having spent the war on Guernsey under German occupation. Along with Les Bennett, Duquemin was a member of Arthur Rowe’s ‘push and run’ side which won the Second Division in 1949-50 before following that up with Spurs’ first First Division title the following season.

Duquemin was known as a hard worker and, while not considered as skilful as some other members of Rowe’s team, his goalscoring record of 134 goals in 307 games would be the envy of many other strikers.

After leaving Tottenham in 1957, Duquemin had spells with non-league clubs before retiring in 1962.

7. George Hunt (1930-1937) – 138 goals in 198 appearances

George Hunt joined Tottenham in 1930 from Chesterfield and spent seven seasons with the club, scoring prolifically.

Between 1931-1934, he was the club’s top scorer for three consecutive seasons, helping the club gain promotion to the First Division in 1932-33 with 32 goals. Overall, despite making less than 200 appearances, Hunt scored 138 goals. During his time with Spurs he won three England caps, scoring on his debut against Scotland in front of a then world record crowd of 136,259.

In 1937, Hunt became the first player to move from Spurs to Arsenal since Woolwich’s move and name change, before moving onto Bolton and Sheffield Wednesday where he retired in 1948.

6. Jermain Defoe (2004-2008; 2009-2014) – 143 goals in 363 appearances

A natural-born goalscorer, Jermain Defoe scored 143 goals in 363 appearances over two spells with Tottenham. Signing for the club in 2004 from West Ham, Defoe was named the club’s player of the season in his first year.

However, Defoe faced stiff competition for a consistent starting place in the team, in particular when the the partnership between Berbatov and Keane was at its best, and he moved to Portsmouth in 2007. However, after rejoining Tottenham a year and a half later, Defoe scored regularly and became Spurs’ highest scorer in Europe before Harry Kane moved past him.

He left for the MLS in 2014, joining Toronto, but was back in the Premier League before too long for spells with Sunderland and Bournemouth. At the age of 38, Defoe is in the final years of his career, but is scoring regularly in the Scottish Premiership with Rangers and has now scored more than 300 career goals, including 20 for England.

5. Cliff Jones (1958-1968) – 159 goals in 378 appearances

Quite simply one of the finest players ever produced by the UK, Cliff Jones was the original Welsh wing wizard. Electric pace and an eye for goal made him a nightmare to defend against.

Starting with his hometown club of Swansea, Jones moved to Tottenham in 1958 where he would stay for the next decade, scoring 159 goals in 378 games. A crucial member of Bill Nicholson’s double-winning side of 1960-61, Jones would also win two more FA Cups and the European Cup Winners Cup in 1963. Juventus offered a then world-record sum £125,000 to lure him away from the Lane but were unsuccessful.

At international level he scored 16 goals in 59 games for Wales, helping the side the the quarter finals of the 1958 World Cup, before falling to eventual winners Brazil.

Jones eventually did move away from the Lane in 1968, winding down his career with Fulham, King’s Lynn and Bedford before hanging up his boots in 1971.

A Spurs legend.

4. Martin Chivers (1968-1976) – 174 goals in 367 appearances

Martin Chivers started his career with Southampton and he quickly gained a reputation as a prolific goalscorer, with 106 goals in 190 appearances. As a result, Spurs signed him for a British record fee of £125,000 in 1968.

With the already established Jimmy Greaves and Alan Gilzean at the club, Chivers initially struggled to break into the side, but after Greaves’ transfer to West Ham in 1970. From there Chivers became a mainstay, scoring regularly and helping Spurs to two League Cup wins and a UEFA Cup in 1972. He held the record as Spurs’ leading goalscorer for nearly 40 years until Jermain Defoe overtook him in 2013.

Chivers also won his first England cap while with Spurs, going onto score 13 goals in 24 appearances.

After moving to Swiss club Servette in Swizterland in 1976, Chivers had further spells with other clubs including Norwich and Brighton, before retiring in 1983.

2. Bobby Smith (1955-1964) – 208 goals in 317 appearances

Bobby Smith started off at Chelsea, but we won’t hold that against him, especially given his goalscoring exploits in Lilywhite.

Joining Spurs in 1955, it would be the double-winning season in 1960-61 where Smith would earn his place in the club’s history books. He was Spurs’ top scorer that season, with 33 goals in 43 games, including the first goal in the FA Cup final win, a feat he would repeat in the 1962 win. He also won the European Cup Winners Cup in 1963.

In total, he would score 208 goals against 39 different clubs, a tally which included 11 hat-tricks. He was the First Division’s top goalscorer in the 1957-58 season and became the club’s leading league goalscorer in 1960, a record he held until Jimmy Greaves passed him in 1968. While with Spurs he won 15 England caps, scoring at a rate of almost a goal a game – 13.

Smith left Spurs in 1964, joining Brighton and retired in 1967 after a spell with Hastings.

3. Harry Kane (2011-present) – 221 goals in 336 appearances

What can I say that hasn’t already been said before? Tottenham’s talisman. The Premier League’s premier striker. Up there with the world’s best.

What will frighten other clubs is that he took his all-round game to another level last season, that a shift to a deeper role didn’t diminish his goalscoring returns but increased the number of assists and influence around the pitch.

Now entering his peak years, and with more than 220 goals in a less than over 340 games for Spurs, who knows how many goals he will end up with. But, if he stays at the club for the next few years and stays injury-free, it will be a question of when, not if, he becomes Spurs’ all-time record goalscorer.

With 38 goals in 61 games, the England record may well be in his sights too.

1. Jimmy Greaves (1961-1970) – 266 goals in 379 appearances

Jimmy Greaves is the greatest goalscorer England has ever produced.

Greaves famously signed for Tottenham from AC Milan for £99,999 with Bill Nicholson reluctant to burden Greaves with the pressure on becoming the country’s first £100,000 player. Certainly, Greaves seemed to have felt no pressure at all, with his 266 goals – including 15 hat-tricks, still standing as club records after more than half a century.

During his time with Tottenham, Greaves won two FA Cups and the European Cup Winners Cup, but missed out the double winning season of 1960-61 having arrived in the following December. A number of title challenges ensued over the next decade, but a runners up medal in 1962-63 was the closest Greaves got to an English league title win. He famously missed out on the 1966 World Cup Final win after being injured in the group stages. Originally, only the starting XI in the Final were given medals and it wasn’t until 2009 until Greaves was belatedly given his medal.

Greaves was later transferred to West Ham as a part-exchange for Martin Peters in 1970, but retired the following year. He did return to football in 1975 and played lower league football for a further five years before his final retirement in 1980.

As well as being the greatest Spurs goalscorer, he is the best this country has seen full stop. He’s the highest goalscorer in the history of English top-flight football with 357 goals and finished as the league’s top goalscorer on six occasions, more than anyone else. He’s also England’s fourth highest goalscorer with 44 goals, including a record six hat-tricks, despite playing just 57 games.

Greaves was finally awarded an MBE in the 2021 Honours List.

5 Talking Points From Spurs’ Draw With Crystal Palace

Fans make a huge difference

Prior to the opening goal, Spurs were extremely dominant on the game in the first twenty minutes creating a few good opportunities all of which was halted by Vincente Guaita. However once Kane scored, in typical Mourinho style Spurs sat back and tried to protect a one goal lead, which was a huge mistake, whilst the Lilywhites were in control of the match, they should’ve killed the game off instead of sitting back as soon as taking the lead. The fact that the game was away at Selhurst Park and Palace’s first home game with fans back certainly had a part to play in the Palace’s effort as a team, with Palace dominating the end of the first half and the majority of the second. 

You could sense in the stadium that the fans could feel a goal coming and were willing the team to go and get that goal whereas before it would’ve almost definitely been easier to defend against a Palace team who were getting frustrated that nothing was coming off for them. The fans tipped them over the line so to speak, with the pressure that ensued before the goal.

Hopefully Spurs and Mourinho take this into account and don’t sit back once scoring the first goal especially after being on the front foot since the start of the game, obviously against ‘Top 6’ teams Mourinho will stick to his counter-attacking football but Spurs need a Plan B when coming up against teams such as Palace who will happily play Mourinho at his own game and sit back deep, typically where Spurs seem to struggle.

Dier on freekicks

So far this season, Spurs have had a magnitude of different free-kick takers in Kane, Son, Bale, Højbjerg, Dier, Lo Celso to name but a few. Dier’s free-kick in stoppage time was an unbelievable strike only denied by a brilliant save for Guaita who, his error in the first half aside, stole the show.

Previously Dier has shown his quality over free-kicks with a strike against Russia at the Euros in 2016 the first one that comes to mind, over a dead ball Spurs don’t have an out and out specialist and Dier definitely has a strong claim to be over free-kicks as opposed to others who have previously been sometimes wasteful in good positions. But with Dier’s strike only being stopped by an extraordinary save from the Palace goalkeeper after looking certain to head for the top corner and give Spurs a dramatic winner, he has put down a great argument to be on free-kicks, in my opinion Bale or Dier should be on free-kicks around the penalty area.

The return of Dele Alli

Dele Alli made his first Spurs Premier League matchday squad since the demolition of Manchester United at the start of October where he came on as a sub. However, with the absence of Carlos Vinicius and Gareth Bale, Alli found himself making the bench and was also preferred to Lucas when Mourinho made his substitutions after Palace’s equaliser which is very interesting after rumours midweek of a move in January away from Spurs with the Englishman strongly linked with French giants PSG with a loan move.

