A look back… The first day

By: Gary | August 12th, 2008

Spurs offside begin their build-up to Saturday’s big kick-off by looking back at previous opening day encounters, ahead of Saturday’s clash with Middlesbrough…

11 August 2007 v SUNDERLAND (away)

The first game of a new season cannot get any worse than this. Utter humiliation on Sky TV cameras as Michael Chopra sealed the Black Cats an opening day win on their return to the top flight with a solitary strike deep into stoppage time. Martin Jol led the side promising to break into the Premiership’s top four but a toothless display showed just how far we were away from any such ambitions. Roy Keane’s side showed a conviction and fight while Spurs showed a severe lack of quality. This defeat was to spark the beginning of Jol’s demise and act as the catalyst for a season of gross underachievement in the Premier League.

Black Cats 1-0 Spurs

19 August 2006 v BOLTON WANDERERS (away)

A travel-sick Spurs failed to produce any early spark following on from a record fifth-placed finish the season before. New boys Dimitar Berbatov, Didier Zokora and Benoit Assou-Ekotto flattered to deceive as Kevin Davies and Ivan Campo were both on the scoresheet in a poor showing at the Reebok Stadium. Just one year after a positive start in the league had served us so well, it was back to the disappointment of the opening day with Spurs failing to find gear quickly.

Trotters 2-0 Spurs

13 August 2005 v PORTSMOUTH (away)

Spurs produced a rare first day win with an efficient performance at Fratton Park to mark Martin Jol’s first full season in charge at White Hart Lane. Even in the absence of big names Robbie Keane, Ledley King and new signing Edgar Davids Tottenham stole maximum points thanks to strikes from Jermain Defoe and an Andy Griffin own goal. It could have been a far more convincing win was it not for the heroics of Sander Westerveld in the net on the South coast.

Pompey 0-2 Spurs

14 August 2004 v LIVERPOOL (home)

In a campaign earmarked as the beginning of a bright new era for Spurs, French boss Jacques Santini began his short N17 tenure with a credible draw at home to Liverpool. Djibril Cisse proved he could be the replacement for departing Michael Owen handing the Reds a well-deserved lead before Defoe levelled up to earn a share of the spoils 19 minutes from time.

Spurs 1-1 Reds

16 August 2003 v BIRMINGHAM CITY (away)

Record Brummy signing David Dunn spoiled any chance of Spurs making a positive start to the campaign with his 36th minute proving decisive. The former Blackburn dispatched the match-winner after Anthony Gardner made a clumsy challenge on Robbie Savage inside the penalty area. After ending the previous season in free fall, little seemed to have changed in this defeat against Steve Bruce’s men.

Blues 1-0 Spurs

17 August 2002 v EVERTON (away)

Spurs have always done well on their travels to Goodison Park, losing just once in the blue half of Merseyside in Premier League history, and this kind season opener saw us steal a credible point. Matthew Etherington and Les Ferdinand struck but we were denied maximum points by a late Thomas Radzinski goal.

Toffees 2-2 Spurs

18 August 2001 v ASTON VILLA (home)

Jamie Redknapp marked his full debut for the club with the winning goal in this curtain raiser. A beautifully crafted free-kick saw the Englishman become an instant hit with the White Hart Lane faithful.

Spurs 1-0 Villa

19 August 2000 v IPSWICH TOWN (home)

This game will mainly be remembered for the eagerly anticipated debut of then record club signing Sergei Rebrov. The £11 million Ukrainian did not make it onto the scoresheet in his maiden Spurs outing and could only crack the woodwork on a largely disappointing first game. Town took a shock early lead through Mark Venus but Darren Anderton, Stephen Carr and Les Ferdinand all notched to deliver a comfortable start to the term.

Spurs 3-1 Tractor Boys

07 August 1999 v WEST HAM UNITED (away)

Frank Lampard proved the difference between the two sides as they met in this London derby at Upton Park. The midfielder struck the games only goal in injury time of the first half . There was to be no way back for Tottenham despite a rallying second half performance.

Irons 1-0 Spurs

15 August 1998 v WIMBLEDON (away)

Christian Gross lasted no more than three games in the 1998/99 season and it is no real surprise when you look at the shocking display the side served up to the home fans in this game. An Efan Ekoku double inspired the ‘Crazy Gang’ to an opening day away win as the pressure cranked straight onto Swiss coach. Rule Fox netted for Tottenham but Robbie Earle’s opener alongside Ekoku’s brace made for a miserable afternoon.

Dons 3-1 Spurs

10 August 1997 v MANCHESTER UNITED (home)

A home tie in front of the SKY TV cameras against the Champions laid the perfect chance for Spurs to begin the campaign with a real bang. But a performance of pure mediocrity meant it was easy pickings for Alex Ferguson’s visitors. Second half goals from Nicky Butt and Ryan Giggs via a cruel Ramon Vega deflection paved the way for a perfect start to the season for Manchester United.

Spurs 0-2 Red Devils