Three promising takeaways from Tottenham’s FA Cup defeat

Tottenham can take solace from a few promising signs after a wild FA Cup affair that saw Everton advance 5-4 after extra time. 

It was a match that had a bit of everything, obliterating both manager’s meticulously constructed game plans. Open and fraught with individual mistakes, it more closely resembled a Sunday morning kick about than a fifth round FA Cup tie.

While the away side will be devastated by losing in the manner they did, Spurs can take a few positives away from their loss at Goodison.

1. Spurs consistently threatened from set pieces

With every set piece, particularly corners, Tottenham looked dangerous. Davinson Sanchez scored both of his goals from corner kicks, one of which directly from a header and the other from a rebound after Toby Alderweireld’s first knock on.

While it’s true that Spurs benefitted from Everton’s defensive fragility, Jose Mourinho’s men put still executed with crisp precision. It was clear Tottenham were rewarded for their work on the training ground, with multiple runners leaving Everton at sixes and sevens. Sanchez, who bagged a brace, scored twice as many goals tonight as he has since signing with Spurs in 2017-18.

Tottenham have long starved for offensive contribution from their centre backs, so, even though Jose will still find it difficult to sleep tonight, he will enjoy the fact that Davison found the net twice from close range.