As soon as Alli was introduced to the action he was thrown in at the deep-end and was left with a two on two defensively where he perfectly timed his tackle and quickly moved the ball forward once, he won possession. What surprises me the most is the fact Alli was trusted by Mourinho of trying to find the winner for Spurs but wasn’t involved at all in the Europa League game against Antwerp on Thursday in a game which arguably he could’ve started, showing his relationship with Mourinho is an extremely complicated one. 

It will be very interesting to see what happens in the coming weeks with Alli prior to the January window especially with the absence of Europa League football until after close of the transfer window. Is Mourinho working him back into his plans? Is he helping to get him match fit in order for him to be sold or go on loan? Only time will tell.

Absence of Carlos Vinicius

In contrast to the return of Dele Alli to the matchday squad, Vinicius found himself missing out. With no reports of any sort of injury it seems that Mourinho just didn’t include him in the 18 who travelled to Palace. The Brazilian was also brought off midweek during the victory of Antwerp not even a minute after his goal, albeit it was a tap-in, a decision which was questioned by many fans.

Against Palace, Mourinho instead opted to have three defenders on the bench as opposed to Vinicius so who knows what’s going on with the Benfica loanee who I would argue has been very impressive in his appearances since joining Spurs. Again, much like with Alli only time will show what Mourinho’s plans are for Vinicius and whether he trusts him or not.

He has yet to start in the Premier League and has only made one appearance from the bench against West Brom where I personally would argue he helped to change the dynamic of the game, leading to Kane being able to score a late winner after Vinicius occupied a centre-back giving Kane more space. Who knows whether Vinicius would’ve made a difference against Palace today but it would’ve certainly offered a different dynamic.

Title race talk too early?

As Jose Mourinho said himself Spurs are only a “Little Pony” in the title race and the disappointing draw against Palace may reflect this. Spurs have now dropped six points against Newcastle, West Ham and now Crystal Palace, games that they should be winning if Spurs want to win the league.

With Chelsea losing, Fulham holding Liverpool to a draw and both City and United dropping points on Saturday, Spurs will be kicking themselves that they were unable to further open the gap between the sides. With the midweek fixture against Liverpool in the back of everyone’s minds and now especially important after todays result. The game is a must-win in order for Spurs to be taken seriously and mount a serious title challenge this season.

‘Everywhere We Go’: Spurs Down Under

Over the coming months, we will be interviewing Tottenham fans and supporter groups from around the world asking them why they follow the club, what reputation Spurs have in their country and which young players we should be looking out for.

To kick us off, we spoke to Tommy Silver, a committee member of ‘Oz Spurs’, the Official Australian Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Club which was founded in 2001. As well as discussing his love for Spurs, we also cover the A-League, former Australian Premier League icons, and the Socceroos’ World Cup chances.

Here’s what Tommy had to say:

When and why did you first start supporting Spurs?

Like many, I had no say in the matter! My dad was a lifelong fan and he passed it along to all of his boys. In April 2000, he took me to my first match at White Hart Lane and I fell in love. I was 13 at the time, but I will never forget that rush coming up over the steps and seeing the green of the pitch for the first time. We won 2-0 (Darren Anderton and Chris Armstong) and my brother and I begged our dad to take us back to the next game, which ended in a 1-1 draw against 10-man Derby.

Tommy’s first match at White Hart Lane, April 2000

What encouraged you to join Oz Spurs? How many supporters clubs are there in the country? Games must be tricky to watch, right?!

After returning from that trip to London, I was totally obsessed. I became aware of my dad being on a email newsletter for Spurs fans in Australia, and suggested we go to one of their meets. It was very much a fledgling club, with big chapters in Perth and Sydney. It’s unfair to single out too many individuals, but Justin Long and Munsoor Khan were two of the driving forces in building the club out of nothing, two ex-pats desperate to keep their connection alive.

There were very, very few matches on TV, so in Sydney in those days we met on the last Saturday of every month to watch VHS highlights sent from the UK and read Spurs Monthly!

Very early days in Sydney, 2003

Around this time, I discovered a passion for computers and wanted to get into web design, so I offered to build a website for Justin and OzSpurs. It went live the week before the Worthington Cup Final and our club just grew from there. Our forum was hugely active, and in 2003 we had our first ever OzSpurs National – Spurs fans from all over Australia converging on one city for a weekend.

Oz Spurs, Worthington Cup Final, 2002

We’re quite unique in that we’re one of the only national supporters clubs made up of individual chapters – we have a chapters in Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Sydney, Tasmania and Wollongong.

