Chris Hughton Helps Tottenham Put Five Past Arsenal on 4th April 1983

Tottenham defeated Arsenal at White Hart Lane on 4th April, 1983 by 5 – 0 and full back Chris Hughton scored twice. It was a memorable match for every Tottenham and an instantly forgettable one for every Arsenal fan. Other matches on 4th April include a nine goal thriller against Ipswich Town and a controversial FA Cup semi-final defeat to the other team in north London.

On This Day

4th April, 1983

A Great Day, A Great Game, A Great Result!

Tottenham Hotspur  5  Arsenal 0

Scorers: Hughton (2), Falco (2), Brazil

[Photo: www.oldschoolpanini.com]A result for all Spurs fans to savour and remember for ever. It was Tottenham’s biggest win over their north London neighbours and only the second time Spurs had scored 5 against Arsenal. On Christmas Day, 1911  Spurs managed a similar score line in only their fifth meeting in the football League. It is a result that we all look forward to seeing repeated some day, in the not too distant future. (I hope).

Spurs’ injury problems had persisted throughout the season. To strengthen the squad Alan Brazil was signed from Ipswich for £450,000. He made his debut against Watford and Spurs won 1 – 0, their first away win since September. Steve Perryman, however, was sent off and the second game of his two match suspension was this game against Arsenal.

Going into this Easter Monday game, Spurs were a point ahead of Arsenal but had lost at bottom club, Brighton, the previous Saturday. Spurs were also without the injured Glenn Hoddle, Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa and went into the game with 4 strikers, Mark Falco, Steve Archibald and Terry Gibson as well as Brazil.

The 92nd League game between the clubs was memorable for Spurs, described in ‘The Times’ as,

"‘not so much a famous victory for Tottenham Hotspur but an embarrassing humiliation for Arsenal.’"

Spurs were three ahead ahead within 18 minutes. Hughton scored the first and third goals but the second goal after 13 minutes was a stunning volley from Mark Falco. A goal described by manager, Keith Burkinshaw as ‘the best goal I’ve seen in a long time.’ Mark Falco also scored a second and Alan Brazil spurned many opportunities to score his first goal for Spurs but eventually scored after an hour.

Team: Clemence; Hughton, O’Reilly; Roberts, Miller, Gibson, Mabbutt, Archibald, Galvin, Brazil, Falco.

Spurs finished the season in 4th place, 11 points ahead of Arsenal in 10th position.

Were you at White Hart Lane for Spurs largest victory over Arsenal? What are your memories of that day?