14th April 1991 was the day that Tottenham, upset the odds, defeated Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, a day never to be forgotten by Spurs fans around the world who declared 14th April to be ‘St. Hotspur Day’ in honour of Spurs’ memorable 3–1 victory.
Spurs went into the match as underdogs and few outside the club and it’s supporters gave the team a chance against the champions elect Arsenal who were pursuing a League and Cup Double.
We had advanced to the semi finals, thanks to an inspired Gazza throughout the cup run. Having been injured in the run up to the match, requiring a stomach operation and it was feared he would not be fit to play in the first semi final to be staged at Wembley. However, he did make it and what an inspiration he was. Terry Venables had him and the whole team firing on all cylinders as we raced out of the blocks.
After 5 minutes, Spurs were awarded a free kick some 35 yards out. What followed had us dancing for joy and will forever live in the memories. It looked too far out for a shot, but BBC commentator Barry Davies read it write when he realised what was about to occur, uttering the memorable lines
Is Gascoigne going to have a crack?
He is you know………..Oh I say, that is brilliant……….School Boys Own stuff
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He hit a freekick with such power and precision, David Seaman was well beaten and left grasping at thin air!
Just 5 minutes later, great interplay down the right, with a superb dummy from Gazza to lose his marker sent the ball into the six yard box – the ball bobbled about before Gary Lineker managed to toe it into the net with Seaman on his backside.
Arsenal didn’t know what had hit them.
Arsenal pulled one back just before the interval, leaving the nerves jangling for all the Spurs fans.
Gazza’s lack of match fitness caught up with him and he was replaced on the 60th minute, to a standing ovation. Nayim replaced him and helped us continue to dominant midfield and in the 78th minute Lineker was released running towards the backpeddling defenders. Vinny Samways caused added confusion with his run allowing Lineker the space he needed to hit his shot – one, Seaman should have really saved, but let through his hands – Lineker, now flat on his back arms streched to celebrate restoring the two goal cushion and send the Spurs fans into ecstasy.
No further dramas or tensions meant, cue wild celebrations as Spurs progressed to their 9th FA Cup Final where they would meet Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest and Arsenal’s Double dream were gone
Team: Thorstvedt, Edinburgh, Van Den Hauwe, Sedgley, Howells, Mabbutt, Stewart, Gascoigne (Nayim), Samways (Walsh), Lineker, Allen
Attendance: 77,893