We currently have around 400 paid members, however, there are thousands more Spurs fans here – we had 600 in Melbourne alone at 5am for the Champions League final.
We have a wide variety of kick off times! Pre-COVID, on the east coast kick offs range from 9pm – 7am, and in Perth 3/4 hours earlier. A 12:30pm Saturday (UK time) kick off is as good as it gets for us, and we will often get hundreds out to the pub to watch. The match against Arsenal the other morning, however, was 3:30am Monday morning. Brutal. Despite this, in Melbourne we had 15 or so meet up at the pub.

Melbourne, Champions League Final, 2019

What sort of profile do Spurs now have in Australia?

It’s amazing how well known we are in general now. The Pochettino years obviously increased our profile, but it feels like for the first time (in my lifetime) we have genuinely iconic players – Kane, Bale, Son. Couple that with our tours in 2015 and 2016 and awareness has grown significantly.

Spurs in Sydney, 2015

As you mentioned there, Spurs have made a couple of big trips to Australia in 2015 and 2016. Do you think there is an appetite for more?

It’s no exaggeration to say Spurs’ trip to Sydney in 2015 was a dream come true for us – we had been hoping they would come out since our club took off in 2002. We put on an absolute show for the club when they arrived in Sydney – hundreds welcoming them at the airport, a golf day, a night with Ossie Ardiles and many other events. Spurs have told us how they were blown away by our club, and I think the proof is their return just 12 months later! That was a bit of a different trip, but just as big for us.

I would be surprised if we don’t see them back here in the next 5 years, though it’s hard to know how the world will look post-COVID.

Spurs legend Ledley King is cheered upon arrival by fans during a Tottenham Hotspur fan event at The Woolshed Pub, July 2016 in Melbourne, Australia.

In the 1990s and 2000s, there were a fair few Aussie players who were prominent Premier League players – Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka, Mark Schwarzer, Tim Cahill etc – but that seems to have dried up recently. Why do you think that is?

This is a complex one with many factors, but in my opinion we took our eyes off player development when the A-League was formed in 2004/5. Prior to the A-League, we had the NSL, which was made up of many community clubs whose main purpose was producing players – Viduka a perfect example of this. With the A-League, we (rightly) spent so much energy on getting the structure of the pro league right, but we neglected the academies and youth teams. We’re seeing the impact of that now, but Football Australia and clubs seem to have recognised it, so hopefully come 2030 we’ll have Aussies playing at the highest levels again.

The A-League is Australia’s premier competition – what kind of standard is it? Are the fears of a talent drain to rival leagues such as the Indian Super League well-founded?

There are many, many people who bag it, but I’m a staunch A-League defender – I’ve had a season ticket for Sydney FC since day one and travel around Australia to watch them. We are so spoilt with wall-to-wall coverage of the Premier League that many people turn on an A-League game expecting to see the same quality and intensity. It’s obviously not the same, however, on a good day our top teams would give the top Championship teams a game.

For me, the Indian league is just one more threat from a fast-growing Asia. It’s been like that since the A-League started in 2005, with Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Saudi Arabia and UAE clubs paying a lot more than A-League clubs can. For me, that brings opportunity. Whilst Alessandro Del Piero and Emile Heskey coming to the A-League in 2012 was a thrill, they came and went and the crowds followed in both directions. The future of our sport is developing young players to further themselves overseas – be it Asia, Europe or elsewhere.

And how about the national team? There was an Asian Cup win in 2015, but the Socceroos have never been beyond the Round of 16 at a World Cup. How are they looking for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar?

For us, making it to the Round of 16 is a huge success!!! It will be no different in Qatar, but hopefully we could look to make a quarter final one day. The Asian Cup win in 2015 was amazing – I will never forget that night. Asia is getting stronger every year, and it can only be a good thing for us.

Australia lifting the Asian Cup in 2015

Cricket, AFL and rugby are seen as the most popular sports in Australia, but do you think football can come close to rivalling it?

Football has the highest participation rates of any team sport in Australia, so we absolutely can get there. Unfortunately, the media landscape is a difficult one to overcome – in Melbourne, the AFL and the media may as well be one organisation. It’s hard for football to get any significant recognition, but it’s just about chipping away. Football’s strength is its global position, and there is no doubt the other sports in Australia are threatened by that.

Former Spurs youth goalkeeper Tom Glover made the move back down under last year – how is he getting on?

He had a good season with Melbourne City – they finished 2nd in the league and lost in the Grand Final. He likely would have played at the Olympics this year but obviously that didn’t happen.

Former Spurs Academy goalkeeper, Tom Glover, playing for Melbourne City

Are there any up and coming young Australian players who we could see appearing for Spurs in the future?

2nd to wishing for Spurs to visit Australia was our dream for an Aussie to break through at Spurs. We’ve had a few over the years; Glover, as you mention, Mass Luongo, Giancarlo Gallifuoco and Spase Dilevski – but none of them really ever broke through. It’s hard to see that changing in the near future sadly!

