Saturday 17th November 2001, 3.00pm

FA PREMIERSHIP, WHITE HART LANE

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 1 (Poyet 92)

Sullivan
Perry
Richards
King
Taricco
Freund (Davies 81)
Poyet 1 (92)
Anderton
Ziege
Sheringham
Ferdinand (Rebrov 70)

Subs not used: Beasant, Bunjevcevic, Thatcher

ARSENAL 1 (Pires 81)

Wright, Lauren, Campbell, Keown, Cole, Parlour, Vieira, Grimandi, Pires, Bergkamp, Wiltord. Subs: Ljungberg, Taylor, van Bronckhorst, Kanu, Tavlaridis

Referee: - J Winter

Attendance: - 36,049

 

A magical injury time volley from Poyet salvaged a point after Pires scored for the third time in three matches against us 9 minutes from the end. Scenes of great joy greeted the injury time equaliser, although over the whole match it was the very least Spurs deserved in a tremendous blood and thunder encounter in N17 this afternoon. Oh and RSol returned, was loudly booed every time he touched the ball and did his best to score own goals in either half.

The day that has been etched in the minds of both sets of supporters since the fixtures were announced in June started in the Northumberland Arms before the match

The great and the good managed to turn up at one point or another. Music impresario Danny Keene was first to arrive followed by a quick hello from Daniel and Joshua Wynne.

Meatloaf and Cumbrian Spurs accounted for many of the bodies in the area around “Jacob’s Wall” and I was delighted to meet up with Godders from the message board for the first time.

Regulars from the Spurs chat site turned up later and most people were confident that Spurs would win the match, although as a cautious old git I was happy for anything but an Arsenal win.

Godders, Rosé, Damien Davis, Chris Stone

 

On the walk from the Northumberland Arms we cut through the school as usual, and as a car drove by I thought it was Bill Nicholson, and as we got to the Worcester Avenue exit it was indeed the great man.

Sir Bill obligingly posed for the photo and got the good wishes of a number of fans that passed by.

A great honour for me.

When I got to my seat, you could feel from the atmosphere this was not going to be a normal afternoon. On a personal note I was delighted to see RSol as I had a decent bet (which I advocated on the TOPSPURS message board) on RSol starting the match. Even in the warm up he got lots of abuse and kept away from the Shelfside. We were thwarted by the good sportsmanship of a steward when a wayward warm up pass to Campbell went to the Shelfside touchline and you could feel the grimace on RSol as he thought he would have to go to the Shelf to get the ball before it was kicked back to him by the all too nice Steward.

Before the match Hoddle received the manager of the month award for the 4 wins out of 4 in October, which also featured on the front of the Programme.

 

It’s been a while since we have had to worry about the “curse of the manager of the month award” – it was either Dec 95 when Mullethead got us near the top of the league or pre-Premiership.

 

Spurs starting with an unchanged starting line up for the 6th league match on the trot, with Beasant getting the nod ahead of Kelly on the bench along side Rebrov, Davies a mask-less Bunjevcevic and Fatcha.

 

  

How the shelf welcome back the RSol

It was apparent as the week went on that the “The minute of contempt” was going to be a non runner and the Spurs support was excellent in their cheering of Spurs and dissing of RSol.

The 4,000 Judas Balloons were everywhere and many fans had Judas banners, with the pick of the more elaborate banners being “Ledley King – Problem solved” - “Sol shoots, sky swallows” and the Park Lane’s “we don’t need a queen cos we got Ledley the King” – top marks to all concerned.

Spurs kicked off attacking the Park Lane on a damp overcast afternoon but most of the first 15 minutes involved each team trying to kick each other, with crowd booing every time RSol got near the ball – which continued for the whole 90 minutes.  This was good niggly stuff that has characterised this fixture over the years and there were plenty of confrontations all over the pitch, notably Ferdinand and Monkeyhead who both got booked early in the match for an off the ball incident, after Sir Les caught him a beauty in a goal mouth scramble. RSol did a shocking two-footed lunge, which went unpunished.

During this period, Spurs had a couple of free kicks around 20 yards out but did not make the most of them – which unfortunately set the tone of Ziege’s dead ball use for the rest of the match, and at the other end Beavis had a weak shot easily saved. Richards had the first of his goal attempts from a corner, and sent his glancing header agonisingly wide of the far post.

As the football began to get the upper hand over the niggling and fouling, Spurs began to grow as the stronger team. No one really stood out for Spurs in a good collective team effort, but Ziege was given lots of space in the first half and after a good move involving Freund and Poyet, he whipped an early ball into the box which Monkeyhead beat Ferdinand to and his deflection came off RSol’s fat arse and behind for a corner – not missing the own goal we’d all dreamed about by very much.

