Same old issues get Tottenham ousted from FA Cup

Tottenham Hotspur's French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris looks on during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Bromwich Albion at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on February 7, 2021. (Photo by NEIL HALL / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by NEIL HALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur's French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris looks on during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Bromwich Albion at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on February 7, 2021. (Photo by NEIL HALL / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by NEIL HALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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The return of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Lloris simply has to make the save on Calvert-Lewin’s opener. Sure, it was hit pure, with pace and fervour. However, the ball was hit at a perfect height for Lloris to turn behind the goal, especially as he was only forced to dive slightly to his left.

Lloris’ hands need to be stronger and more assured. Tottenham can ill-afford to concede goals of that nature, especially on the back of a teammate’s giveaway. Lloris had a glorious chance to save Højbjerg’s bacon while, in the process, covering himself in glory. But like so many times before, Lloris bottled it.

While he made a few outstanding saves against a rampant Toffees side, Lloris too often negates wonderful work by committing unnecessary haphazard blunders. He is football’s curious, maddening case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

It will be interesting to see whether Lloris secures his spot as Spurs’ first-choice keeper in seasons to come. Because his inconsistency is certainly hampering Tottenham’s overall progress.