Tommy Silver heads up the website and communications for Oz Spurs. You can find them through the channels below:

Website: https://www.ozspurs.com/
Twitter: @OzSpurs
Facebook: @OzSpurs

The Best (and the Worst) Matches We’ve Seen Live

With fans returning to watch live football for the first time in 9 months, we choose some of the best – and the worst – matches we’ve had the joy/misery of witnessing.

@jabbott90‘s best…

Leicester City 0 – 1 Spurs, 21th March 1999

OK, there have been better games to watch. Others may have been more significant in terms of our growth as a club. But for an 8 year old, who was at the peak of their fandom, yet to witness a Spurs trophy win and going to a school almost exclusively full of Arsenal fans, the 1999 Worthington Cup win was pretty momentous.

This would be my second and last visit to the old Wembley, (the only other occasion was for a 2-0 friendly win over the Czech Republic the previous year) and for a kid who had read about Spurs’ Glory, Glory years but never experienced them, it felt like Ginola, Anderton and co were leading us into a glorious new age.

The game itself wasn’t particularly memorable, save for the late, great, Justin Edinburgh getting sent off for having a swipe at Robbie Savage, a reaction that most fans, both Tottenham and Leicester alike, had some sympathy with. At that point we thought it was all over – half an hour to go and down to ten men, we were in real trouble.

But we hold out and in the last minute, Steffen Iversen broke down the right, shot at Kasey Keller who could only parry the ball into the path of Allan Nielsen, whose diving header sealed the win. Sure, that golden age didn’t then materialise. But that moment, and that game, will stay with me for the rest of my life.

…and his worst.

Spurs 3 – 5 Manchester United, 29th September 2001

I mean, growing up a Spurs fan during the late 90/early 00s, I had a fair few matches to choose from – the 3-0 thumping at home from Sheffield Wednesday in 1998 was a particular lowlight of the era. But the game I’ve gone for is the 5-3 against Manchester United, the worst example of Spursyness you’re ever likely to see (apart from @djmerrriman‘s choice below).

I could barely believe what was happening at half-time. We were 3-0 up against the champions, with the late Dean Richards scoring on his debut, and Les Ferdinand and Christian Ziege adding the extras. Glenn Hoddle was bringing back the glory years.

Or not. Andy Cole, Laurent Blanc, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Juan Sebastian Veron and, finally, David Beckham all scored in the second half without reply. I still feel shell-shocked. I guess the only consolation I can draw from the misery is that I was at the end where all eight goals were scored.

@djmerrriman‘s best…

Manchester City 4-3 Spurs (Agg. 4-4, Spurs win on away goals), 17th April 2019

Thinking of a best game certainly takes some choosing but I’ve gone for the one that came to mind immediately…even if it was a ‘loss’. In fact, as has been mentioned, it can be considered a draw (on aggregate), a win (on away goals) and a loss (on the night all in one).

I’ve never been more exhausted in an away end as I was 11 minutes into the Eastlands encounter. The adrenaline from four rip-roaring early goals, going behind, going ahead, being pinned back had me feeling that I was running the hard yards of Sissoko along with the rambunctious travelling party. Queue further seesawing goals and one disallowed one for the ages to the mix, and I think it had an objective edge over Ajax, given the pendulum of momentum swung more than once. That was until VAR saved Eriksen’s and all our blushes and further pandemonium in our stand ensued, though barely believable.

How badly the City fans took it to our immediate right made it even sweeter, although we could have done without the coins and other missiles thrown our way at FT. They say money can’t buy you class, so they threw it our way. The pennies were put towards booking the Eurostar to Amsterdam…

…and his worst.

Spurs 3–4 Manchester City, 4th February 2004

This led me to thinking about the worst, and in somewhat accidental symmetry, I’ve gone for exactly the same result! As a supporter who started attending in the mid-nineties, the FA Cup has only wrought misery and it feels apt to include an ignominious exit, all the more frustrating after a hard fought draw away. 

3-0 up and coasting after Ziege’s free kick, it was not until I got home that I realised Joey Barton had been sent off in the tunnel at HT, such was the dominance/capitulation (it was usually the latter in those days). To top it off, it had to be an unremarkable journeyman – Jon Macken to seal the deal and secure a career highlight with a last minute winning header.

This certainly wasn’t the first total collapse I’d borne witness to at the Lane and it certainly wasn’t the last.

@ewtr22‘s best…

Spurs 4-1 Liverpool, 22th October 2017

In autumn sunshine and amid a fantastic atmosphere (for the national stadium) Spurs demolished Liverpool as they got to grips with their temporary home. Kane and Son ran Lovren ragged, and were 2-0 up inside 15 minutes. While Salah got a goal back, an Alli volley made it 3-1 before the break. When Mignolet spilled a Vertonghen shot early in the 2nd half, Kane reacted to the rebound to ensure a comfortable last 30 minutes and emphatic win.

