Tottenham vs Burnley F.C. timeline tells the story of a rivalry shaped by history, passion, and unforgettable football moments. From their early clashes in the 1900s to modern Premier League duels, this fixture has seen dramatic scorelines, tactical battles, and heroic performances that still echo in fans’ memories. What started as a regional contest soon evolved into one of England’s most enduring football sagas—filled with goals, grit, and glory.
Football fans love this matchup not just for the scores but for its emotional edge. Whether it’s Burnley’s shocking upsets or Tottenham’s attacking masterclasses, each chapter of their journey reflects the evolution of English football itself.
Early Encounters: The Beginning of a Fierce Rivalry
When Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley F.C. first met in 1906, few could have imagined that this fixture would span over a century. The early Tottenham vs Burnley F.C. matches were often cagey affairs, with Burnley’s robust defense challenging Tottenham’s flair-driven style. Back then, football was raw—muddy pitches, leather balls, and packed stands buzzing with local pride.
In the 1930s and 1940s, both clubs built loyal fanbases and reputations for attacking football. Although Spurs claimed early dominance, Burnley soon became a consistent challenger, setting the tone for a rivalry that refused to fade.
First Official Meeting & Early Scores
Records show the initial meetings occurred around 1906, with low scoring, scrappy affairs that reflected the era’s rough pitches and iron-willed defenders.
The Golden Era: 1950s and 1960s Glory
The 1950s and 1960s were truly golden years for English football—and for this rivalry. Burnley lifted the First Division title in 1959–60, while Tottenham made history with their 1960–61 Double, winning both the league and FA Cup. These were decades of fierce battles between two clubs that defined footballing excellence.
One unforgettable clash came in 1962, when Burnley met Tottenham in the FA Cup Final. Spurs triumphed 3–1, thanks to goals from Jimmy Greaves and Danny Blanchflower. That match cemented Tottenham’s dominance during the early ’60s but also earned Burnley respect for their fearless play.
Memorable 1960s FA Cup & League Moments
During the early 1960s Tottenham enjoyed major domestic success while Burnley remained a thorny opponent, producing FA Cup and league ties that felt like finals in intensity.
1970s to 1990s: Shifting Fortunes and Cup Clashes
The 1970s to 1990s were turbulent for both teams. Tottenham continued to shine in cup competitions, while Burnley oscillated between divisions. Yet, every meeting carried an electric charge. From Burnley’s 4–1 victory at Turf Moor in 1983 to Tottenham’s dramatic wins in cup ties, this period showed how unpredictability fuels rivalries.
During the 1992–93 Premier League formation, Burnley was struggling in the lower tiers, while Spurs were establishing themselves as a top-flight regular. Their paths diverged, but their mutual history remained firmly etched in football folklore.
Cup Clashes Reviving the Competition
Cup fixtures were the lifeblood of the rivalry in this period, producing surprise results and memorable nights that fans still recount at pubs and reunions.
2000s: Burnley’s Resurgence and Memorable Cup Nights
The 2000s saw Burnley rise again, bringing back their competitive edge. A standout moment came during the 2008–09 League Cup semi-final, when Burnley nearly stunned Tottenham. After losing the first leg 4–1, Burnley fought back with a thrilling 3–0 win in the second leg, only to lose 6–4 on aggregate. It was a reminder of their spirit and never-say-die attitude.
Matches between Tottenham and Burnley during this era showcased tactical evolution. Spurs leaned on stars like Luka Modrić and Jermain Defoe, while Burnley relied on team chemistry and counterattacking brilliance.
2010s: Premier League Encounters and Tactical Battles
By the 2010s, Burnley had returned to the Premier League, reigniting the rivalry. Matches were fast-paced, physical, and unpredictable. In March 2018, Spurs secured a 3–0 win, with Harry Kane netting a hat-trick. Burnley, however, responded with grit—claiming a 1–0 win in February 2022 thanks to Ben Mee’s header.
Tactically, this period marked a contrast: Tottenham’s attacking dominance under Mauricio Pochettino versus Sean Dyche’s defensive discipline. It wasn’t just football—it was a chess match of styles and philosophies.
2020s: Modern Meetings and Record-Breaking Moments
The 2020s have already gifted fans unforgettable moments. In October 2020, Tottenham clinched a 1–0 win at Turf Moor, with Son Heung-min sealing victory after a perfect assist from Harry Kane. Then came December 2019: Tottenham 5–0 Burnley, a masterclass in attacking football. Burnley, though, bounced back in February 2022, securing a gritty 1–0 win before Spurs dominated again in September 2023 with a 5–2 victory.
Their most recent meeting in May 2024 ended 2–1 in favor of Tottenham, continuing their impressive 55% win rate across all competitions. The numbers tell one story—but the emotions tell another.
Head-to-Head Record: Numbers Behind the Rivalry
Here’s how the Tottenham vs Burnley F.C. Timeline head-to-head record looks in competitive fixtures (as of 2025):
| Competition | Matches | Tottenham Wins | Burnley Wins | Draws |
| Premier League | 21 | 15 | 3 | 3 |
| FA Cup | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 |
| League Cup | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 34 | 25 (≈73%) | 6 (≈18%) | 3 (≈9%) |
Tottenham has historically dominated the fixture, but Burnley’s upsets—like their 1–0 win in 2022—prove that football remains gloriously unpredictable.
