Positives from another poor Tottenham Hotspur performance

MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - MARCH 01: Antonio Conte the head coach / manager of Tottenham Hotspur talks to his players during extra time during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Middlesbrough and Tottenham Hotspur at Riverside Stadium on March 1, 2022 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - MARCH 01: Antonio Conte the head coach / manager of Tottenham Hotspur talks to his players during extra time during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Middlesbrough and Tottenham Hotspur at Riverside Stadium on March 1, 2022 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images) /
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Looking for the silver lining in getting harder and harder for Tottenham Hotspur fans as the positives from the latest loss are few and far between. 

In general, I like to be optimistic about things and sometimes a bit too much about Tottenham Hotspur. However, lately, there has not been much to be confident about, and looking for bright spots in a poor campaign is becoming more difficult. So what positives can Spurs take away from the match?

Kane was Kane and Dane got some game

In terms of Harry Kane’s performance, his match against Middlesbrough was not at the level of his play against Manchester City. However, few players contributed and created the way Kane did, looking across the team. Technically, Kane scored, but an offside flag and no VAR meant the goal did not count.

Besides that, Kane grafted hard all over the pitch, clearly the ball defensively and winning nine aerial balls. So Kane worked hard, particularly as the lone striker, but it is hard to call it a bright spot, especially in comparison to his play over the last month overall.

What indeed was good to see was Dane Scarlett, who played the last five minutes of extra time. According to Conte, Scarlett was not gifted these minutes; he had earned them. While it was a desperate move, hopefully, it will be the first of many appearances for Scarlett moving forward.

Well above his age group, Scarlett needs to start getting minutes. Besides, if Spurs will primarily defend anyway, why not do so with some young, energetic legs, ready to run behind the opposition?

Lone Tottenham positive tainted

Ultimately, Scarlett getting some time at the end of the game was the only bright spot. Even then, with most hoping the 17-year-old would play a half, the fact he only played five minutes was kind of disappointing too. Although it is no more disappointing than the rest of the game was or this season is shaping up to be, which will again end without a trophy.

Next. Conte repeating mistakes of managers past. dark