With Spurs in the ascendancy, Poyet had our best chance of the half when he blasted a volley narrowly over after a Ferdinand set up. The Tottenham pressure grew around the middle of the half a goal looked on the cards.

 

A move down the left resulted in an over hit cross being picked up by Treacle who hit a deep cross back which Ziege nodded down to Sheringham, but his shot was blocked by desperate lunges by RSol and Monkeyhead. 

Without the RSol return, the major talking point of the match would be the goal that was n’t given. Ziege sent over a corner, which Deano met powerfully with his head after a flick on. The ball hit the cross bar and bounced over the line before bouncing up and out again, before being cleared by a goon. The crowd had to wait a couple of minutes for a slo-mo replay – which confirmed that the ball had crossed the line - and after showing it from the main angle, they hurriedly cut showing it from behind the goal as they are not allowed to show controversial incidents. It was the 1966 world cup final all over again – but instead of a Russian Linesman we had a half asleep clown from Penge or somewhere. Bastards. Lucky Arsenal (again, and again and again……….).

The second big talking point of the half came just before half time. Ziege again enjoying a lot of space down our left hit over a good cross, which Les beat Wright to and nodded in for a simple goal, only for it to be disallowed for some reason or other. Well that’s how I saw it at the time, but TV replays have confirmed that Les, rather stupidly used his arm to diverted the ball in. Goons surrounded the Ref trying to get Sir Les sent off as this would have been his second bookable offence, but Winter continued to officiate with common sense over the rule book and just awarded the foul. It was probably this common sense that saw him not send off Beckham against Man U when he was about to give him his second yellow, so I suppose its quits on that score but I cannot help being reminded of Summerbee handballing the winner at the very same end in Feb 1973 to win the game 3-2 for Man Shitty.

At halftime we all felt cheated that Spurs we not in the lead and knew that against teams at the top of the table, all chances need to be taken. As the disgusting articles in the Mail have proved this week, the press will take every opportunity to be Anti-Tottenham and will no doubt pick up on the couple of plastic water bottles that were thrown on the pitch (one managed to hit RSol on the back) – and for once Wenger’s poor vision extended to not seeing this so I assume that he and RSol do not want any further action taken.

Spurs had dictated much of the match, but Sully was called upon to make a good save from Grimandi long range shot which he was at full stretch to tip round for a corner. We can’t have the likes of Grimandi scoring against us!

Our best chance of the opening period of the second half fell, as most of our chances did, to Poyet. Taricco sent in an excellent cross from the right and Poyet did well to get in front of Monkeyhead, who’d taken time off fouling Ferdinand to mark him, but after getting in such a good position, he should have done better than head over the bar, although he did managed to leave Keown in a crumpled heap and allow the fans to sing “he’s got a monkey’s head” while being treated by the Arsenal vet.

Spurs picked up where we left off in the first half and had much of the play. It is worth stating this as in many of the recent matches between the two sides (including our last win back in 1999) we have looked second best on the pitch. Arsenal functioned for the most part as a counter attacking force, although Vieira, despite being a c*nt played well in the middle. After one bloke let the shelf down by throwing the ball properly to Lauren when the goons won a throw Shelfside, a couple of other lads returned the balls rather more vigorously later in the half to both Lauren and Pires and did themselves, and the rest of the shelf proud. Please note that this is not advocating violence or wrong doing of any kind, just the fans doing their bit within the law to create a Derby atmosphere – and a much better idea that the idiots who threw bottles on the pitch.

Freund disappeared into the crowd, before delivering a long throw into the box which looked to have slipped off course and to be heading straight off for a goal kick before Ferdinand chased it and did brilliantly to hook it back in play and into the middle of the penalty area with the goons in disarray as they expected the ball to go out. Poyet again beat his marker to the ball and diverted the ball goal ward but Wright managed to get his hand to it to deflect it for a corner when it looked all over a goal. Soon after, Sully had a taste of what was to come when he produced a solid save from a long-range effort from Pires.

With 70 minutes gone, Rebrov received a great response from the crowd when he replaced Les. RSol was still getting stick every time the ball came near him and gave everyone a good laugh when he hoofed the ball forward, fell on his arse and the ball went through to Sully.

All eyes were on the Paxton for most of the second half as wave after wave of attacks rained down on the goon goal. Spurs nearly scored again when a for once a short corner worked well and Ziege came in from the right and hit a low left footed shot which was initially blocked and in the ensuing goalmouth scramble, Taricco forced the ball goal wards, Sheringham was held back by RSol and Cole acrobatically cleared as the ball went towards goal with Wright grounded in an attempt to save the first effort.

