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Tottenham’s FA Cup dreams dashed again at Wembley

By Gary Pearson

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 21: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur gives instruction to Kieran Trippier of Tottenham Hotspur during The Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium on April 21, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 21: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur gives instruction to Kieran Trippier of Tottenham Hotspur during The Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium on April 21, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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Ander Herrera drove a dagger into Spurs’ hearts, his 62nd minute goal ending the Lilywhites ultimate goal of winning their first FA Cup since 1991.  

Spurs have lost eight FA Cup semifinals on the trot, so let the inquisition begin. No matter how far the club has progressed in recent years, bowing out at this stage of the cup will be seen as a failure, a massive setback for a club in dire need of silverware.

Too many times the bridesmaid, Spurs must wait another year for an opportunity to claim an elusive trophy.

Tottenham were the most vibrant of the two sides in the opening stages, grabbing their just desserts 11 minutes in from the left boot of Dele Alli. The goal occurred in an instant, from two passes that covered almost the entire length of the pitch.

Davinson Sanchez smashed a 60-metre ball into Christian Eriksen’s path and the Dane obliged by lashing it perfectly across goal for Alli to dart onto at the back post.

Alli, Eriksen and Harry Kane irritated Jose Mourinho by the way they asserted themselves, dominating the Red Devils with their energy, skill, pace and desire. Things changed drastically thereafter, though.

All Spurs’ good work was undone when Mousa Dembele got dispossessed by Paul Pogba in the 23rd minute. The Frenchman put it on a platter for Alexis Sanchez to head home for the leveller. Jesse Lingard found space between Sanchez and Jan Vertonghen minutes later, but his header luckily didn’t trouble Michel Vorm.

Eric Dier hit the post from long range just before halftime, his effort deflecting off Chris Smalling to handcuff David de Gea, who was rooted to the ground.

Eriksen came closest for Spurs in the second half, his effort from distance whipping just wide at the last moment. Otherwise Spurs did little to trouble de Gea’s goal in the second stanza. It’s hard to find a silver lining after tasting defeat in eight straight FA Cup semifinals.

Next: Who could replace Hugo Lloris?

Maybe one will appear in the coming days, but it’s hard to say. Mauricio Pochettino’s team must find a way to regroup quickly, as securing a top-four spot is the only thing that can ever so slightly salvage what has quickly turned into a disappointing season in North London.

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