…and his worst.

Spurs 1-2 Getafe, 25th October 2007

A desperate end to the Martin Jol era, as the Dutchman was sacked on the night of this Europa League tie. Even pre match reports were circulating that Jol’s time was coming to an end, and an odd atmosphere was felt throughout the ground. Defoe gave Spurs an early lead, but Ruben de La Red flicked in a free kick to level. In the second half the fans knowingly chanted Jol’s name, but it was all in vain as Braulio gave Getafe the win.

Top 10 North London Derby goals – vote for your favourite!

Ahead of the North London Derby against Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, James Hicks picks his Top 10 Spurs goals scored in the fixture over the last 20 years – vote for your favourite at the end!

10. Jermaine Jenas – Arsenal 4 – 4 Spurs – 29 October 2008:

With 89 minutes on the clock and Spurs two goals down at the Emirates all hope was looking lost, Jenas won the ball back around the halfway line and then beautifully curling a left footed shot past Manuel Almunia, as everyone knows Aaron Lennon would score in injury-time after Luka Modric hit the post, Spurs somehow retrieving a point after being two goals down with one minute left and making it 4-4.

9. Gareth Bale – Spurs 1 – 3 Arsenal – 15 September 2007:

On his North London Derby debut, an 18-year-old Bale scored a superb free-kick (foreshadowing what was a later to come with his dead-ball deliveries for Spurs) again beating Almunia to his bottom right. The goal signified what was to come from Bale with future performances in a Spurs shirt scoring many key goals.

8. Jermaine Jenas – Spurs 2 – 2 Arsenal – 21 April 2007:

Jenas makes his second appearance on the list with a powerful strike against the Gunners which flew past Jens Lehmann in goal, rescuing a point for Spurs in the 95th minute of the match.

https://www.premierleague.com/video/single/1658178?PLAYLIST=1581408

7. Kyle Walker – Spurs 2 – 1 Arsenal – 2 October 2011:

Walker scores his first goal for Spurs beating Wojciech Szczęsny in his bottom right corner after hitting a strike from 30 yards out securing all three points for Tottenham.

6. Jermain Defoe – Spurs 4 – 5 Arsenal – 13 November 2004:

A nine goal thriller at White Hart Lane, with Defoe scoring arguably the best goal of the game, skipping past two Arsenal defenders and then putting it as top right corner of the goal as you could possibly get leaving Lehmann stranded.

5. Dele Alli – Arsenal 0 – Spurs 2 – 19 December 2018:

With Spurs’s 1-0 up and in the quarter finals of the Carabao Cup and on the back foot, brilliance from Alli and Harry Kane sealed the victory for Tottenham. A beautiful ball over the top from Kane was met with a perfectly timed run from Alli who controlled it and then dinked it over Petr Cech sending the Spurs away fans crazy, with their first win at the Emirates since 2010.

4. Christian Ziege – Spurs 1 – 1 Arsenal – 15 December 2002:

A stunning 35 yard free-kick from the German flew into the top right corner leaving England keeper David Seaman with absolutely no chance.

3. David Bentley – Arsenal 4 – 4 Spurs – 29 October 2008:

The second strike from this memorable night at the Emirates in 2008 is a wonder goal from Bentley, who picks it up just beyond the halfway line controls it setting himself up beautifully or a volley after spotting Almunia off his line and from 40 years manages to lob the keeper giving Spurs the lead.

2. Harry Kane – Spurs 2 – 2 Arsenal – 5 March 2016:

A superb strike from the England captain takes second spot and arguably his best goal in a Spurs shirt, definitely his best against Arsenal. The deadly duo Alli and Kane link up again with Alli chasing the ball down in the corner a backheel fooling Per Mertesacker and Kane picks up the ball wide on the left around 20 yards out. He then proceeds to use Gabirel almost as a training mannequin bending the ball around him, with the ball going in off the post beating David Ospina, White Hart Lane going crazy.

1. Danny Rose – Spurs 2 – 1 Arsenal – 14 April 2010:

Top of my list is a goal from Danny Rose on his Spurs’ debut which was a special moment and a superb strike, Arsenal fail to clear the corner and the ball falls to the debutant around 25 yards out Rose hits it first time on the volley on his left foot, with too much power behind it for Almunia to get back into position and save it.

Which goal is your favourite let us know by voting in the poll down below:

One Year of the Humble One

20th November 2019. José Mourinho is presented to the world as the new manager of Tottenham Hotspur.

It would have been a barely believable statement had it been made less than six months previously. Mauricio Pochettino had just taken the club to their first ever Champions League final and it was hoped that he would lead the club into a glorious new era in their wonderful new home.

