Jermain Defoe has become Tottenham Hotspur’s all time European leading scorer after his goal in last night’s victory against FC Sheriff. It came from the penalty spot in the second half and previous record holder Martin Chivers was in full support of the feat as he cheered on from the stands.
Chivers was on the pitch at half time as they relieved the goals that gave him the record, the highlight of which being his goals against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the 1972 UEFA Cup final.
Defoe has now propelled himself to 23 goals in European competitions. Under Andre Villas-Boas, the striker is a regular feature when it comes to Europa League action this season though his appearances in the league have been limited. Despite his lack of Premier League action, there was still a smile on the face of Defoe as he dispatched his 12 yard effort convincingly into the top left corner.
The goal not only brought Jermain Defoe the record, but around White Hart Lane there was a sense of importance and pride in the competition. A competition that is easily dismissable as a minor cup in comparison to the Champions League, or by those not playing any kind of European football looking for a cheap chant at their opposition.
The fans of Swansea and Wigan will echo these thoughts. Sides which have had little to no European activity in their long histories. But the fact Spurs are still churning out decent attendances on Thursday nights is something that shows the reinvention of the competition has definitely reignited interest.
In a competition that Spurs have a realistic chance of winning, there is certainly a feeling at the Lane that Defoe could not only emulate the goalscoring feats of Martin Chivers, but replicate the European success of 1972.
By Tom Owen
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*Images courtesy of author James Boyes