Tuesday 15 October 2024

1981/82: Tottenham v West Ham

Performing heroics against a local rival is a sure fire way in sport to guarantee a place in the hearts of your team's supporters. In football there are numerous examples of players enjoying a 90 minutes to remember in derby matches: Gary Rowell, Alan Sunderland, Ian Rush, Craig Bryson, Phil Foden and Erling Haaland. An object lesson in how to win friends and influence people. 

Another example of this could be found on the evening of September 2, 1981. Newly promoted West Ham went to White Hart Lane knowing that the clash would be a significant examination of their ability to compete in the top flight. What followed was the stuff of dreams. A memorable night for both the club and their number nine.

Thursday 3 October 2024

1988: The Paul Davis affair

One moment of madness. A split second that would play a huge part in the career of a footballer on the brink of international recognition. On an afternoon of frustration for Arsenal's players and supporters, one man could take no more. Paul Davis was about to inflict pain on both an opponent and his own future.

Trailing 2-0 at Highbury against Chris Nicholl's Southampton, Arsenal looked condemned to another home defeat, having lost two weeks before to Aston Villa. With 79 minutes played there was an air of desperation as George Graham's team looked for a way back into the match. This was not the stuff of title contenders.