It wasn’t to be. The 2-0 loss to Liverpool sapped the energy and confidence of a team and a manager who had taken Spurs to new heights, with the attempts to refresh the squad coming too late to prevent the slide. Pochettino left the club after a five game winless streak with the team in 14th position.

In many ways Mourinho seemed to be the complete contradiction to Pochettino. Friction with senior players were par for the course during his most recent spells at Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United, and there were major doubts about his commitment to bringing through young players – his treatment of Luke Shaw, in particular, was uncomfortable viewership. His defensive style of football was a far cry from what Spurs fans had grown accustomed to, and while Pochettino built himself into the DNA of the club, Mourinho rarely stayed anywhere for more than three seasons. Then there was his history with Chelsea. Enough said there.

But Mourinho was also a serial winner. For all of the joy Pochettino brought to our football club, he couldn’t get the team over the line and secure that elusive trophy. It had been eleven years since Spurs’ last and even that was only a League Cup. The wait for a League title had stretched to nearly sixty years and the whole club still seemed to be reeling from the Champions League final loss.

Mourinho had been brought in to win, to find the final piece in a puzzle that already included world-class players, stand out training facilities, a growing global reach accompanied by lucrative commercial sponsorships, and arguably the best new stadium in world football.

The short-term brief, however, was to drag Spurs into the European places, a must for a club who had accumulated significant debts in building the aforementioned stadium. The football wasn’t always pretty, and the defence remained porous at times – eight clean sheets was the lowest total since 2010/11 – but it was a small achievement in itself to move a team low on form, confidence and energy from 14th to 6th.

The 2-0 victory over Manchester City, courtesy of a memorable debut goal by Steven Bergwijn, was a highlight, but it was the form after the season’s restart which really underlined the recovery. In nine games Spurs lost just once, with five wins – one of which being in a North London Derby – and four clean sheets sealing European football for another season.

The summer transfer window proved to be the real watershed moment, however. Uncharacteristically, Spurs moved quickly and decisively, securing two new full backs, cover for Harry Kane and Hugo Lloris, a promising young centre back, the marquee signing of Gareth Bale and, arguably most significantly, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, a player who has already established himself at the heart of the side.

As well as filling the gaps on the pitch, Mourinho looked to address the much sought after but statistically unquantifiable qualities of ‘leadership’. Højbjerg is the obvious embodiment of that, but in Joe Hart, Bale and Sergio Reguilón too, Mourinho brought in players with experience of winning major trophies. Added to the mix are international captains Kane, Lloris, Heung-Min Son and Serge Aurier, plus the competitive drive and experience of Eric Dier and Toby Alderweireld. There can be few complaints now that this Spurs team is lacking in the right mentality.

Mourinho has also shown that he has evolved tactically too. There was a belief in some quarters that the methods which had made Mourinho one of the most decorated managers of all time had grown stale, that managers like Jürgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino had moved the game on. Against Manchester City, however, Mourinho underlined why he remains one of the leading managers in the game.

The defensive solidity that epitomises all of Mourinho’s teams still remains central to his ethos and the ease with which Spurs soaked up City’s attacks was striking. Dier is repaying the faith shown in him and was immense on Saturday night, making block after block after block. Højbjerg continues to marshal the side brilliantly leaving Kevin De Bruyne isolated and frustrated. And, while Kane rightly gained plaudits for his defensive display, hard work and tactical nous runs right through the team.

As well as epitomising Spurs’ relentless pursuit of defensive perfection, it was also Kane who showcased the evolution of Mourinho’s tactics in attack. Kane’s game has reached another level since being deployed in a deeper position by Mourinho. He should now be described as a complete forward and can rightly lay claim to being one of the top 10 players in world football.

Against City Kane looked to reinforce that status, pulling Rúben Dias and Aymeric Laporte – a £120 million central defensive partnership – all over the pitch, rupturing Guardiola’s high pressing game and leaving acres of space around them. Both goals resulted from Mourinho’s game plan and Manchester City’s defence – and indeed Guardiola – were left unable to respond.

Of course, Kane was already an exceptional player when Mourinho arrived, with his dedication and professionalism ensuring that he would’ve continued to excel as he entered his peak years. But Mourinho’s finessing of Kane’s positioning has seen marked improvements in both his individual performances, and the team’s as a whole.

It is not just Kane who has taken his game to another level. Lloris is having his best season for some time, regaining his trademark calming influence on the team as a result. As previously mentioned, Dier is repaying Mourinho’s faith and is getting better with every game at centre back. Son has been the clear beneficiary to Kane’s deeper positioning and together they have formed the most devastating strike partnership currently playing in the Premier League. And Tanguy Ndombele is now regularly showing his talent – you’d frame his pass to Son for the opener and put it on your wall at home if you could. Mourinho’s tough love looks like it’s paid off and you suspect there is even more to come, a mouthwatering prospect.

