Tottenham Need to Bounce Back Quickly after Shock FA Cup Exit
by guest writer

Tottenham may be looking at a potential place in the 2015 League Cup final if they see off Sheffield United in the second leg at Bramall Lane on Wednesday, but they cannot dream of a semi-final berth in the FA Cup this season after being knocked out at the fourth round by Leicester City. Spurs looked like heading for a fifth round draw when they were leading 1-0 with 10 minutes of normal time remaining. However, Leicester produced an amazing comeback win the tie 2-1. Tottenham remain third favourites for the 2015 League Cup in the eyes of Betfair, who offer odds of 12/5 for the North London team to lift the title.

Spurs last lifted this trophy in 2008 when they beat Chelsea in a famous final. However, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino will be aware that his team needs to improve a lot especially in terms of consistency if they are to be successful this campaign. Spurs have gone on runs when they have looked unbeatable, but they have equally struggled for an extended period of time. Just when they managed three victories on the bounce, Spurs will once again need to find the winning formula.

Andros Townsend’s penalty in the 19th minute looked like being enough for Tottenham in front of their own supporters. White Hart Lane, though, was left stunned at the end of 90 minutes.

Leicester had shown amazing grit against top opposition like Arsenal and Manchester United earlier in the season. They showed that they have lost none of it with the equaliser coming in the 83rd minute through one of their best players this season, Leonardo Ulloa. Amazingly, they were in front with just minutes remaining on the clock through Schlupp. Dutch goalkeeper Michel Vorm had made some great saves during the match, but his one big error ended up costing Tottenham a place in the FA Cup fifth round.

Pochettino felt aggrieved that Spurs lost the match from the only two errors that they committed throughout the 90 minutes, but Leicester City will see this as a deserved win. The relegation threatened outfit had numerous chances – even before Tottenham scored – and this would have worried Pochettino the most. Leicester are struggling at the foot of the Premier League table whereas Tottenham are just three points below a top four place.

This defeat also shows the height of inconsistency that Spurs fans have had to live with this season. There have been some impressive victories like the 5-3 win over Chelsea at White Hart Lane, but there have been some equally bad results like the thrashing at the hands of Manchester City and Chelsea away from home. This is something that Spurs will have to iron out if they are to take advantage of Manchester United and Liverpool falling from their grace.

The League Cup may not have the pedigree or the history of the FA Cup, but success in this competition could go a long way into helping the supporters overcome this disappointment. Further, Spurs need to bounce back very quickly since matches against Arsenal and Liverpool are just around the corner. A trip to the Hawthorns to face West Brom also is not expected to be easy with the baggies resurgent under the management of Tony Pulis. And with the Europa League resuming with a knockout match against Fiorentina in the middle of February, the next five matches could go a long way into determining the season for Spurs.

Betfair places the North London outfit at 7/10 to get a victory against Sheffield United on Wednesday. Even a draw would be sufficient for Spurs and they are backed at 12/5 for a stalemate at one of the difficult grounds to visit in England – Bramall Lane.

Pochettino does not seem to be hugely interested in signing big-name players, as the former Southampton boss says that he would focus more on promoting youngsters from the academy. After having big success in recent years with the likes of Danny Rose and Harry Kane, it is not surprising to see the club put more faith in its youngsters. This could subsequently result in exits for fringe players like Paulinho.

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