Tottenham advance to FA Cup fifth round after Son’s late winner

Key substitutions and tactical changes

Jose Mourinho changed things up after Spurs trailed by a goal. Vertonghen in the 54th minute was withdrawn for Gedson Fernandes, whose energy and attacking nous helped Spurs regain the front foot. That sub was followed by the introduction of Dele Alli, who had the most important role to play in the home side’s equalizing and winning goals.

It was Dele’s passes that set Moura and Son up on a platter to put Spurs through to the fifth round. Fernandes played in an attacking midfield role with Mourinho deciding to go with a back three to up the offensive ante. Some people believe Mourinho’s tactical genius has waned over the years,  but the Portuguese gaffer made the correct personnel and formation changes at exactly the right time to galvanize what had been an otherwise fairly lacklustre performance.

Dele dominated and Gedson also chipped in with some inspirational moments. It was clear Gedson was chomping at the bit to showcase his youthful exuberance. His interplay with Dele late in the second half turned out to be decisive in an entertaining FA Cup replay. Mourinho balanced the starting squad quite well despite being outplayed by the visitors. Dele and Fernandes were Spurs’ trump cards, utilized in precisely the way tournaments of this nature sometimes demand.