Tottenham Hotspur recorded yet another domestic win this evening under the lights in North London, beating Burnley 1-0 in a tightly-contested encounter.
Let’s take a look at the five things we learned:
Into the fourth round
The most important thing – Tottenham are into the fourth round of the FA Cup. With so many absentees at the minute, grinding out results is the name of the game and the lads did that tonight.
Taking the FA Cup seriously
Over the years, Spurs have often been guilty of not taking the cup competitions seriously, such is the pressure of finishing in the top four. Tonight, it would have been unforgivable not to name a strong XI seeing as the fixture list is so kind in January. But, you get a sense that Postecoglou is going to take this competition very seriously indeed, which is exciting for Tottenham fans everywhere!
Pedro Porro – A big-moment player
Pedro Porro is quickly becoming a big moment player for Tottenham Hotspur. