Tottenham Hotspur Up to Task at Stoke in Carabao Cup

Stoke Fights, Spurs Respond in Second Half

In the perfect world from the Stoke perspective they would have played Spurs to a 0-0 draw and given themselves a chance in a shootout. After falling behind the change to the plan was to earn a 1-1 draw and win in a shootout. Stoke certainly did what they could to fight their way back into the match, but ultimately, Tottenham were too much for the Potters on the night.

The second half started with unanswered questions for Tottenham as Gareth Bale was replaced by Heung-Min Son. Whether this was tactical, part of the plan, or the kick to the sole of his foot just four minutes into the match hurt Bale more than we know, we do not know.

Son did not have a major impact on the match, but the game did sort of shift a bit. After Dele missed a high volley in the box off a nice Kane pass, Spurs seemed to being looking for a call. Dele, Moura, and Doherty all went down a bit easier than they should have and all were looking at the referee for whistles that never came.

As Tottenham again went down the referee rabbit hole, Stoke pushed back after a quiet first half. After a brief spell of possession, Stoke scored as if it they had just been waiting to do it the whole time. The move only took a few passes as Spurs lost possession and everyone on defense was out of position.

Same Goal Different Team

Dier was up the field, so Sanchez had to rotate over. Davies was not close enough to apply pressure as Jacob Brown was able to get a pass across the face of the goal. Lloris maybe could have stepped up and cut the cross or punch it out. Instead, he did the worst thing a keeper can do, he backed up as he turned and followed the cross.

At the far post Jordan Thompson collected and beat Lloris to his near side as Doherty was trying to get back into position. It was far too easy of a goal for Stoke out of almost nothing in open play. When Spurs watch that back next to the own goal against Leicester, it was many of the same mistakes by some of the same and some different players here. Regardless, we cannot allow easy crosses and need to work to maintain the formation.

Spurs Counter Stoke’s Punch

It was at this moment, back on level terms with just over 30 minutes left in the match where things were either going to go up or down for Tottenham. Fortunately, for Spurs fans, the team responded well to the adversity of being level. Tottenham were again on the front foot following the goal but could not get it all to connect. At 66 minutes, Mourinho made his final two changes, which ultimately turned the game completely in Spurs favor.

Erik Lamela came on for his first appearance since November 1 for Spurs, replacing Dele Alli and Moussa Sissoko came on for Lucas Moura. Lamela came on to do Erik Lamela things, forcing the issue at every opportunity, both on and off the ball. Sissoko would have a big moment himself, but not before Ben Davies did something special.

Ben Davies was able to collect a loose ball in space about 30 yards out from goal. Davies took a touch and seemed to have no other intent in mind as he unleashed a low drive that skidded between defenders, past Lonergan and off the far post into the back of the net. It was a wonderful strike from Davies and came because of the ongoing pressure from Spurs.

Spurs Finish the Job

That pressure led to one more goal, as Tottenham looked to seal the win. Moussa Sissoko stepped in on an up-field pass making a nice interception. From there, Moussa rolled the ball forward to Harry Kane who knew exactly what to do with it. Kane went for power over placement and he blasted the ball through Lonergan’s outstretched right arm and into the upper 90 of the goal, for the 1-3 Spurs lead.

Stoke would push late, but Steven Fletcher could not find the target with an open header at the back post and Lloris had one other easy save to make. Many were wondering how Tottenham would respond after a tough run. While Wolverhampton is still ahead in league to get back on track fully, the mostly dominant victory at Stoke on Wednesday tells us Spurs are ready for the challenges before them. It was a nice professional win in the end for José Mourinho and company, exactly what the team needed.