MARKS OUT OF TEN

Looking back at the 10 previous League Cup meetings between ourselves and Chelsea – all of which have come in the fifth round or later until this evening.

- FAMILIAR FOES

1971/72

Semi-Final, First Leg 22.12.71

CHELSEA 3 SPURS 2

We reached the semi-finals of the League Cup five times in our first nine participations in the competition, including this doubleheader against Chelsea in 1971/72. Bill Nicholson’s side had negotiated a path to the last four by overcoming West Brom, Torquay United, Preston – after a replay – and Blackpool.

Chelsea beat Plymouth Argyle, Nottingham Forest, Bolton, and Norwich en route to the semi-finals and then edged a five-goal thriller in the first leg against us at Stamford Bridge.

The game saw two cup holders clash as Chelsea had won the European Cup Winners’ Cup the previous May while we lifted the League Cup by beating Aston Villa.

It was our last match before Christmas and we fell behind when Pat Jennings and Terry Naylor collided on the edge of the area and Peter Osgood curled home the opening goal. But we responded well and leveled when Naylor headed in on 50 minutes, before taking the lead moments later through a superb Martin Chivers volley.

Chris Garland’s header restored parity however before the Blues snatched a late winner after Naylor had handled in the area and John Hollins converted the penalty.

Semi-Final, Second Leg 05.01.72

SPURS 2 CHELSEA 2

A second successive League Cup Final appearance for us was snatched away in the closing stages of the second leg at the Lane.