Depth the Difference for Tottenham Over Wycombe in FA Cup

Tottenham Dominated the Second half

Tottenham Hotspur started the half by moving Moussa Sissoko to right fullback, taking off Japhet Tanganga and bringing on Pierre Højbjerg. This move did two things for Tottenham that changed the game.

First, Højbjerg provided more protection for the defense as Spurs did not conceded a shot in the second half. Second, the addition of Højbjerg gave Winks more freedom around the pitch to impact play in different areas. The Højbjerg and Harry Winks partnership was excellent as both looked to get on the ball and move it quickly around the park.

José Mourinho took no chances as the game progressed

Tottenham increased the pressure just before the hour mark bringing on Harry Kane for Carlos Vinicius. Vinicius was okay on the evening but he is not Harry Kane. A few minutes later, Heung-Min Son and Tanguy Ndombele were on and Tottenham had their starting attacking three on the pitch along with Gareth Bale.

In the last 25 minutes after Son and Ndombele were introduced the game really was a total domination. Spurs got 12 of their 28 shots off during those last 25 minutes and six of their eight shots on target came during that time too. With over 75% of the possession and over 82% passing over that last 25 minutes, Tottenham were not going to be denied.

An intelligent goal from Harry Winks noting the keeper off his line broke the dam. That goal came off a wonderful pass from Ndombele to Kane, with Allsop making the first save and then the defense clearing Kane’s subsequent cross. Unfortunately for Wycombe the clearance went right to Winks.

Winks’ left-footed curler past the outstretched arms of Allsop was just what the doctor needed. On the ensuing kickoff as Wycombe raced down the field, Pierre Højbjerg intercepted the under-hit pass and played it forward quickly to Son. The South Korean attacked and after Kane flashed and Son cut in, Tanguy Ndombele was wide open in the box.

Ndombele hit a perfect side-footed shot past Allsop into the net for the 1-3 Spurs lead effectively ending the game. Given the stars were on the pitch now for Tottenham, they kept going for it. Ndombele dribbled in from the left flank and then played a one-two combination with Højbjerg to get into the box. Ndombele then used some wonderful footwork to freeze the defense and open an angle for Spurs fourth.

The final score was probably a bit harsh on Wycombe given the first half. But then again, Bale hits the target and the post is more kind and Spurs have four by the break, so it was probably the right number in the end. For Wycombe they now can focus on staying in the Championship while Tottenham can continue to battle on four fronts, advancing to play at Everton in the Fifth Round of the FA Cup.