After 81 minutes – all Tottenham but still 0-0. Good, but not good enough and then came goon goal seemingly to ruin all of our good work. Wilturd got the ball to Pires who hit a curling shot which Sully got a hand to but could only divert into the corner. RSol chose to stay on the halfway line rather than join in the celebration (you would have thought he’d have liked jumping all over a load of ugly blokes). Things looked grim – an Arsenal team that had been humbled 4-2 by Charlton in their last match and missing a couple of first teamers were winning 1-0 at Tottenham. This was n’t in the script – we’re meant to be on the way back but it looked like more of the same from Lucky Arsenal and more misery for us.

The fight back in the last 10 minutes was excellent. Ziege whipped over all cross and Sheringham beat RSol to the ball but could not keep his diving header down and the ball flashed into the Paxton as every gazed nervously at the clock which had begun to accelerate.

Much of the last few minutes were like an old-fashioned cup-tie. Spurs piled forward and Arsenal defended deep and tried to hit us on the counter attack. Their last chance of the match came from a breakaway where the ball was set up for Pikey Parlour to rifle a shot which was going right into the corner before Sully’s finger tips brilliantly diverted it for a corner with the best save of the match.

Spurs were soon up the other end and Dean Richards powered in to put a firm downward header into the bottom corner only for Wright to save brilliantly down to his left. The 4th official found 3 minutes of injury time – it’s a mandatory 4 minutes if we are hanging on to a lead these days, but obviously not if we are trying to get a goal back.

In the last minute of injury time a Spurs attack broke down and the goons came forward with the ball, only to be thwarted by Ledders. He moved the ball forward and the ball reached Davies advancing into the Arsenal half. This was it – the last chance and the crowd roared. Davies moved the ball out wide to the right to Rebrov who’d taken up an intelligent position. Rebrov hit over a great cross to the back post. The ball arrived slightly behind Poyet, who twisted his body to smash a perfect Volley goal wards. Wright managed to get both hands to it, but wriggled from his grasp and into the corner. Scenes of mad joy erupted. The bloke next to me was just jumping up and down screaming for over a minute. Poyet ran into the corner of the Paxton and the West Stand, mobbed by everyone of his teammates.

There was just time to kick off before Winter blew. The last minute equaliser felt like a winner and everybody looked pretty pleased as we streamed out along Worcester Avenue. A most memorable match and a point was the very least Spurs deserved. I was not as confident as many before the match, knowing all too well the evil powers Arsenal possess and although I’d have been pleased with a point beforehand, I felt all three would have been proper reward for a great effort by the whole team and management. Spurs are still on the up and the Gooners time above us is strictly limited – possibly to a week if when we win at the Hammers and United beat them. 

 

A word on the RSol.

In the run up to the match, I said that I would be disappointed if any Spurs players fraternised with RSol but after how the match was played, I’ve changed my mind on this situation. Hoddle made a big play in the papers about how he’d like the fans to concentrate on the match “not letting the thieves in the back door to steal the points” and said that he’d go out of his way to shake RSol’s hand.

 

While this was against 99% of the supporters’ feelings, I can understand his stance in as much that he wanted to focus on Spurs winning and after such a committed game from both sides I thought it was ok.

 

As for RSol, as much as we hate him as a result of the treachery of his move, I was sure that he would play and that he would give a good account of himself – which he did. As supporters who know him, I can categorically say that he looked genuinely shaken by the abuse he received in the warm up and in the post match interview he was diplomatic but still looked a little unnerved by it all.

 

He suggested that we draw a line under it all now, and while I don’t expect the next time he returns to the lane there will the same sort of intensity – it will always be here for him, just as Ince still gets it at West Ham years after. All Goons get it – its part of the North London Derby atmosphere.

 

………and god forbid the Arsenal fans ever do anything like this when Wenger returns to Scumbury as Man U manager next season J

 

Just one final word for that Cunt at the Daily Mail – 2 hours of abuse and not one bit of it racial. I hope the Supporters Trust or someone takes these bastards to court for those disgusting comments earlier in the week 

The Word of Hod

Glenn paid tribute to the Spurs fans after Sol Campbell's return with Arsenal and said the reception our former captain received was only what he would have expected. The boss has regularly praised fans this season and in the build up to the game he urged supporters not to be distracted from backing the team. He was not disappointed.

"Very good, they were excellent," said Glenn. "We were just a bit worried about anything going OTT, it wasn't, it was what you would expect, it was what Sol would have expected. "A bit of stick - before, when he was in possession. The bottom line is that they also got behind the team which was I was asking for in the week.

