HUGHTON EYES HAT-TRICK

TOTTENHAM legend Chris Hughton will be inspired by a dream day in 1983 when he bids to mastermind victory over under-pressure Arsenal.

The Brighton boss (right), who spent 27 years at White Hart Lane as both player and coach, admits he is still a Spurs fan at heart.

So happy memories of an Easter Monday 5-0 victory over the old enemy 35 years ago will flood back ahead of today’s Premier League clash. “I’ve had some good moments against Arsenal,” he said. “I remember scoring two goals against them in one game – which for a full-back was a real achievement.

“That would be right up there as it was a big win.”

Tottenham’s victory in 1983 remains their biggest over the Gunners and came in a season when they finished fourth in the top flight, 11 points above Arsenal in 10th.

But it’s not only that night that gives Hughton, who scored his goals inside 18 first-half minutes, belief he can do it again. “I’ve also had some good memories as a manager against Arsenal,” he said. “At Newcastle we beat them 1-0 at the Emirates – and at Norwich we beat them at Carrow Road.”

But Hughton insists targeting a Gunners hat-trick has nothing to do with Spurs loyalties, saying: “Any success against the big clubs is a success because it doesn’t happen so often.”