Spurs 2-1 Southampton: (match report)

Mauricio Pochettino’s spurs side ensured that they’ll go into the two week international break on a high, as the Lillywhites recorded an important 2-1 victory over Southampton on Sunday afternoon. An attacking first half performance saw Spurs go 2-0 up at half time, however the visitors fought back in the second half, getting a goal back early on, but Spurs done enough to see off the south coast club and record precious victory.

A good chance presented itself inside four minutes, when Christian Eriksen slipped through a delightful pass to Son, who surging forward down the right wing forced Forster into making a fine stop, as the tall England goalkeeper spread himself well to thwart Son’s effort. Spurs’ attacking intensity was rewarded 10 minutes later, when Dembele passed the ball to Eriksen, the midfielder unleashed a powerful low effort from 20 yards out, that flew into the far corner of the net, 1-0 to Spurs. Spurs came close again on 23 minutes, when Toby Alderweireld got on the end of Eriksen’s corner, the defender met the ball at the near post, forcing a wonderful save out of Forster. The saints came close to equalising on two occasions on the stroke of the half hour mark, firstly through Manolo Gabbiadini’s effort from Tadic’s resulting cross. The Italians well timed run resulting in a fine volleyed effort which smashed against the side netting. Then, moments later Nathan Redmond played the ball across to Tadic inside the area, his effort from close range blazed over Lloris’ crossbar, it should have been 1-1! Spurs turned on the pressure in the following minutes and Spurs midfielder Dele Alli was brought down unlawfully by Steven Davis inside the penalty area, with Andre Marriner immediately pointing to the spot, Alli’s resulting spot kick was despatched cooly past Forster and into the back of the net, 2-0 to Spurs!

Spurs continued to pressurise Claude Puels’ side, with Christian Eriksen flashing an effort narrowly wide of the post on 41 minutes, Spurs lead comfortably at the break. Seven minutes into the second half, the Saints pulled a goal back through James Ward-Prowse, Bertand’s whipped cross was miss kicked by Alderweireld as the ball came to the young midfielder, as he drilled the ball home past Lloris’ inside post. The visitors made sure a long second half would follow for Spurs, Pochettino’s side lacked the intensity and shape that they had exhibited in the first half, but still they done enough to ensure a vital three points for the Lillywhites, at the Lane. In what was a fairly dull second half, the final score Spurs 2-1 Southampton. COYS

Additional notes: It was a tale of two halves today, Spurs were superb throughout the first period but the saints fought back and made the second half difficult for Spurs. Christian Eriksen had a really good game today, he was constantly on the move, creating various opportunities throughout the game, the Dane also scored an excellent goal in the first half. My man of the match Toby Alderweireld, was superb at the back along with his compatriot Jan Vertonghen. 20 year old Dele Alli had yet another tremendous game, his silky skills and hard work off the ball were equally impressive, he also showed great confidence to take and score his penalty, his 14th league goal of the season. Also a special mention to Vincent Janssen, who had a really good cameo when coming on in the second half. The Dutchman done his job very well, he demonstrated great hold up play and was unlucky not to get on the score sheet.

My man of the match: Toby Alderweireld. Apart from his slight error that lead to the Southampton’s goal, the Belgian centre half was defensively impeccable, he marshalled the defence so well, and his anticipation of danger from the opposition, was top draw.

Spurs (3-4-2-1): Lloris (c), Dier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Walker (Trippier 78), Wanyama, Dembele, Davies, Dele (Janssen 86), Eriksen, Son (Winks 75). Substitutes (not used): Vorm, Wimmer, Onomah, Sissoko.

Saints (4-2-3-1): Forster, Cédric, Stephens, Yoshida, Bertrand, Romeu, Davis (c), Ward-Prowse, Tadić (Boufal 69), Redmond (Rodriguez 80), Gabbiadini (Long 32). Substitutes (not used): Hassen, Caceres, Hojbjerg, McQueen.

Goals: Spurs – Eriksen 14, Dele 33 (pen); Saints – Ward-Prowse 52.

Yellow cards: Spurs – Dier, Walker, Wanyama; Saints – Redmond, Boufal, Romeu.

Referee: Andre Marriner.

Attendance: 31,697.

Spurs 6-0 Millwall: (match report)

“We were very focused from the first moment and that was our plan. The job is done and we’re in the semi-final at Wembley.”