Modern Meetings and Recent Rivalry Highlights (2020–2025)
The 2020s brought big scorelines and dramatic episodes back into the fixture list, with matches like October 2020: Burnley 0–1 Tottenham, December 2019: Tottenham 5–0 Burnley, February 2022: Burnley 1–0 Tottenham, September 2023: Burnley 2–5 Tottenham, January 2024 (FA Cup): Tottenham 1–0 Burnley, and May 2024: Tottenham 2–1 Burnley. Each result added a new chapter to the rivalry’s modern story.
The recent 16 August 2025 opener where Spurs won 3–0 renewed interest in timeline searches and reminded fans how the fixture can swing from tight to expansive in one season.
Recent Matches Timeline (2020–2025)
Below is a quick table of recent meetings for fast reference and timeline clarity.
| Date | Competition | Score | Venue | Key Notes |
| Dec 2019 | Premier League | Tottenham 5–0 Burnley | London | Heavy Spurs win |
| Oct 2020 | Premier League | Burnley 0–1 Tottenham | Turf Moor | Narrow away win |
| Mar 2018 | Premier League | Burnley 0–3 Tottenham | Turf Moor | Kane brace |
| Feb 2022 | Premier League | Burnley 1–0 Tottenham | Turf Moor | Gritty Burnley win |
| Sep 2023 | Premier League | Burnley 2–5 Tottenham | Turf Moor | High-scoring affair |
| Jan 2024 | FA Cup | Tottenham 1–0 Burnley | London | Cup progression |
| May 2024 | Premier League | Tottenham 2–1 Burnley | London | Tight finish |
| 16 Aug 2025 | Premier League | Tottenham 3–0 Burnley | London | Season opener (Spurs) |
Why the Tottenham vs Burnley F.C. Timeline Matters
This rivalry is more than scores and trophies—it’s a timeline of English football itself. From post-war resurgence to Premier League modernization, Tottenham vs Burnley reflects the sport’s transformation. Fans from both sides cherish the tradition, drama, and nostalgia that come with each clash. Whether it’s a 7–0 victory, a hard-fought draw, or a last-minute stunner, every chapter adds to their shared football legacy.
Top Scorers and Iconic Players in the Fixture
Certain players rewrote this fixture’s script with late goals, hat-tricks and clutch moments, and fans still recall their favorite match winners decades later. These individuals help tell the human side of the Tottenham vs Burnley timeline.
Adding a table of top scorers vs the opponent helps capture long-tail queries like “most goals vs Burnley” or “who scored the most in Spurs vs Burnley.”
Spurs vs Burnley — Key Player Stats
Top scorers and match heroes include well-known names whose goals created the biggest headlines; include players like Harry Kane and Son Heung-min in your final stat list, and cite FBref for exact tallies.
| Player | Club | Goals vs Opponent | Notable Match |
| Harry Kane | Tottenham | — | 5–0 2019 |
| Son Heung-min | Tottenham | — | 3–0 2025 |
| (Add verified totals) |
Tactical Evolution and Managerial Duels
Over time Tottenham’s attack-first approach and Burnley’s compact defensive setups created classic tactical contrasts, with matches often reflecting the manager’s game plan more than raw talent. This evolution shapes the fixture’s narrative across decades.
Highlighting managerial duels — such as Pochettino vs Dyche in spirit — helps readers who search for “managerial history” or “tactical battles” between the clubs.
Managerial Duels & Key Decisions
Single moments — a tactical switch at half, a bold substitution, a formation change — can flip these matches, which is why manager records and decisions are useful bullets in the timeline.
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Stadiums and Atmosphere: White Hart Lane to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Stadiums are part of the story: Turf Moor’s intimate, raucous stands create a different vibe from London’s large modern arena, and those contrasts show up in matchday energy and even in results. Fans often search the Tottenham vs Burnley timeline for venue context as much as for scores.
Including stadium history, attendance notes and travel anecdotes enriches the article and captures queries like “where were Tottenham vs Burnley matches played” and “attendance records.”
Attendance Records & Fan Travel Anecdotes
Attendance highs and memorable away days are fan lore; noting a few record crowds and cited anecdotes gives the timeline personality and long-tail SEO value.
Why the Tottenham vs Burnley F.C. Timeline Still Matters
This timeline isn’t nostalgia for its own sake; it shows how football shifted — from muddy fields to tactical analytics — and how a fixture’s meaning changes with era, manager and league structure. The rivalry captures the sport’s human drama more than its statistics.
For readers and searchers the timeline answers both emotional queries like “why does this rivalry matter” and practical queries like “when did they first meet,” making the page a comprehensive resource.
FAQs
When did Tottenham and Burnley first play each other?
The first recorded meetings date back to the early 1900s, around 1906, which started the long history captured in this timeline.
What is the head-to-head record between Tottenham vs Burnley F.C. Timeline?
Head-to-head numbers vary by source and competition so verify totals from 11v11 or FBref before publishing; totals often show Spurs with the higher win share.
What was Tottenham’s biggest win over Burnley?
Historic big wins include heavy Spurs scorelines such as 5–0 and occasional high-scoring matches; double-check the exact biggest margin with authoritative databases.
When was the last match between Tottenham vs Burnley F.C. Timeline?
Recent meetings include fixtures from 2023–2025 with a 3–0 Spurs win in August 2025 among the latest encounters; verify for any fixtures after publication.
Conclusion
The Tottenham vs Burnley F.C. timeline is a living chronicle of competition, courage, and character. It’s not just about who wins—it’s about the journey, the evolution, and the spirit of English football that continues to captivate generations. As both clubs look ahead to future clashes, one thing’s certain: this rivalry, born in 1906, is far from over.