The performance against City was a culmination of the progress that has been made defensively. Sure, Mourinho would like to improve on the number of clean sheets Spurs have kept, but the nine goals conceded is the fewest in the Premier League. But for the aberration against West Ham, that figure would’ve been even lower. They are scoring plenty of goals too, the ruthless six goal dismantling of Manchester United being an obvious example. 2.33 goals per game is Spurs’ best ratio since the Premier League era began and dispels the notion that Mourinho is content to squeeze out stodgy 1-0 wins.

Granted, there is a long way to go. Spurs may be top of the league, but they are less than a quarter of the way through a long season unlike any other. While a number of players have found their feet in new Mourinho era, others like Harry Winks, Davinson Sanchez and Steven Bergwijn are yet to recapture the form needed to break into the first team on a regular basis. Meanwhile, despite flickering back to life at the start of Mourinho’s reign, Dele Alli seems to have entered a permanent state of decline. It’s becoming increasingly hard to see a way back for a player who, at the age of 24 and with nearly 40 England caps to his name, should be entering the best years of his career.

But the early signs are good and seems to be a different Mourinho to the one we’ve seen for much of the past decade. He feels revitalised and happier. He’s still evolving tactically, and continues to show that he can not only compete with the ‘new’ generation of managers, but he can dominate them too. He’s quickly built a squad with depth in every position, the team is defensively sound and still scoring plenty of goals. The vast majority of players have recovered their form of old, while some like Son and Kane are now the leading players in the Premier League and among the world’s best.

Perhaps Mourinho may not bring as much unbridled joy as Pochettino did and his strong connection with Chelsea will always sit uncomfortably – the two may well be correlating factors – but, with football fans being as fickle as they are, joy will be unbridled and his time at Chelsea will serve as a footnote should he lead Spurs to a long overdue trophy.

Who knows, that could include a Premier League title. The thought doesn’t seem so fanciful with Mourinho in charge.

A Study in Scarlett

Given the 2-0 victory over Manchester City which sent Spurs top of the Premier League, it is understandable that the Under-18s’ win over Southampton didn’t get much of a mention. However, for keen followers of Spurs’ youth teams, the performances on display in the 7-0 victory only helped reinforce the excitement surrounding a number of players.

Two players in particular stood out – midfielder Alfie Devine, an England youth international, is a precocious talent and has already appeared for the senior team, albeit in pre-season friendlies. It is considered a matter of time before he appears in a competitive game, despite only turning 16 in the summer.

But it is Dane Scarlett, the scorer of four goals against the Saints – including a hat-trick of headers – who is the focus of this article.

Like Devine, Scarlett is a 16 year old England youth international. He also appeared in the pre-season friendlies against Ipswich and Reading. But while Devine is a box-to-box midfielder whose technical ability is matched by his relentless work rate, Scarlett is a natural goalscorer, with his four goals against Southampton taking his tally to ten in just eight appearances this season.

Scarlett first appeared for the Under-18s at just 15 years old, making four appearances and scoring his first goal at that level against Aston Villa in October 2019. However, a horrible knee injury in the following game ended his entire season.

It says a lot about his character and his talent that, not only did he battle his way back to full fitness, he also forced his way into Jose Mourinho’s pre-season plans making two appearances.

From there he has made up for lost time. He is currently the highest scorer in the Under-18 Premier League, with highlights including a goal in the 2-0 win over Arsenal and a brace and two assists in the 4-1 thumping of West Ham.

He is moving through the age groups for England, scoring for both the Under-15s and Under-16s. He would have made his debut for the Under-17s this autumn too, but had to settle for training matches against Derby Under-18s and Reading Under-23s. He still scored though.

We will not be falling into a lazy cliche by touting Scarlett as ‘the next Harry Kane’ – he is just 16 years old and it adds unnecessary pressure and expectation. To compare a player who has yet to make a single senior competitive appearance to one of the best centre forwards in world football is patently ridiculous.

However, there are certainly encouraging signs that Scarlett has what it takes to make it to the top. The sheer weight of goals he scores certainly doesn’t hurt and, as mentioned previously, he showed great character to come back so impressively from a serious knee injury. Jose Mourinho, one of the most decorated managers in history, has clearly seen something he likes, and training alongside Kane can only have a positive influence.

For now though, Scarlett will first look to make the step up to the Under-23s and, if he continues to be so prolific in front of goal, it will be a case of when, not if. With Scarlett not turning 17 until March, it is unlikely that we will see him in the first team squad this season, but between Scarlett, Troy Parrott and Jamie Donley, the future of Spurs’ strike force is looking very bright.

There is still a way to go, but you feel we won’t have too long to wait until we see the name ‘Scarlett’ appearing on a Premier League scoresheet.