Spurs have booked their place in to the semi finals of the FA cup, after Mauricio Pochettino’s side eased past league one outfit Millwall, to record a 6-0 victory in what was their last ever cup game at White Hart Lane. The gulf in class between the two sides was evident from the offing, after a bright early spell Spurs took control the game, but Spurs’ were dealt a huge blow when talisman Harry Kane limped off injured after just seven minutes. It took Spurs 31 minutes to find the breakthrough, they were just lacking that vital spark, which duly arrived just past the half hour mark, when Dele Alli nodded the ball into the path of Christian Eriksen. Who from just inside the box, fired a powerful effort at goal which flew into the far corner of the net, 1-0 to Spurs. Spurs’ class was beginning to shine through, and just moments later the Lillywhites almost doubled their lead, when Victory Wanyama headed Erisken’s corner onto the crossbar. Pochettino’s side were beginning to run the lions ragged and minutes before the interval, the Lillywhites doubled their advantage through Son Heung-Min. The winger cut inside his man from the right with aplomb, before curling a wonderful effort into the top corner of the net, a strike to saviour!

The second half was only nine minutes old when Spurs struck again through Son, Spurs were dominating every aspect of the game as they went from strength to strength. Right back Kieran Trippier sent over a delightful lofted 40 yard pass to Son, and the South Korean timed his effort to perfection, thumping it past King and into the back of the net, cheers of ‘Tottenham are on their way to Wembley’ were being heard across the terraces. Spurs’ attacking superiority had deflated Millwall and our third of the game effectively ended the contest, we dictated the tempo of the game and played at which ever pace suited us. Eriksen again proved to be the creative spark, when his cross was met in the box boy by Dele Alli on 72 minutes, the England midfielder making no mistake as he hammered home Spurs’ fourth of the game. Pochettino’s side were making sure their last ever cup tie at the Lane was one to remember, with their goal scoring rout continuing seven minutes later. It was a moment to remember for the newly introduced Vincent Janssen, as he netted his first goal from open play this season, Son’s low cross was hit first time by Janssen as it nestled into bottom corner of the net. Deep into stoppage time of the second half Son got his rewards for an excellent display, as he netted his hat-trick to put Spurs 6-0 up. After Eriksen found the forward at the far post with a perfectly weighted cross, Son met Eriksen’s cross with a fine volley, as it squirmed under the legs of the unfortunate King, to put the icing on the cake, on a day to remember at the Lane. Into the semifinals Spurs go!⚽️

Additional notes: Mauricio Pochettino’s side eased past Millwall with an assured display, giving the Spurs fans an FA cup semi-final to look forward to. Son Heung-Min was the star of the show with his hat-trick and assist, but the player who was at the source of spurs’ creativity was Christian Eriksen. When coming on for the injured Harry Kane, Eriksen provided a real spark to Spurs’ game, his vision and creativity enabling Spurs’ to go on a goal scoring rout. Eriksen recorded one goal and two assists. The performances of Harry Winks and Ben Davies were also extremely impressive, Winks controlled the midfield with a series of delightfully accurate passes, whilst Davies celebrated signing his new contract in midweek, with a vintage performance at left back. We return to action next Sunday, when we host Southampton in a vital league match at the Lane.

My man of the match: Hat trick hero, Son Heung-min. The South Korean winger put in a brilliant performance he simply overwhelmed the Millwall defence with his trickery and pace, Son netted 3 goals and set up Janssen’s goal.

Spurs (3-4-2-1): Vorm, Dier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Trippier, Winks, Wanyama (Sissoko 78), Davies, Dele (Janssen 74), Son, Kane (c, Eriksen 10). Substitutes (not used): Lloris, Walker, Wimmer, Onomah.

Millwall (4-4-2): King, Cummings, Cooper, Webster, Craig (c), O’Brien, Thompson (Butcher 46), Williams, Wallace (Ferguson 70), Gregory, Morison (Onyedinma 58). Substitutes (not used): Girling, Hutchinson, Worrall, Romeo.

Goals: Spurs – Eriksen 31, Son 41, 54, 90+2, Dele 72, Janssen 79.

Yellow card: Millwall – Wallace.

Referee: Martin Atkinson.

Attendance: 31,137.

