From the archives | Sissoko stings Bees to take us to Wembley, 2021

Moussa Sissoko found the net five times in his 202-game, five-year career at Spurs - the most important arriving against Saturday's opponents Brentford in January, 2021 - a goal that steered us to Wembley.

The powerful midfielder struck early in a one-off Carabao Cup semi-final against a Brentford side on their way to promotion from the Championship.

Moussa guided a header Sergio Reguilon's cross into the top corner for the lead after 12 minutes with Heung-Min Son breaking onto Tanguy Ndombele's pass to secure the 2-0 victory.

The only shame was that his big moment came in front of an empty Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as we continued to play behind closed doors during COVID.

Moussa moved to Watford in 2022 and, aged 35, is back at Vicarage Road after a stint at Nantes in Ligue 1.

2021 | Sissoko all smiles after steering us to Wembley

From tottenhamhotspur.com

Moussa Sissoko knew he was in for a bit of, let’s say, gentle ribbing from his team-mates after scoring his first goal in over a year - but, who cares when you save that goal to send us to a cup final at Wembley?

The French midfielder was all smiles after he opened the scoring in our 2-0 victory over Brentford in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night. Heung-Min Son wrapped up the win and a place in the final on 25 April with the second goal in the second half.

Sonny was also on target the last time Moussa found the net on 7 December, 2019 - Sonny’s goal against Burnley has gone on to win the FIFA Puskas Award and BBC Match of the Day’s Goal of the Season - but you sensed this one meant just as much to a player approaching 200 appearances for the Club.

“My feeling is very happy,” beamed Moussa. “First of all, to win that game, because we knew it was going to be a difficult game against a good side. Secondly, happy because I scored. I think my last goal was against Burnley, so, a long time ago. I’m very happy, very pleased, we’re going to the final, everyone is happy and let’s now go again.

“When I go back into the changing room, they’ll all say something about my goal! But I know they are all happy for me, especially when I score, because they are always playing on that with me. It’s good fun.”

As for the goal, it was classic midfield play from Moussa, who timed his run to perfection between Brentford’s defenders not just to meet Sergio Reguilon’s cross, but to power his header into the top corner.

Moussa added: “I was playing a little higher when we had the ball, and when I’m playing in that position, I know I can go into the box. I saw Sergio on the side, I knew there was space in the box because the (number) eight was dropping, so I went in, it was an amazing delivery and I headed it very well. I’m pleased with my goal.”