One of the finest footballers ever produced, Glenn Hoddle was known as much for his passing ability as his goalscoring. But he scored 110 goals in 490 games for Spurs, including the winner in the 1982 FA Cup Final Replay against QPR.
While many strikers, for example Gary Lineker, are remembered for anticipation and being in the right place at the right time, Glenn Hoddle scored all manner of goals that demonstrated his range of skills.
A Player Ahead of His Time
It’s often said that Hoddle came along too soon. A player of exceptional technique, he was frequently referred to as a luxury player. These days, signing a player of such class would most likely set any team back more than £100 million.
The English Premier League is now widely considered the best in the league and garners global interest. Fans tune into Premier League games from all corners of the world to support their favorite team, take advantage of the opportunity to bet on live sports and marvel at the technical ability on show. It’s an environment that would have suited Glenn Hoddle completely.
Three Goals That Defined the Career of Glenn Hoddle
Hoddle’s cup-winning goal in 1982 came from the penalty spot and, oddly enough, is not one that fans immediately think of when his goalscoring exploits are mentioned. Three that often spring to mind for Spurs fans were spread out across his career with the club and sum up how fans remember his time at White Hart Lane.
Debut Goal: 21st February 1976
Hoddle made his full debut for Tottenham against Stoke City in a First Division game at the Victoria Ground. Spurs conceded early but managed to equalize on the break after a challenge from Hoddle in the center of the pitch sent captain Steve Perryman marauding into Stoke’s half to start a move that ended with a tap-in for John Duncan.
After 36 minutes, with the game level at 1-1, Spurs were on the attack again. Following a bit of pinball in Stoke’s penalty area, the ball was cleared and fell to Hoddle around 25 yards from the goal. As it bounced up off the muddy surface, Hoddle displayed fantastic technique to get over the ball and fire it in with his left foot past England keeper Peter Shilton.
That Chip Against Watford: 24th September 1983
Another away goal, this time at Vicarage Road. Spurs were a goal down in the second half when Hoddle received the ball on the right-hand side of Watford’s penalty area with his back to goal. His first touch was exquisite, flicking the ball through his own legs and leaving the defender for dead.
From there, he executed the perfect chip to lob the ball over goalkeeper Steve Sherwood and into the net. It’s arguably his most famous goal in a Spurs shirt.
A Parting Gift: 25th April 1987
After 10 years at Tottenham, Hoddle was on the move to Monaco where he would play under future Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger. But before he left, he had one final gift for Spurs fans to enjoy.
At home to Oxford, Tottenham were 2-1 up with just a minute to play. A headed clearance by Spurs defender Richard Gough fell to Hoddle midway inside his own half. As he advanced towards the Oxford goal, a drop of the shoulder took him past the last two defenders. Entering the penalty box, goalkeeper Peter Hucker closed him down. Hoddle dummied to shoot, sending the keeper the wrong way before calmly stroking the ball into the empty net.
