The Spur
League Cup 2007/8 and 2006/7
Spurs: League Cup finalists 2002
Last season's League Cup  |
2007/8
The Spur's League Cup Final 2007/8
A passsionately contested performance from Tottenham Hotspur leading to an exhilirating triumph further illustrates the sensational turnaround in fortunes of the club in just a few months, and guarantees Spurs a place in next season's UEFA Cup.
Drug-bore scored for Chelsea in the 40th minute but Berbatov equalized from the penalty spot (71) and Woodgate, although he didn't know too much about it, bundled the ball home for what proved the winner in extra time.
We Beat Chelscum 2:1, 2:1! We Beat Chelscum 2:1, 2:1! We Beat Chelscum 2:1, 2:1! We Beat Chelscum 2:1, 2:1! We Beat Chelscum 2:1, 2:1! We Beat Chelscum 2:1, 2:1! We Beat Chelscum 2:1, 2:1! We Beat Chelscum 2:1, 2:1!
Juande Ramos clearly knows his stuff. Picking Paul Robinson for example was a stroke of genius, and Robbo, along with all the other players, played out of their skins.
This will give the players a tremendous boost to their self belief in the final rounds of the UEFA Cup.
Absolutey ****** ace.
The Spur's League Cup Semifinal Leg 2 2007/8
Well the festivities in north London, not to mention around the world, raged long and hard. Even I celebrated with a couple of drinks, something I never normally do at lunchtime. And a brace of Stoli Grapes never tasted so good as I serenaded the exiting Gooner dross with "we are super Tottenham from the Lane"!
It was a truly magnificent win for the glorious Lilywhites. Although many of us Spurs fans were not counting our cockerels until the fifth goal went in; sounds odd if you weren't watching but we can never have a too many goal lead against that lot.
In sober - well not sober to be honest - reflection this was a thrashing, and oh how sweet to be on the giving end of a crushing - yes the bird on Setanta had it right - a crushing. Spurs did indeed crush Arsenal.
And it wasn't like the Goons weren't trying, they were working their socks off until the final whistle.
However, let's be honest about the fact that, star studded though their line-up was, Arsene Wenger does not think the Carling Cup is a big fish to fry, and his decision making, generally only too good as we know, probably cost them a cup final.
By contrast, the bold and creative tactical acumen and subsitutions made by Juande Ramos since his arrival have contributed to Tottenham's steady, albeit bumpy, rise into a side that's being taken very seriously now.
Goals by..... Jenas 3, Bendtner 27 og, Keane 48, Lennon 60, Adebayor 70, Malbranque 90.
More reactions to come.
Pre-match: Spurs vs Arsenal is always the biggest game of the season, but usually in the league. This time it's going to be the League Cup because a place in the Wembley final is at stake based on the outcome in N17.
Thankfully Robin Van Perscum is injured since he is usually a right thorn in our side. For the most part it looks like Arsenal will field mostly their (albeit impressively strong) second team, which is good enough to be the first side for any other English club other than AFC, CFC, and Manure.
We could certainly have used the creative push from the back that Gareth Bale provides for this one (remember his goal against them three meetings ago?) but obviously he's out, however Steed is clear after suspension.
The pub calls and fortunately most of us around the globe will be able to watch this one. If it's half as thrilling as the first leg we're in for a treat. But way more important than that of course, is the result. A win for Tottenham!
The Spur's League Cup Semifinal Leg 1 2007/8
"Far the superior team" said Greenie on Five Live of the display by Tottenham Hotspur.
For those of us watching on the box, it was a revelation to see a north London derby with Spurs in the driver's seat. We may not have won this game but at one-nil up (Jenas) and looking good we dared to hope the inevitable wouldn't happen. It did, but this time the gooners only got one back, leaving us in a strong position for the replay at the beloved Lane.
Had the wonderful Lilywhites taken their chances it could have been, amazingly enough, a big and historic victory for the true local side
Perhaps the glory hunter fake gooner fans trudged back to the Thameslink a little less smugly tonight, with less smirks on their disease ridden apologies for faces.
Their support was pathetic. The moment they go a goal down you can see them mulling over swapping their ugly red shirts for a Chelscum or Manure replica. Their one generic footie song gets really annoying when it's the only thing they sing, and even then seldom.
No hint of originality or spontaneity about anything inside spaceship Ashburton other than the fact that the filth have two sets of teams that can beat anyone else in England with ease, on their day. But this apparently wasn't. They only cam to life near the end, when predictably they pulled one back, but thankfully it went no further than that.
Instead of being pinned back as we normally are at A'holes, we played a confident passing game, created chances, and only once were truly exposed at the back, which cost the equalizer.
