Jimmy Greaves Wonder Goal as Tottenham Score Five against Man Utd
By Logan Holmes
On this day, 16th October, 1965, Jimmy Greaves scored a memorable solo goal as Tottenham defeated Manchester United 5 – 1 at White Hart Lane. This is a match which is remembered not only for the score and the extent of the win over a United team which included George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton but for the outstanding goal scored by Greaves.
16th October, 1965
Tottenham Hotspur 5 Manchester United 1
Scorers: Greaves, Robertson, Johnson, Gilzean, Clayton
Jimmy Greaves solo goal as Spurs beat Man Utd 5 – 1
Every Tottenham supporter at White Hart Lane that day or who saw in on television on ‘Match of the Day’ remembers Greaves’ classic goal. Greaves collected a pass from Dave Mackay, midway into the United half, with his back to goal. He turned and set off at pace, heading directly for goal weaving his way past various United defenders to tap the ball into an empty net. A wonderful goal!
All five Tottenham forwards scored that day – the other goals coming from Jimmy Robertson, Alan Gilzean, Eddie Clayton and Neil Johnson making only his third appearance.
Amazingly and unfortunately for Spurs, the return game in December also ended 5-1 to the home team.
Team: Jennings; Norman, Knowles; Mullery, Brown, L., Mackay; Johnson, Clayton, Gilzean, Greaves, Robertson