Spurs 4-0 Stoke: (match report)

Spurs put the disappointments of Thursday night behind them, as they thumped Stoke city 4-0 at the Lane earlier today, in what was a game of real quality from the Lillywhites. Pochettino’s side showed great intensity throughout and their control of the game paid off, as Spurs put in a vintage performance. After asserting their authority on the game Spurs attacked with a great degree of intent, and on 14 minutes the Lillywhites took the lead through their talisman, Harry Kane. Alli’s attempted through ball was intercepted by Shawcrosss, with the ball coming out to Kane on the edge of the box and Kane fired the ball low into the far corner of the net, a fine finish. After taking the lead Spurs looked as if they were in cruise control, playing with a panache about their game. However, 10 minutes after taking the lead, Hugo Lloris was forced into making a stunning save. After a cross was whipped in to the box, former Spurs man Peter Crouch got his foot to it, and although he he was offside, the linesman didn’t flag and Lloris was forced into making a world class save with his legs. Moments later Spurs almost doubled their advantage, after Jan Vertonghen’s effort from 12 yards cannoned off of the crossbar. Shortly afterwards Kane curled a delicious long range effort inches wide of Grant’s right post. Spurs continued their attacking onslaught and after Kyle Walker tested Grant with a ferocious strike, Spurs eventually doubled their lead just after the half hour mark through none other than Harry Kane.

Eriksen picked out Kane from the resulting corner and the striker met the ball first time on the edge of the box, as he struck a sweet effort which nestled low into the far corner of the net, 2-0 to Spurs. Spurs’ attacking superiority was tearing the potters to shreds and just five minutes later Harry Kane again exposed Stokes vulnerabilities, as he got his hat-trick to put Spurs 3 up. With a free kick from 30 yards out Christian Eriksen laid the ball off to Kane whose low first time effort took a heavy deflection off Peter Crouch, before beating the helpless Lee Grant as it rolled in to the back of the net. Spurs’ high tempo didn’t stop and just before the end of the first period, Dele Alli sent the Lane into a scene of jubilation with Spurs’ fourth of the game. Kane was again at the centre of attention as he powerfully surged down the right wing, before sending a low cross into the path of Alli who tapped home at the far post, his red card in midweek long forgotten. Spurs started the second half just as they had done in the first, but Pochettino’s side were rocked by an injury to Toby Alderweireld just a few minutes in, Spurs reverted to four at the back, and in doing so their style of play was altered.

Spurs’ intensity never wavered however, they didn’t look as dangerous going forward in the second period, for Stoke it was a case of damaged limitations. Kane went close to getting his fourth of the game on 74 minutes, after the England international curled a low effort from the edge of the box, but Grant was alert to the danger as he got down to make a fine save. Spurs saw out the remaining minutes with ease, the final score Spurs 4-0 Stoke, the perfect response from Mauricio Pochettino’s side, a stunning performance sees the lads return to second in the table. COYS

Additional note: After todays game finished I noticed that Josh Onomah, Cameron Carter-Vickers and most interestingly of all Marcus Edwards were all training on the pitch it just shows how close Edwards is to the main team.

My man of the match: The outstanding Harry Kane! With three goals and an assist Kane’s influence on the game was immense, he is now the premier leagues joint top scorer with 17 goals.

Player reviews:
– Hugo Lloris: Made an exceptional save in the first half, but apart from that he had a quiet afternoon.
– Kyle Walker: Monumental at right back, a faultless performance from the England international.
– Toby Alderweireld: Prior to coming off injured in the second half, Alderweireld was immense his anticipation was incredible.
– Jan Vertonghen: Very tidy and composed, also an attacking threat.
– Kevin Wimmer: Very comfortable when coming on.
– Ben Davies: Solid throughout.
– Victor Wanyama: Indestructible in the centre of the park.
– Mousa Dembele: A vintage performance from the Belgian, dazzling in the centre of the park, the Stoke midfield stood no chance.
– Harry Winks: Done a good job when coming on, mopped up well and showed really good vision.
– Christian Eriksen: Present throughout the whole game, contributing with two assists.
– Dele Alli: potent throughout his trickery and movement was top draw and he was deserving of his goal.
– Harry Kane: A hat-trick and an assist, a truly magnificent performance!
– Son: N/A (On for such little time).
Spurs (3-4-2-1): Lloris (c), Dier, Alderweireld (Wimmer 49), Vertonghen (Winks 66), Walker, Dembele, Wanyama, Davies, Eriksen, Dele, Kane (Son 86). Substitutes (not used): Vorm, Trippier, Sissoko, Janssen.

Stoke (4-2-3-1): Grant, Bardsley, Shawcross (c), Martins Indi, Pieters, Whelan (Cameron 82), Adam (Afellay 60), Arnautovic, Allen, Sobhi, Crouch (Berahino 60). Substitutes (not used): Given, Muniesa, Diouf, Imbula.

