And the excitement ratches up another notch.
Until Nacer Chadli adroitly turned in Kyle Walker’s driven cross to make it one each, it would’ve been very tempting to think that this was going to be one of those days. But as has been said so many times now, this team appears to be made of a stronger, different kind of, stuff.
The best form of defence
Despite the attacking formation selected by Pochettino this was in many ways a victory built on the actions of those at the back. Hugo Lloris was beaten by Paloschi’s snap shot after Rangel’s shot had been luckily deflected into his path but he’d already made a superb reflex save from Sigurdsson and he also saved smartly from Paloschi after we’d (eventually) taken the lead. At the other end Rose forced the corner from which Walker created the equaliser and then scored the winner himself.
If at first you don’t succeed..
Whilst never at our fluid best, we had countless efforts on goal. Swansea took a pummeling from beginning to end but never did the decent thing by rolling over and giving up unfortunately.
…wait for a goalkeeping error
So often a mug at White Hart Lane, Flappyhandski in the Welsh team’s goal made excellent saves from Kane, Dier, Eriksen and others before he was finally beaten. As usual he was never far from self destruct mode and it was he who punched the ball to Walker, when under no pressure, for our opener.
Square pegs?
We missed Dembélé, as we always do when he’s absent. He somehow at the same time gives us both an anchor and also provides momentum. Pochettino replaced the Belgian with Eriksen playing alongside Dier with both Son and Lamela ahead of them and behind Kane and an unusually quiet Alli. We didn’t look as balanced as we normally do, selecting Mason with Lamela on the right and Son as sub might’ve been a better decision. Poch may rethink his formation before Wednesday. (He knows best of course, don’t get me wrong).
We’re all in this together
Despite the frustration of falling behind and continually being thwarted by Fabianski the team never gave up and as news of events at Old Trafford filtered through the crowd started to get more and more involved – when the goals were scored the air was ripped asunder as it was again when Mike Jones blew the final whistle following his comedy 5 minutes of second half injury time.
Surely the foxes should be chasing the chicken?
After the first goal the team were back in position within seconds – they show a commitment and an intent that must intimidate other sides. After the second goal Rose was engulfed by his team mates over by the touchline; it had taken some time but they knew they’d broken the back of Swansea. Leicester will be looking over their shoulder nervously.
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