Brentford semifinal offers Tottenham more than a cup final berth

Tottenham’s home Carabao Cup semifinal against Brentford represents more than a chance to qualify for their first domestic cup final in five years. 

The result on Tuesday is what matters the most. There is no doubt about the importance of Tottenham getting over the line against the Championship side. But that is not all that matters on when Spurs take the field.

While insignificant in comparison to the result, it also matters how Jose Mourinho’s men acquit themselves. They have a chance to make an irrefutable statement against a team 19 places below them in domestic league standings.

Tuesday represents an opportunity at home for Tottenham to play an enterprising brand of football in which they dominate proceedings in every facet. It’s vital for Spurs to hold possession and show they can dictate play as they please against, on paper anyway, an inferior side.

Along with being confident on the ball, it would be additionally comforting to see the home side press forward and hem Brentford into their own half. Mourinho, with what’s riding on the match, will of course play the strongest 11 at his disposal. That won’t include Giovanni Lo Celso or Gareth Bale, both of whom are nursing injuries.

Even without those attacking assets Tottenham should have more than enough to trouble a Brentford side who have conceded the most of the Championship’s top four sides.

Spurs’ over reliance on Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min has been well documented. The dynamic duo have combined for 22 of Tottenham’s 29 Premier League goals. Jose discussed the importance of secondary scoring in his post-game comments after the win over Leeds. Steven Bergwijn, who Jose says is suffering from some minor physical ailments, is one of the players Spurs need to contribute more offensively.  Bergwijn’s semi-final contribution to the side is still uncertain after Jose placed some doubt on the Dutchman’s fitness.

Carlos Vinicius, who came on for Kane with only three minutes to play against Leeds, could see some action on Tuesday. While I’m all for Kane and Son to continue their remarkable goal-scoring form, it would be satisfying to see a member from the supporting cast score in Tuesday’s semifinal.

No supporter, as long as Spurs get past Brentford, will complain about the performance. But seeing a match in which Spurs dominate the ball, press forward and get goals from the supporting cast would certainly enhance post-match celebrations.