Spurs v Chelsea: Great Games - Number 1

It's been an emotional rollercoaster for Spurs and Chelsea fans over the past five days, as I have taken a look back at five of the greatest Premier League matches between the two sides at White Hart Lane, but today we've finally reached our number one.

Back in March 2008, Chelsea were vying for the title and Spurs were battling to beat the drop. This had all the ingredients of being a classic and the two sides didn't disappoint.

Saturday's game will have to go some way to toppling this clash off its perch.

Chelsea were stunned in 2006 when Spurs recorded their first Premier League win over them at the Lane. Avram Grant's men were determined to get back to winning ways and took the lead inside three minutes. Didier Drogba bundling the ball home at the back post. But Spurs drew level through Jonathan Woodgate, who towered above the Chelsea back line to power home a free-kick.

Michael Essien restored Chelsea's advantage with a deft finish after some great work by Joe Cole. Chelsea should have been reduced to 10 men before the break, following a reckless challenge by Ashley Cole on Alan Hutton, but the former Arsenal man escaped with a yellow.

Seven minutes into the second half Chelsea were 3-1 up courtesy of former West Ham star Joe Cole. He got in behind the full-back and squeezed the ball under Paul Robinson.

Feeling mightily aggrieved, Spurs refused to give up and hit back through a rare header by Dimitar Berbatov. Spurs then draw level again, this time through a fine strike by Tom Huddlestone.  The ball broke to the midfielder at the back post and without thinking he lashed it past Carlo Cudicini.

But Chelsea weren't done. Joe Cole put the Blues back in front with a fine finish. But, with Grant thinking the game was over, he took Cole off.  That decision turned out to be a terrible one as Spurs piled on the pressure and Robbie Keane made it all square again with a glorious curling effort past the despairing hand of Cudicini.

Spurs though should have won it in the dying minutes. Dimitar Berbatov found himself in space in the box. The ball was played into his feet and he evaded a flying tackle by Alex. With the goal at his mercy Berbatov had the chance to cap an amazing fightback. He lashed the ball goalwards and Cudicini looked beaten but he flung out his right arm and it was strong enough to push the ball behind for a corner.

What a game! If this weekend's clash is anything like this then we are in for a real treat.

 

Calling all Spurs and Chelsea fans: What has been your greatest game between the two at White Hart Lane? What do you think the score will be this Saturday? Can AVB become the first Premier League manager to defeat the Champions of Europe? Whatever your views, we'd love to hear from you.

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