Despite what appears to an outsider to be a poor season for us, these are exciting times for Lilywhites, and Sporting Life noted that our gaffer Juande Ramos "has a taste for knockout glory and brought a Copa del Rey and back-to-back UEFA Cups to Sevilla before leaving for White Hart Lane."
Further, despite the awful possibility of losing Dimitar Berbatov, which would be a massive blow, Spurs are serious about acquiring, and nuturing, the talent required to make us a side that everyone takes seriously these days.
Today was another litmus test of where we stand. This site said that about the Villa game, of course, and our defence was found to be wanting. Can we solve this pressing issue before new players come in? That is the $64,000 question, and on today's performance, for the first time we have reason to be optimistic.
The Spur's League Cup 2007/8: Quarterfinals
The fans poured onto the radio programs to praise the work done by Juande Ramos and Gus Poyet in turning Spurs from a soft touch into the kind of side that wins at Pompey, and beats Manchester City, previously 100% successful at home this season, with the Lilywhites down to ten men.
It could hardly be a better lead up to the Prem encounter at Arsenal just days away.
And it all started going right so very early, with Defoe grabbing the lead less than six minutes into the game, Lennon being the cross provider, just like at Pompey. Spurs showed remarkable control and poise and often had the Mancunians chasing the ball.
Then came a controversial sending off when Zokora tackled with two feet, but not with intent to damage and perhaps a yellow would have been the more usual official response.
Yet City failed to make the expected impact with the man advantage. If anyone, the Londoners looked more likely to notch the second, which duly came with a Steed goal about eight minutes before the end.
That's not to say City had no chances, in fact Robinson pulled off a Jennings-like wonder saves to deny Vassell and also kept Bianchi from netting.
But in surging forward City left themselves badly exposed to quick Tottenham counters, and that's what cost them the second goal, scored cooly by Steed Malbranque (pictured) that sent the sky blue majority in the crowd heading for the exits. By contrast, the Spurs players went to acknowledge their magnificent away support, and in return, the hardy travelers bayed their approval at what they had seen.
Dimitar Berbatov was the best of some very solid Spurs performers. The magic just oozes from his feet and his sense of where his fellow players are, and where to go with the ball, is unsurpassed.
The match was so important for us because, given how far we are down the table, the League Cup represents the single "easiest" option for us to requalify for the UEFA CUp.
Looks like the season is only just hotting up.
League Cup 07/08 (Carling): Round 4
Tottenham Hotspur go through to the quarter-final draw of the League Cup with goals from Robbie Keane and Pascal Chimbonda.
Here are some of the reactions across the Web.
Said the BBC: "Despite the victory, Ramos was provided with plenty of evidence as to the size of his task at White Hart Lane."
"First Blackpool, then the world - and last night Juande Ramos was left in no doubt as to the size of the task that awaits him as manager of Tottenham Hotspur" warned The Independent, in an article that looked eerily similar to the one above.
Said Sporting Life more originally: "Ramos gestured as his side lost the ball cheaply and struggled to play their way out of trouble against a side that was playing in League One last season."
Pre-match festivities: The Tangerines started last season like a lead balloon, but the club wisely stuck with manager Simon Grayson who proved true to his word that he was reorganizing and building the squad to get them out of their tailspin.
He then amazed League One with a meteoric rise up the table and the Seasiders eventally celebrated promotion. If you saw their playoff final victory, you know this is a well managed, sometimes flowing and exciting team to watch, and despite struggling in the Championship so far, the smart money says they can avoid the drop.
In theory however they should be no match for Spurs, but of course, we shall see.
Says the Blackpool gaffer: "The players will go to Tottenham looking forward to the challenge. It's a fantastic arena to play football in, against undoubtedly some of the best players in The Premiership."
For Spurs its the debut of new head coach Juande Ramos (pictured). He should have Paul Robinson and Jermain Jenas back for selection after minor injuries.
Spurs fans around the world will look forward to an exciting Cup clash which unfortunately is not being televised. However Radio London and Radio Lancashire will be covering the game. Let's set the Lane alight.
The Spur's League Cup 2007/8: debut game
Well outside the Premier League, Spurs are doing well in their various other endeavours of late, the UEFA and Carling Cups.
Unfortunately Spurs blew two early league fixtures that they should have won, Sunderland away and Everton home. Apart from Bolton, the other games have not been easily winnable.
And it's not likely to get any easier with a Monday visit to Aston Villa, improving by leaps and bounds since Martin O'Neil's installation.
The undermining of Jol is seeping into some of the crowd, which is a shame, because taking Defoe off was an inspired descision, not that he was bad, far from it, as the Lilywhites went on to dispose of a Boro side who couldn't quite rise to the occasion.
