The Spurs from North London have had their moments in history, but they have also embarrassed themselves on multiple occasions. The Whites from White Hart Lane have won trophies and honors in the 20th century, albeit the pressure of expectations have made them vulnerable to upsets as well. In this edition, we take a look at 10 such instances when Tottenham made a fool out of themselves, 10 Tottenham Hotspurs Defeats that go along that line.
10. Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspurs, 2013-14 Premier League
Tottenham had established themselves as an elite team in England thanks to their exploits in European competitions especially.
The Spurs got a hammering of sorts at Anfield as a Liverpool team brimming with talent, the likes of Gerrard, Sterling, Sturidge and Countinho ran riot to put four goals past them on a night Spurs would like to forget. Their title hopes took a beating as did their ego.
9. West Ham United vs Tottenham Hotspurs, 2005-06 Premier League
Spurs had been unlucky on multiple occasions in the past, missing out on Champions League places by finishing 5th.
On the final day of the 2005-06 season, Spurs needed to win against London rivals West Ham but a food poisoning incident meant that the majority of the team failed to turn up. West Ham registered a 2-1 victory over their rivals and Arsenal went on to finish fourth at Spurs’ expense.
8. Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspurs, 1996-97 FA Premiership
Newcastle United made light work of Tottenham Hotspurs at St. Mary’s Park when the two teams met in December of 1996.
The team from London were struggling with injuries to key players and Newcastle, charged up by the blistering form of striker Alan Shearer, put 7 past them on a gloomy day that Spurs fans tend to put behind them.
7. Borussia Dortmund vs Tottenham Hotspurs, 2015-16 UEFA Europa League
Tottenham were facing German giants Borussia Dortmund in the Quarterfinals of the Europa League. It all went wrong for the English outfit when Villas Boas decided to field a much changed XI in the first leg at Signal Iduna Park.
The Germans hammered Spurs with 10 shots, 3 goals and almost 70% possession.
6. Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspurs, 2015-16 Premier League
Another howler at St. James Park as Maurizio Pochettino coached Spurs fell away to a 5-1 loss to Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle United. Spurs were lacklustre, no creativity and terrible communication across the defensive line as Newcastle made merry work of them on the final day of the season.
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5. Tottenham Hotspurs vs Chelsea, 2015-16 Premier League
With the title on the line, Spurs traveled to Stamford Bridge needing a win to keep Leicester City from becoming champions. With goals from Harry Kane and Heung Min Son before the break, Tottenham looked set to do just that.
However, second half goals from Cahill and Hazard meant the Blues prevented their London rivals from their first Premiership.
4. Tottenham Hotspurs v Liverpool, 2019 UEFA Champions League Final
Tottenham were on fire in the Champions League knockout stages, first getting rid of Manchester City in the Quarterfinals and then putting Ajax to the sword in a Lucas Moura inspired second leg comeback.
So, its only natural then, that fans and neutrals hoped for more fight and want from a team playing their first European final. Instead, Liverpool held the ball, created chances and won comfortably against Spurs at Madrid to add to their collection of continental triumphs.
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3. Tottenham Hotspurs vs Arsenal, 2003-04 Premier League
The Invincibles of Arsenal came to White Hart Lane with the title race reaching the climax. They needed to beat or draw Spurs at their stadium to lay their hands on the Premier League.
Arsene Wenger’s team flew off the blocks, scoring two through Pires and Bergkamp before Spurs responded through Redknapp and Robbie Keane. But it wasn’t enough as Arsenal clinched the Premier League at the home of their arch rivals, something that still is brought up when the two teams meet.
2. Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspurs, 2018-19 FA Cup
Tottenham needed to win a trophy to truly establish themselves as one of the major forces in England and in Europe. While they came severely close in the Champions League 2018-19, they bid goodbye to the FA Cup campaign on a disastrous note by losing against fellow Londoners Crystal Palace.
Kieran Trippier missed a penalty and Llorente missed a sitter as Palace ran out 2-0 winners at Selhurst Park thanks to goals from Connor Wickham and Andros Townshend.
1. Tottenham Hotspurs v Manchester United, 2018 FA Cup Semifinal
This match was supposed to be Spurs’ signature victory of the campaign as they took on a low-confidence Manchester United at Wembley stadium.
While things did go according to plan, Spurs took the lead very early through Dele Alli. But United came back through Sanchez and Ander Herrera to win 2-1 and make the Finals of the FA Cup.