"So, if you give marks in the papers, we'll give them nine out of ten shall we." Glenn went on to express his frustration that our first half dominance did not yield any profit in terms of goals. "It was frustrating, we hit the bar and dominated the first half. This team can come away from home and absolutely dominate themselves, I've seen that time and time again from Arsenal. "We had a great balance, I think there was one really good position they got into in 90 minutes of football and that was Kanu when he came on - and that says a lot. "It has got to be encouraging for me in the longer term

Glenn says the late, late leveller against Arsenal felt like a winner, but is convinced that we deserved to win the highly charged encounter. On clear chances created and balance of play Glenn certainly has a point, one backed up by Arsenal chief Arsene Wenger who conceded that we deserved at least a draw.

Wenger, in fact, condemned his own side for squandering possession when in the lead, saying that his attackers should have headed for the corners at such a late stage instead of seeking to double the advantage. "They should be thanking us," quipped the disappointed Gunners boss after witnessing his team lose their lead in the final minute of stoppage time. In Glenn's mind it was justice done when Gus volleyed past Richard Wright to send White Hart Lane into raptures. "Without a doubt, over 90 minutes I thought we were the better side and deserved to win," reflected Glenn. "Nobody will convince me of anything else. "The goal felt like a winner at that late stage. It was added time, there was a bit of time wasting, but the referee, to be fair to him, put his watch up and said he was going to add on time and I think that's what the difference was for us. "It was a terrific finish from Gus and it was only what we deserved."

Sullivan (6/10) – Did a good save from Grimandi and kept us in the match with a great save from Pikey Parlour after the goons had taken the lead, but after setting such high standards of brilliance last season, it was disappointing to see Pires shot sneak in after he got a good hand on it.

Perry (7/10) – A good match for Mr Ed who was again excellent defensively, and did ok when in possession.

Richards (7/10) – Possibly his best match since joining us. Solid at the back, good use of the ball and a real goal threat from set pieces. Along with Ledley handled the pressure of RSol’s return really well

King (7/10) – With the return of RSol, the pressure was really on Ledley his direct replacement at the Lane and he was nothing short of magnificent.

Taricco (6/10) – A good match against Pires, who despite being a wanker is an extremely talented one, and also was the major attacking outlet in the second period as the Goons worked hard to cut out Ziege.

Ziege (6/10) – An excellent first half, but supply lines to him were cut in the second. Did his bit both in attack and defence and missed out on a better mark because his use of the dead ball was well below his excellent best.

Anderton (6/10) – Had some good moments in the game and while its great to see him fit and having a long run in the team, comparison with Vieira’s all-round contribution showed where he is lacking in dominating the middle of the park. Put in the challenge of a 9-year-old girl with glasses on Wilturd as he set up Pires for the goal. Will no doubt be back next week with an excellent display against the Hammers, but its against the Leeds, Man U’s, Liverpool’s he has looked a little bit short of the best in the Premiership – which we need to have to get back to the top. Not a criticism, as Shaggy is doing his level best and showed 100% commitment – just an observation.

Freund (6/10) – Competed and battled hard in the middle and did his bit. The same comments about comparison to Vieira put to Anderton also apply to Nutter.

Poyet (7/10) – Edged the mighty Ledley out of the man of the match award by the sheer brilliance of his volley to win the match – marvellous technique. Despite always admiring his attitude, I had been a little sceptical of Poyet contribution to the team in his first few starts at Tottenham, but in recent weeks he has added a greater all-round contribution to his game as well as looking our most dangerous goal threat by far and is a firm favourite. Needs to realise however that he has to run over to the Shelfside of the Paxton when he scores though!

Sheringham (6/10) – Scrapped and worked hard to create stuff for Spurs, and led the fight against the arse by example. Distinguished himself with a post match tunnel brawl with Vieira.

Ferdinand (6/10) – Fought a battle with Monkeyhead from the off, and caught him a beauty in a goalmouth scramble, the aftermath of which saw both players booked. Fought and ran hard for Spurs and you cannot realistically ask anymore than that. The Rebrov or Ferdinand debate (which will soon include Iversen) is not about a bad player keeping good ones out but about finding the right balance within the team. All three strikers are 1 goal in 3 players, and what we really need is a 1 goal in 2 player.

 Subs:

Rebrov (6/10) – Showed some sparkle when he came on and put over an excellent cross for the equaliser. While Les is doing his best and plays the main striker role well – it would be lovely to see Rebrov be given more of a chance

Davies (6/10) – It’s a testament to the new strength of the squad that we have such a talent player as Davies on the bench. With age on his side he has to bide his time, but from the little we are treated to, he remains very much a star of the future.

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