In the end, it was two young international players - Welsh defender/mid Gareth Bale and England midfielder Tom Huddlestone - who broke the camel's back sending Spurs a step closer to a Wembley appearance. Early days yet, though.
Chosen Ones beat Blue Scum
Juande Ramos miracle continues
Season 2007/8
Tottenham H. 2
Chelsea 1
by Rob Francis
Setanta Sports TV
Woodgate's winner
We're the first to lift the Cup at the new Wembley and we're going to Europe again next year! 
Metalgear
Final
Spurs v Chelscum 2:1
Semifinals
Arsenal lost to Spurs 1:1, 1:5
Chelsea beat Everton 2:1, 1:0
Quarterfinals
West Ham - Everton 1:2
Blackburn - Arsenal 2:3
Manchester C. - Spurs 0:2
Chelsea - Liverpool 2:0
"We're the famous Tottenham 'Otspur
And we're going to Wemberlee
Wemberlee Wemberlee
We're the famous Tottenham 'Otspur
And we're going to Wemberlee!
Magnificent!
Spurs crush Arsenal
Jan 22, 2008 (Ssn 2007/8)
Tottenham H. 5
Arsenal 1
by Rob Francis
To be honest I think the White Hart Lane crowd and the huge work rate of the Spurs players upset the Arsenal game.
Superjack, 606For now at this moment it's the biggest game of the season for different reasons.
Gus Poyet
Scum Held
Spurs bouyant
Jan 09, 2008 (Ssn 2007/8)
Arse*al 1
Tottenham Hotspur 1
Library II with one unoriginal song
Theo opens
wide as
Wenger unzips
Outstanding Spurs
Two consecutive away triumphs
Dec 17, 2007 (Ssn 2006/7)
Manchester C. 0
Tottenham Hotspur 2
COM Stadium
As much as I like Zokora's commitment, his tackling technique is terrible! However never a red, only if he had made contact should it have been a red.
Pib
Vamos Ramos
Oct 31, 07 (SSn 07/08)
Tottenham H. 2
Blackpool 0
Gareth bales out Spurs
Sept 26 (SSn 07/08)
Tottenham H. 2
Middlesbrough 0
Man of the Match: At the risk of being repetitive. Gareth Bale, a brilliant acquisition. Sometimes it's nice to be a broken record.
2006/7
The Spur's League Cup 2006/7: Semifinal Leg 2
Not a huge surprise that Arsenal prevailed, and the scoreline made it look worse than it was because whenever they took the lead Spurs had no choice but to throw caution to the wind.
Please check back for more reactions. But really we just wanna forget and move on. There's still a lot left for us this season. It's only just hotting up.
Pre-match: Tottenham Hotspur have a mountain to climb after what was apparantly a thrilling first leg according to neutral viewers.
For this Spurs fan it was ninety minutes of unmitgated stress in a colonial pub.
At the bar was a business Spur and season ticket holder over for a week from Edgware, the day manager and Blackburn emigrant still loyal to Rovers, and the resident Man U supporting Irishman propping up the bar and laudably cursing Arsenal at every opportunity.
At the table in front of the big screen sat a rather sheepish ex-pat who, like all Gooners, had absolutely no notable personality or characteristics to be described. Not a bad bloke, just a non entity.
He jumped and yelped as if electrocuted in response to the first Arsenal goal, but was more subdued at the second. Perhaps he felt a second was inevitable, or maybe the United fan's increasingly slurred opinion of his club acted as a modifying influence.
The net result of the Goonscum comeback from two down to tie 2:2 is, of course, that the Lilywhites have a gargantuan challenge on Wednesday.
I'd love us to win and go through, but if not let's not roll over like we did in the league.
Somebody's gotta be the first to beat the Pykies at the Emirates. Why not us?
League Cup (Carling): Round 3
Meanwhile Spurs were already three goals up. About ten minutes prior to half-time, Mido opened the account. A few minutes later, a stellar Jermaine Defoe put the Lilywhites two up for the tea break.
Oct 25 - Milton K. (a)
Early into the second half Defoe scored again, and Mido, not to be outdone, stabbed home his second from a rebound to put the game beyond Milton Keynes' reach. Four nil, and Tottenham continued to pile on the pressure with a good half hour to go.
Robbie Keane replaced hotshot Defoe and the Irishman added a fifth to the Tottenham tally. Franchise FC well and truly thrashed.
PRE-MATCH: The League Cup was Tottenham's last major trophy, but this year things are a bit different because, of course, our club is in the UEFA Cup. So bigger fish to fry, some will say. But losing this potential banana skin would guarantee plenty of red faces.
