History was made in North London last night. Mark down the date - January 22, 2008. The white fans of north London had something to celebrate for the first time in nine years, beating Arsenal 5-1.

Tottenham progressed to the Carling Cup final on the strength of a 6-2 aggregate win over their fiercest rivals in an eagerly anticipated and well-fought game, which will go down among the all-time great matches of Spurs for a long time to come.

Having drawn 1-1 at the Emirates Stadium a week ago, anything looked possible. Midfielder Jermaine Jenas got  Spurs off to a flying start just six minutes into the game, driving the ball into the net off the inside of the upright. Throughout the game, Spurs fans got behind the team and the Arsenal chants simply faded away. Arsenal always knew that the second leg at White Hart Lane would be difficult, and these pre-match worries were justified.

'The Berbatov and Robbie Keane partnership certianly worked as the two players looked telepathic and a force to be reckoned with'


Arsene Wenger has fielded his supposed 'kids' throughout the Carling Cup and with all due respect, they were no match for Tottenham's experience and drive on the night. They were particularly lacking in defence with Dimitar Berbatov feeding through balls as if for pure fun. The Berbatov and Robbie Keane partnership certainly worked as the two players looked telepathic and a force to be reckoned with.

All credit has to be given to coach Juande Ramos, as without his strict training regimes and tactical knowledge, a win may not have been possible. Ramos has possibly found his true home at Tottenham and this is evident from Spurs' body language as a team. Comparisons can be made, however, between Spurs and his former club, Sevilla. It is noticeable now that Spurs are no longer laying in wait for attempts to come along, but rather the opposite. Spurs also no longer seem to be losing possession as much as they did during the Martin Jol era.

Arsenal fielded an experienced team, regardless of any player missing for the African Cup of Nations, and  William Gallas was under pressure at the heart of the defence. Arsene Wenger and Arsenal fans alike claim that the Carling Cup is 'not a priority'. Even if this is so, such a grave defeat will come as a shock to the youth of Arsenal even in their Premier League campaign. Arsenal's young guns have finally been silenced for now.

Spurs fans know only too well that Arsenal act like a wounded animal when Tottenham go in front, but this did not happen, thanks largely to the great defensive partnership of Ledley King and Michael Dawson and the capable performance of Radek Cerny in goal.

Spurs do still need cover for King and Dawson, but the midfield looks far tighter now with Jenas linking play to the front men constantly. Aaron Lennon produced another sparkling performance, showing his true potential to the delight of the Spurs fans. For me, he resembles Jesus Navas of Sevilla in the way in which he cuts in and draws players only to out-run them.

As if four goals weren't enough, the icing on the cake was finely added by Steed Malbranque in added time, and Arsenal's impressive, nine-year unbeaten run against Spurs came to a grinding halt. Tottenham fans now hold bragging rights over Arsenal.

Come on you Spurs! And on to Wembley we march!