1981 FA Cup Final vs Manchester City (Replay)

Lore & Background

Spurs dug deep to fight back from behind. After Paul Miller restored parity, Ricky Villa delivered a masterclass that defined an era. His two extra-time strikes, culminating in a solo run for the winner, cemented Keith Burkinshaw's reputation as a builder of champions and ushered in Spurs' most successful cup decade.

Reader's Guide

Coming off a goalless initial meeting, the replay saw Manchester City strike first via Tony Woodcock following a rare slip by new Spurs signing Ray Clemence. Tottenham clawed back level through Paul Miller before the match spilled into extra time. While Villa had been subdued in the first leg, he seized control here. His second extra-time brace secured the 3-2 win, marking the first FA Cup Final replay victory since 1970 and highlighting Spurs' cup prowess under Burkinshaw.

Did You Know?

• This was the first FA Cup Final replay since 1970 when Everton beat Leeds United.
• Ricky Villa scored both of Tottenham's goals in extra time, including a solo effort widely regarded as one of the greatest FA Cup Final goals ever.
• Ray Clemence, the Liverpool legend, featured in one of his first appearances for Tottenham Hotspur.
• The victory gave Spurs their eighth FA Cup title, matching them with Manchester United at the time.