Talking of fried fish, our last Carling Cup outing was, of course, a disaster, losing at the home of fish and chips: Grimsby Town. It was perhaps the lowest low for Martin Jol, but given that he went on to steer us into Europe, nobody is bothered about it any more. But after that flop-ridden performance we Spurs fans got some serious piss-taking for the next few days from other London club supporting mates.
Streuth, even Jacques Santini steered us to a six-nil win the prior year, up at Oldham Athletic. After that game, this website boasted: "The days of getting thumped by lower league Northern clubs in cup competitions appear to be over for the Lilywhites of London. And that can be said with confidence." Famous last words, eh, lol.
Despite its relatively low importance in the greater scheme of things for Spurs just at the moment, the Lilywhites will of course be bringing a full contingent of away support and no doubt a few Wimbledon chants and other piss takes of Franchise FC will echo around their strange attempt at a stadium.
League Cup (Carling): Round 4
Tottenham Hotspur move into the quarter-final draw of the (Carling) League Cup to take place lunch-time on Saturday.
Spurs have now notched up ten games unbeaten in all competitions, but for long nervous minutes of the latter part of the second half the proverbial banana skin loomed ever larger.
After the scare of being a goal behind with just minutes to go, a Huddlestone brace and a goal by Jermain Defoe completely turned things around and by the end of extra time the minnows were well and truly KO'd.
A tedious first half eventually became an exciting Cup clash, but it needed that first goal by the visitors to set it alight.
Vale went ahead through Leon Constantine and their enthusiastic supporters were figuring a possible upset. Until Tom Huddlestone, with the clock running down, took a seemingly innocuous free kick that floated towards the Paxton goal and, with maybe a slight nod on the way from the high jumping Berbatov, or maybe not, it sailed into the net. Somewhat fortunately for Spurs it was enough to take the tie into extra time.
Tom's second was an impressively accurate long range shot straight out of a Dream Team episode that could have been called "Hud's Thud". This was one that the otherwise excellent Vale keep couldn't pluck from its flight path.
Defoe buried the visitors with a typical poacher's goal from a deftly weighted curving cross from former England youth international right-back Phillip Ifill.
It's been a great week so far. If you count Sunday as the first day of the week, we beat Chelscum, and enough rabid rejoicing can be imbibed elsewhere on this page. And Arsenal lost. On Monday we had to get our breath back and nurse a hangover or two.
On Tuesday The Shrimpers caused the upset of the season so far with a League Cup win that left the visiting supporters choking on their prawn cocktails.
On Wednesday, we learned that America told George W. "Botswana" Bush to take a running jump, and slump shouldered war criminal Donald Scumsfeld shuffled into a shameful but no doubt profitable retirement.
So a midweek win over Port Vale keeps this week of wonders right on track. Life is good.
--------------------
"Carling" [sponsor] Cup Round 3:
Milton Keynes vs Tottenham H. 0:5
--------------------
Round 4:
Tottenham H. vs Port Vale 3:1
--------------------
Quarter Finals
Tottenham H. vs Southend 1:0
--------------------
Semi Finals [two legs]
Tottenham H. vs Arsenal 2:2
Wycombe vs Chelsea 1:1
--------------------
Final
Arsenal vs Chelsea (yawn)
--------------------
BBC League Cup page
No final this time
Aholes prevail
Jan 31, 2007 (Ssn 2006/7)
Arsenal 3
Tottenham Hotspur 1
Setanta Sports USA and p2p
Spurs are not yet good enough to go to places like Old Trafford or The Emirates and win games, which is what we had to do here. We are clearly on the up, but this was a mountain to climb and despite a brave showing, we simply don't have the legs or the talent to match them in most positions. Now back to the league and Man Utd at the weekend.
Teach that new bloke with the greasy hair that when the ball is a foot off the ground you welly it with your foot. Not your forehead.
Catherine Etoe
"Mido - Defoe, are Yeedo!"
Oct 25 (SSn 06/07)
Milton Keynes 0
Tottenham H. 5
"There seems to be smoke coming from one of the Portacabins," observed the BBC London commentator. "I though they were being used as loos. I don't know what that says about the half-time pies," he continued, adding, perhaps parenthetically, that Spurs were bedecked in chocolate coloured strips.
Congestion
ahead
Oct 28 - Watford (a)
Nov 2 - Brugge (h)
Nov 5 - Chelsea (h)
Interesting to see how seriously Jol takes this. A loss would be embarrassing, but we have a crowded schedule and it's really a chance for the reserve talent to shine through, no matter the "risk".
IandIspurs
It's not so easy at the Lane
Nov 8 (SSn 06/07)
Tottenham H. 3
Port Vale 1
At-a-glance League Cup results: 2006/7
Arsenal vs Tottenham H. 3:1
Chelsea vs Wycombe 4:0
