Slang

When a lower league or underdog team knocks out a much bigger club, usually in a cup competition, particularly synonymous with the FA Cup. The smaller team has nothing to lose, give absolutely everything for 90 minutes, and the favourites often look like they can't be bothered. Home advantage at a tight, hostile ground helps too.

Used to describe Tottenham Hotspur's tendency to collapse. If a team is in a strong position and finds a way to throw it away, that would be Spursy. Things like bottling a title race, a late defensive error, or a general inability to get over the line in big moments. Other clubs choke too, but Spurs somehow made it part of their identity.

A player who's completely focused and performing at their peak. When someone's locked in, they're not making mistakes, they're dominant, and they're unplayable. Internet term that's become common in football commentary. The opposite of a player who's distracted or going through the motions.

Scoring two goals in one game. The word comes from hunting, where a brace meant a pair of birds. Less celebrated than a hat-trick but still a strong individual performance. Standard term in commentary and journalism - "Kane scored a brace" is shorter than "Kane scored two."

Mocking term for putting crosses in with no plan and hoping something happens. "Inshallah" means "God willing" in Arabic - you're basically praying the ball falls kindly. Used to criticize teams that just launch crosses at the box when they can't break down a defence, especially if they don't have anyone good in the air to aim at.