Goals: Spurs – Kane 14, 32, 37, Dele 45.

Yellow cards: Spurs – Wimmer, Wanyama; Stoke – Whelan, Adams, Arnautovic.

Referee: Jonathan Moss.

Attendance: 31,864.

Spurs 3-0 Fulham: (match report)

“We needed that win. It’s been a tough week, not the best and we wanted to come here, get the win and progress to the next round. It was a good performance. I thought we were solid all around the pitch and deserved to win.” (Harry Kane)

Spurs go marching in to the quarter finals of the FA cup, after Mauricio Pochettino’s side recorded a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Fulham on Sunday afternoon. Spurs shone at a sunlit Craven cottage, winning the game in style and after two straight defeats it was a relief to see a vintage Tottenham Hotspur performance. Harry Kane has a phenomenal goalscoring record against London clubs and his hat trick today, takes his tally to 19 for the season, and it was incredibly refreshing to see Pochettino field such a strong Tottenham lineup. Spurs begun the game with a confidence about their play, their fast attacking play soon having Fulham on the back foot. After Eriksen went close early on, Spurs were relentless and their intensity was rewarded 16 minutes into the game, when Eriksen sent a beautiful low cross in to the box, which Kane tapped home to give Spurs the early lead they had so desperately craved. Ten minutes later Eriksen almost turned scorer when Kane played him through in the box but Eriksen’s effort went high above the crossbar. Spurs flourished and they passed the ball around the field with ease, after Harry Winks had a goal ruled offside Spurs saw the half out with relative ease, with few meaningful attacks from the home side. Our style of play didn’t change in the second half and just six minutes in to the second period, Harry Kane grabbed his second of the game to double Spurs’ advantage. Eriksen was again the provider, the Dane picking out Kane with an excellent cross, and Kane made no mistake as he skilfully tapped the ball home, a perfect strikers finish. Moments later Dele Alli almost got our third, Eriksen so close to getting a hat-trick of assists as his precise cross was met by Alli at the far post. However, Alli was put off by the foot of Odoi, as he headed the ball over the crossbar.

Fulham threatened us with a header from Kevin McDonald on 71 minutes, but our classy performance toppled the championship side after Kane got his hat-trick on 73 minutes to send Spurs into the quarterfinals of this most famous competition. Alli sent Kane racing through on goal after putting in a well measured pass, and Kane made no mistake as he fired the ball home to cap off a memorable afternoon on the banks of the river Thames. The final score Spurs 3-0 Fulham, a delightful result for Spurs as we go into the quarter finals with aplomb. Where we will meet fellow London side Millwall, in what will be our last ever cup match at the Lane. It’s a fantastic draw for Pochettino’s side and we’ll really fancy our chances against the league one club.

Player review:
– Michel Vorm: Had a quiet game making a few comfortable saves.
– Kieran Trippier: Filling in for Walker at right back, Trippier had a good game. Especially impressive going forward and was influential in the creation of the first goal.
– Toby Alderweireld: So calm and composed, a defensive performance to saviour.
– Jan Vertonghen: Returned from injury in style, bossing the defence.
– Ben Davies: A comfortable defensive performance from the Welsh left back.
– Victor Wanyama: A powerhouse in the centre of the park, overwhelmed the Fulham midfield.
– Harry Winks: Winks’ best performance in a Spurs shirt, Winks controlled the midfield his passing and movement absolutely top draw.
– Christian Eriksen: Vintage Christian Eriksen display, probably the most influential player on the pitch.
– Dele Alli: Consistent and effective, full of trickery. Also provided the assist for Kane’s third.
– Son: Played well on the wing, made some good contributions to the attack.
– Harry Kane: His hat-trick says it all.

My man of the match: Hat trick hero Harry Kane.

Fulham (4-3-3): Bettinelli; Odoi, Ream, Kalas, Malone; Cairney (c), Johansen, McDonald (Parker 74); Aluko (Cyriac 66), Ayite (Sessegnon 57), Kebano. Substitutes (not used): Button, Madl, Piazon, Martin.

Spurs (4-2-3-1): Vorm; Trippier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Davies; Wanyama, Winks (Dembele 79), Eriksen, Dele (Onomah 86), Son; Kane (c, Sissoko 75). Substitutes (not used): Pau Lopez, Carter-Vickers, Wimmer, Janssen.

Goals: Spurs – Kane 16, 51, 73.

Referee: Robert Madley.