Never has a team overturned a three goal deficit in the Carling Cup. That record still stands this morning, but Burnley came within minutes, within seconds of the most extraordinary turnaround the competition has ever seen. Spurs led 4-1 from the first leg, and were expected to comfortably see out the match, but the lack of bottle, desire and hunger was juxtaposed by Burnley's lions, who were so close to the ultimate fightback.
The maths at the start of the night was pretty simple. Burnley had to score three goals without reply from their more illustrious opponents, and if Spurs scored one they would need four, and so on. It must be said, Burnley created little to worry debutant Ben Alnwick in goal, only Benoit-Assou-Ekotto tried to aid the Lancashire side's fortunes, his well over-hit backpass forcing a fingertip save from the England U21 international.
However, the man of the match by a country mile, Robbie Blake, was not going to go down without a fight. His cleverly disguised free-kick caught Alnwick out at his near post, the first of two high-profile errors from the 'keeper. Burnley sensed blood, but couldn't turn their domination of possession into a second goal before half time.
The lack of chances created by both sides was understandable in treacherous conditions at Turf Moor. Many of the players emerged with new kits for the 2nd half, as Spurs' white shirts seemed to blend with their Claret opponents. If the lack of creativity could be forgiven from Spurs, their lack of hunger could not. Not one player stood out for them, except maybe Zokora, whose bite in midfield saved even further embarrassment. Their passing was woeful, defending unconvincing and creativity not there in the slightest.
Luka Modric was hauled off for Spurs, and Roman Pavlyuchenko replaced him. However, the extra bite up front was ineffectual and Burnley continued to press. Blake, whom, with such managers as Allardyce and Moyes - as well as Man Utd assistant Mike Phelan in the stands, must be attracting interest from higher profile clubs, was the catalyst for the second goal too. His jinking run on the left hand side left 3 defenders for dead, and his precise ball across found the unmarked Chris McCann to double the advantage.
If the first goal injected hope, the second sent a surge of belief around Turf Moor, the fans daring to think that maybe, just maybe they could snatch a third. And two minutes from time, they did just that. Blake tossed a looping, swirling free-kick into the box, and Dawson et al seemed to be able to deal with it. 'Keeper Alnwick came out, caused confusion, and dropped the ball at substitute Jay Rodriguez's feet. The striker had the simple task of tapping the ball into the empty net, and lift the roof off the stadium.
Extra time loomed, and Burnley now had something to cling on to. The away goals rule meant that only after extra time would they go through, so if it stayed 3-0 for the next 30 minutes, Burnley were at Wembley. In fairness, this may have counted against them. For the first time all evening, the Championship side sat back, allowed to Spurs to string some passes together on the halfway line, get some rhythm going. And with just three minutes of extra time to go, sub Pavlyuchenko struck the hammerblow. Bale's run and cross down the left hand side found the Russian, and although 'keeper Brian Jensen might have done better, he cannot be blamed - as the "beast" as he's known in these parts, was truly magnificent all evening.
Spurs fans seemed embarrassed, reluctant to accept what their team had just done. It was as if they needed to apologise to Burnley, like they'd broken the laws of football. In truth, they had. Never has a team with such a heartless performance made it to a final. This was meant to be a Cup semi-final, not a pre-season friendly. Some of the prima donna's that were out there tonight for Spurs need to take a long, long look at themselves. Wilson Palacios, subject to a work permit, will sign sooner rather than later. Harry said "I'm not sure if he will fit into our team - as he actually likes to tackle." That about sums it up.
Jermain Defoe scored with what was a sublime finish to add insult to what already seemed like broken limbs and broken hearts, and finished Burnley off. But the side from the Championship should have their heads held high. As a team, as a town, this day will never be forgotten. Spurs, you're going to Wembley. Congratulations for that, and that alone.
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