Tottenham Hotspur have won their final match at White Hart Lane on an emotional day for the London club.
The game against Manchester United finished 2-1 and marked the end of 118 years at the Lane for the club. Goals from Victor Wanyama and fan favourite Harry Kane saw off the Red Devils, despite a consolation for United from Wayne Rooney.
The victory means Spurs went unbeaten at the Lane this season and lifts them to 80 points, securing them a second place finish – the highest they have come in the top flight since 1963.
3 – For just the third time in English top-flight history, the top two sides at the end of the season are both from London. Smoked.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 14, 2017
They will play their home games at Wembley next season while a new stadium is developed, but it has been some final season for the Lane.Before the game the Premier League made a compilation video to mark the occasion.
It's time for @SpursOfficial to say goodbye to White Hart Lane…#TheLaneTheFinale #TOTMUN pic.twitter.com/BQPjZHMGQa
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 14, 2017
Spurs players past and present shared the fondness they have for the famous ground – and their support for the players on its final day.
#TheLaneTheFinale what a place to be remembered forever! Was a great pleasure to had the opportunity to play at this football ground! #COYS
— HEURELHO GOMES (@hdgomes) May 14, 2017
Good luck to the boys today on the final game at the lane????#TheLaneTheFinale
— Harry Winks (@HarryWinks) May 14, 2017
Great for Spurs to finish at the old place with a victory. Goodbye White Hart Lane.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) May 14, 2017
And flags were flown for the grand finale too.
The current scene inside White Hart Lane. #COYS #TheLaneTheFinale pic.twitter.com/J6N70hbuII
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 14, 2017
During the match, former Spurs player Aaron Lennon – who is receiving care for a stress-related mental illness – was honoured by the fans.
'There's only one Aaron Lennon, one Aaron Lennon' rings out around White Hart Lane along with a round of applause. #TheLaneTheFinale
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 14, 2017
As for the game that was played, Kane’s goal was his first against Manchester United, meaning he has scored against a whopping 24 opponents in the Premier League.
1 – Harry Kane has now scored against 24 of the 25 opponents he has faced in the Premier League (Cardiff being the exception). Portfolio.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 14, 2017
Finally, before the game had begun Spurs had released this message…
Please do not go on the pitch at any point today throughout the match and post-match ceremony. Do not spoil a special day for everyone else. pic.twitter.com/JCSJAv5c8l
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 14, 2017
Pretty clear instructions – don’t go on the pitch please Spurs fans.But of course it was their last chance to do so at the old ground, and inevitably a few went on. And by a few, we mean – thousands.
Spurs fans invade the White Hart Lane pitch! #TheLaneTheFinale pic.twitter.com/J71y6HrgXH
— Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) May 14, 2017
Which the club wasn’t too happy with…
If you're on the pitch at White Hart Lane please return to your seats! #TheLaneTheFinale
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 14, 2017
The fans watching on TV inevitably had something to say about it too, with some – seemingly Arsenal fans – wondering why the fans were celebrating coming second.
Have Spurs just won the league? ?? pitch invasion, flags, the runners up parade is imminent!
— Mr DT © (@MrDtAFC) May 14, 2017
Perhaps that’s harsh, given the emotion attached to Spurs’ old ground – however, even this explanation had some fans questioning everything.
We must ask spurs what's the secret. Their pitch invasion is an "outpouring of emotion"-ours are always called "football's day of shame" ;-)
— Millwall halfwayline (@millwalljdb) May 14, 2017
Given it was their last opportunity to get on the pitch, it does seem reasonable for Spurs fans to have gotten overexcited. And one or two fans went all the way to show their pride, kissing the turf and even taking a little bit of grass in some cases.
There’s nothing quite like a grown man helping himself to a few blades of grass to illustrate the passion of football fans.