Three harsh reality checks for Tottenham in 2-0 semifinal loss

2. Frightening lack of depth

You can only paper over the cracks for so long. Nine of 11 Tottenham starters were players cemented in Conte’s preferred first team. And while there’s no defending the substandard level of the nine first team regulars, Tottenham’s two fringe players didn’t do nearly enough to repay their manager’s faith in them.

Matt Doherty, who played out of position on the left, was as ineffective as a white crayon on paper. In his defence, Doherty was forced into an unnatural, uncomfortable role. But he didn’t offer anything going forward, nor was he particularly sound defensively. His left foot is about as useful as a peg leg, an unforgivable flaw for a professional footballer.

Tanganga probably didn’t sleep well last night. He’s a youngster who was clearly out of his depth. But he is young and will learn from the tough experience. People of his strong character, resilience, moral fibre and determination usually learn the most from nightmarish situations. As the wound is so raw, that won’t console him in the immediacy. But he’s got a bright future ahead, and everyone can take solace in that.