Introduction
Tottenham vs Burnley F.C. timeline tells the story of one of English football’s most enduring fixtures — a clash between two historic clubs with vastly different styles and legacies. Tottenham Hotspur, known for flair and attacking brilliance, have often gone head-to-head with Burnley, a team built on grit, unity, and heart.
Over more than a century of competition, the two clubs have delivered memorable battles in both the top flight and domestic cups. This article explores their journey through time — highlighting key matches, famous goals, and major turning points that have shaped the Tottenham vs Burnley rivalry.
Quick Match Timeline
| Date | Competition | Venue | Result | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Aug 2025 | Premier League | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | Tottenham 3–0 Burnley | Richarlison double; strong start to the season |
| 11 May 2024 | Premier League | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | Tottenham 2–1 Burnley | Spurs’ win confirmed Burnley’s relegation |
| 5 Jan 2024 | FA Cup 3rd Round | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | Tottenham 1–0 Burnley | Defensive battle; Spurs edge through |
| 2 Sep 2023 | Premier League | Turf Moor | Burnley 2–5 Tottenham | Son Heung-min hat-trick in attacking masterclass |
| 15 May 2022 | Premier League | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | Tottenham 1–0 Burnley | Harry Kane penalty sealed victory |
| 23 Feb 2019 | Premier League | Turf Moor | Burnley 2–1 Tottenham | Burnley shock Spurs in title race |
| 18 Dec 2017 | Premier League | Turf Moor | Burnley 0–3 Tottenham | Hat-trick by Harry Kane |
| 29 Nov 2014 | FA Cup | White Hart Lane | Tottenham 4–2 Burnley | Classic cup comeback |
| 2009–10 Season | Premier League | Turf Moor | Burnley 4–2 Tottenham | Burnley victory in their debut Premier League season |
Tottenham vs Burnley F.C. – The Early Years
Foundations of a Rivalry
The Tottenham vs Burnley F.C. timeline stretches back to the early 1900s, when both clubs were establishing themselves in English football’s professional ranks.
Burnley F.C., founded in 1882, was among the Football League’s founding members, while Tottenham Hotspur, also founded in 1882, rose through the Southern League before joining the top tier in 1908.
Their early encounters were characterized by fierce physical play and competitive spirit. Burnley’s compact northern toughness often clashed with Tottenham’s developing flair, creating the foundation for a rivalry grounded in contrasting philosophies.
Tottenham’s Ascendancy in the Modern Era
The Premier League Shift
As the Premier League era began in 1992, Tottenham Hotspur steadily became the dominant side in this fixture. Their superior squad depth, tactical evolution, and attacking identity often proved too strong for Burnley’s defensive setups.
By the 2010s, Tottenham’s star power — led by Harry Kane, Dele Alli, and Son Heung-min — made them one of Burnley’s toughest opponents. Burnley, managed by Sean Dyche, countered with resilience and organization, making each encounter tactically intense despite Tottenham’s overall superiority.
Memorable Premier League Matches
- 2019 – Burnley 2–1 Tottenham: One of Burnley’s most famous modern victories. Ashley Barnes’ winner stunned Spurs and dented their title challenge.
- 2023 – Burnley 2–5 Tottenham: A display of pure attacking power. Son Heung-min scored a hat-trick as Spurs ran riot at Turf Moor.
- 2024 – Tottenham 2–1 Burnley: A match that sealed Burnley’s relegation, highlighting the gulf between the clubs that season.
The FA Cup and League Cup Encounters
Cup Clashes Full of Drama
Beyond league play, the Tottenham vs Burnley timeline includes several memorable FA Cup and League Cup ties.
In 2014, Tottenham produced a stunning comeback in a 4–2 win over Burnley after falling behind early in the FA Cup. Matches like these showcased Spurs’ creativity under pressure and Burnley’s fighting spirit.
In the 2024 FA Cup 3rd Round, Spurs narrowly beat Burnley 1–0 thanks to a late winner — a match remembered for Burnley’s defensive discipline and Tottenham’s perseverance.
Tactical Evolution Over Time
Tottenham’s Attacking Philosophy
Tottenham Hotspur’s approach has traditionally emphasized fluid attacking football. Managers like Mauricio Pochettino, Antonio Conte, and Ange Postecoglou have built teams around pace, possession, and pressing. The result? A consistent ability to unlock Burnley’s defense through creative midfield play and wide attacking runs.
Players such as Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, and James Maddison have frequently made the difference in recent meetings, turning tight games into decisive victories.
Burnley’s Defensive Identity
Burnley’s tactical evolution under Sean Dyche and later Vincent Kompany reflects their adaptability. Known for their compact shape, aerial dominance, and counter-attacking threat, the Clarets often focus on denying space and forcing mistakes.
Even in defeat, Burnley’s performances have earned respect — their organization and work rate making them one of the toughest defensive sides to break down.
Head-to-Head Record Snapshot
All-Time Record (as of 2025)
| Category | Tottenham | Burnley | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Wins | 28 | 7 | 10 |
| Goals Scored (Tottenham) | 85+ | 38 | — |
| Average Goals Per Game | 3.0 | 3.0 | — |
Over the decades, Tottenham have held a strong advantage, winning the majority of their home and away fixtures. Burnley, however, have managed crucial victories that altered league narratives and inspired their fans.
Recent Chapter – 2025 Premier League Encounter
The most recent addition to the Tottenham vs Burnley F.C. timeline came on 16 August 2025, when Spurs began the Premier League season with a 3–0 victory.
Richarlison struck twice, while Maddison added another, sealing an emphatic start for Tottenham and underlining Burnley’s ongoing adaptation struggles in the top flight.
That match symbolized the present state of the rivalry: Tottenham as an evolving powerhouse under Ange Postecoglou, and Burnley as a determined underdog looking to regain their Premier League footing.
What Makes Tottenham vs Burnley F.C. Unique
- Contrast in Identity: Tottenham’s flair vs Burnley’s grit.
- Historic Balance: Both clubs were founded in 1882, giving the fixture a shared heritage.
- Unpredictable Results: Despite Tottenham’s dominance, Burnley have produced shock wins at key moments.
- Fan Passion: Turf Moor and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium both create intense atmospheres that elevate the clash.
This combination of tradition, style, and unpredictability keeps the Tottenham vs Burnley F.C. timeline relevant across generations.
Also Read: Rayo Vallecano vs CD Leganés Lineups: Predicted XI, Tactical Preview, and Key Player Battles
Conclusion
The Tottenham vs Burnley F.C. timeline captures over a century of English football drama — from muddy pitches and local rivalries to modern tactical battles under floodlights.
Tottenham’s dominance in recent years hasn’t diminished Burnley’s spirit; instead, it has deepened the respect between the two clubs.
As football evolves, one thing remains constant: every meeting between these two sides brings passion, resilience, and the unpredictable beauty that defines the Premier League.
FAQs
1. What is the overall record between Tottenham and Burnley?
Tottenham lead the head-to-head with around 28 wins, while Burnley have 7 victories and about 10 draws.
2. When did Tottenham and Burnley first meet?
Their first recorded competitive match took place in the early 1900s, shortly after Tottenham joined the Football League.
3. What was the most recent Tottenham vs Burnley result?
Tottenham defeated Burnley 3–0 on 16 August 2025 in the Premier League.
4. Which Tottenham players perform best against Burnley?
Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, and Richarlison have been consistent scorers in recent encounters.
5. Why is this fixture historically significant?
Both clubs were founded in the same year, 1882, and their meetings reflect the full spectrum of English football — skill, struggle, and spirit.
