OTD: SPURS 1-2 SAFC

Sunderland defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 at White Hart Lane on this day in 2008. A debut goal from Djibril Cisse and a rocket from Kieran Richardson were enough to bring three points back to Wearside.

The match was clouded in transfer talk, with both sets of fans discussing a striker. Sunderland had signed Djibril Cisse on loan from Marseille, whereas Spurs striker Dimitar Berbatov was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United. The Bulgarian was dropped from Juande Ramos’ squad, with future Sunderland hitman Darren Bent starting up front by himself. Roy Keane left Cisse on the bench to be used as an impact sub.

Admittedly, the first half was pretty forgettable with the match goalless going into the break. Sunderland had contained Spurs extremely well and even hit the post through a fierce Steed Malbranque shot. On 55 minutes, Kieran Richardson broke the deadlock. Tottenham failed to clear a loose ball that Richardson latched onto. He cut inside and rifled his effort inside the far post, beating a helpless Heurelho Gomes at full stretch.

Spurs immediately brought on the pair of Tom Huddlestone and Giovani dos Santos and almost had a swift reply through Jonathan Woodgate. Ultimately, the pressure was too much and Tottenham equalised. Luka Modric had his first shot blocked and the second was saved by Craig Gordon. As the Scottish keeper was sprawled on the ground, Jermaine Jenas finished the rebound into an empty net.

Cisse, who had replaced Richardson, was the super-sub as he put the lads ahead again after 83 minutes. Daryl Murphy provided a pin-point cross from the left wing and the French forward headed home emphatically. The win was Sunderland’s first of the season and Tottenham had suffered their second consecutive defeat. Berbatov joined Manchester United a week later after also being omitted from the squad against Southampton.