Paul Gascoigne – Arsenal - Tottenham 1991 (FA Cup – Semi-Final)

The 1991 semi-final game is one of the most memorable for Spurs fans, triumphing over our rivals 3-1 thanks to two Gary Lineker goals and a worldie from Gascoigne. A North London Derby is never taken lightly, and over 80,000 fans were piled into Wembley stadium in. Tensions were rife and nerves were bound to be in tatters.

Gascoigne shouldn’t have even been playing as the match followed his abdominal operation and he was told by doctors not to feature in the NLD clash.

However Gazza being Gazza ignored the advice and started the game full of energy much to everyone’s surprise, passing the ball around with ease and skilling out his opponents with pirouettes and ball rolls. A free-kick was awarded early on by referee Ray Lewis after a late challenge on Paul Stewart. Gazza ran straight over to the ball and placed it down – beating Gary Lineker to the ball, much to his dismay. Lineker knew he wouldn’t be able to have the ball at his own feet after Gazza had placed it so merely gave him ‘a few words of advice’. The wall was in place, with the referee running to his mark as Gascoigne prepared.

What happened next was simply magic. In a time where balls weren’t light and made to curve and curl in any possible way –what Gascoigne did was near enough never seen before (apart from maybe by a few Brazilians).

Gazza took a deep breath, ran forwards, and smashed the ball over the wall. One of the world’s greatest ‘keepers ever David Seaman (and that’s coming from a Spurs fan), dived to his left but it was merely for show. He never stood a chance and would be the first to admit it. The ball sailed into the top-right corner touching the side netting as it went in. Arsenal fans were stunned and Tottenham fans went berserk. I imagine even some of the Arsenal fans wanted to or did clap the wonder goal.

In an interview with Ray Stubbs after the game Gazza’s response to the game is almost as famous as his goal

Ray Stubbs: "It's a bit of a fairytale really …"

Gazza: "I'm happy, so happy. Couldn't sleep last night, had to have a couple of injections I was so nervous. I'm now. Away. To Get. Me Suit. MEASURED [punches the air]. YES!

Stubbs: "What about your start?"

Gazza: "Ah it wasn't bad was it? [Pulls funny face]. EEEEE!"

Technique, skill and passion; three words which epitomised Paul Gascoigne.

One of the best players of his generation scored one of the best goals ever seen. This was the start of ‘Gazza mania’.
 

But who would Gazza compare to in Tottenham’s recent squad? Undoubtedly Bale has been the closest to the sheer talent that Gascoigne possessed in recent times. Another Gascoigne is arguably exactly what Tottenham need to progress into the top four within the next few seasons, especially after the £85 million sale of Bale to Real Madrid.