Throughout the years, there has been no love lost between Leeds and Spurs - both on and off the pitch! However, following George Graham's desertion to the London club, last season, things should be even spicier on Saturday afternoon.

Last season's comparative fixture took place in September, with rumours rife that George was about to jump ship. Of course, that is exactly what happened: the game turned out to be Graham's last Premiership game in charge of United. What's more, Leeds' misery was compounded further by the fact that we let a comfortable 3-1 lead slip through our fingers in the final minutes of the match - to draw 3-3.

Following this, the two teams were to meet another three times: once in the Premiership and two times in the FA Cup. The opening Fifth Round FA Cup tie, at Elland Road, in February, ended in a 1-1 draw - with Ian Harte scoring a spectacular second half equaliser. However, even this bolt out of the clue paled into insignificance compared to the two strikes which won the game for Spurs in the White Hart Lane replay. Despite more than holding our own over the ninety minutes, two moments of individual magic from Anderton and Ginola decided the game - with the latter turning on an inspirational show throughout the tie.

In the Premiership match at Elland Road, in March, Ginola was as anonymous as he had been mercurial in the Cup. We ran out worthy 2-0 winners - but, in the back of United's supporters' minds was the feeling that, if we had overcome Spurs a month earlier then, with cup ties against Barnsley and Newcastle, we might have gone all the way to Wembley. Unfortunately, though, it wasn't to be.

Off the pitch, the rivalry has been just as intense. Willem Korsten appeared to be poached away from us by Graham, despite the latter's protestations, a feeling shared by O'Leary whose relationship with the Spurs boss was soured as a result. Then, over the close season, it looked as though a similar situation was to arise again, with Bridges signing for the Londoners instead of us. However, at the last minute, Michael turned Tottenham down and chose to join us instead. Add to this the constant rumours over the summer months, linking both Radebe and Hasselbaink to White Hart Lane, and I think it would be fair to say that a certain mistrust has developed between the two clubs.

As far as this season is concerned, Graham will be more pleased with his team's start than O'Leary. Having won their last three Premiership fixtures - albeit not against the strongest teams in the league - their confidence should be sky high for Saturday. On the other hand, United have stuttered a little over their opening five games and go into the match on the back of a crushing defeat against Liverpool on Monday, probably their worst team performance since O'Leary took charge nearly a year ago. Hopefully, we will be able to bounce straight back at the weekend. Otherwise, for the first time in his short managerial career, there will be pressure on the shoulders of the Leeds boss.

David O'Leary left Darren Huckerby on the bench for this encounter against Spurs, at White Hart Lane. Alan Smith, who had been regarded as doubtful before the game, took his place - joining Michael Bridges in attack. Michael Duberry was also recalled, in place of David Hopkin, as the United manager decided to play with three centre-backs. Otherwise, the personnel was the same as on Monday night. For Spurs, Darren Anderton was a surprise late omission for Spurs, due to injury.

The soured relationship between the two clubs and their respective managers was epitomised when, as the teams made their way out onto the pitch, David O'Leary and George Graham, failed to exchange even the briefest of greetings - a far cry from when the two shared the dugout together during their Elland Road days.

This frostiness was also clearly in evidence as the two teams made their way onto the pitch. In a fiercely competitive first half, the tackles flew in thick and fast, as United attempted to recapture the fighting spirit that was so clearly missing in Monday's defeat against Liverpool.

Within the opening minutes, Spurs almost lost in-form striker, Les Ferdinand, following an aerial challenge with Leeds Captain, Lucas Radebe. At first, it looked as though the former Newcastle man had suffered a serious cheekbone injury, as he was stretchered from the field - and it came as some surprise to see him return swiftly to the play. Indeed, following his return, he almost got his head to a corner, to put Spurs into a lead.

Then, Danny Mills got himself involved in two contrasting incidents. Firstly, he made a heavy challenge on David Ginola - the two players having to be separated by their teammates. Then, in the 13th minute, he had a chance to give United the lead but his header went just wide of the post, following a telling cross from Ian Harte.

As the half progressed, referee Mike Read had his hands full to keep control of what was becoming a volatile game. Lee Bowyer received a yellow card for a wayward tackle on Freund, shortly to be followed by Tottenham's Taricco

As the half progressed, it was Tottenham who started to make the better chances. After good work by Ferdinand, Iverson attempted to chip the advancing Martyn. Fortunately, though, his effort cleared the crossbar. However, it came as no real surprise when the home team took the lead in the 36th minute. Following a Freund throw in, Iverson nodded the ball down for Sherwood to volley it crisply past the despairing Martyn.

David O'Leary made his way to the dressing room before his players and, whilst their first half display was an improvement on the debacle witnessed on Monday night, it was still a long way short of the standard the United manager would be hoping for. With this in mind, he decided to ring the changes for the second half: Darren Huckerby and David Hopkin replaced Jonathan Woodgate and Michael Bridges, as United reverted back to a flat back four. For Spurs, Dominguez replaced Ferdinand, who was still feeling his earlier injury.

The benefits of O'Leary's substitutions were immediate. As United made a rousing start to the second half, it took them less than five minutes to achieve an equaliser. Batty squared the ball to the advancing Smith, who drilled the ball crisply home past Ian Walker.

United were now right back in the match, although you sensed the game could swing to either team. Nothing proved this more clearly than when David Ginola decided to weave his magic, taking on three Leeds defenders before cracking a fierce right foot shot - which Martyn managed to tip past his post. Shortly afterwards, Danny Mills - who had been having a running battle with the Frenchman all afternoon - was replaced by Gary Kelly.

With Tottenham now lacking the physical presence of Ferdinand up front, Leeds started to take control. Graham could be seen more frequently now on the touchline, screaming orders to his beleagured troops, as they began to lose their shape.

With less than a quarter of an hour remaining, United had a great opportunity to take the lead. On one of their now frequent attacks, Hopkin made good progress to cross for Lee Bowyer. Unfortunately, though, the England U21 man blasted the ball over the crossbar.

However, as the Whites mounted more and more pressure, they finally made a breakthrough. Bowyer was brought down on the edge of the area and from the resulting free kick, Ian Harte hit an unstoppable drive past the Spurs keeper.

It was no more than we deserved for a rousing second half display. However, there was still to be more drama. As the seconds ticked away, Alan Smith - who had earlier given us the lead - needlessly got himself sent off. Having already been given a yellow card, an altercation with Spurs' Taricco meant that he had to be given his marching orders.

However, we managed to hold on for the remaining minutes. This was very much a game of two halves, with United a different team in the second period. The most important thing today, though, was to get the result - and put behind us last week's disappointment. We can now look forward to the next match, away to Coventry in a fortnight's time, with much more confidence.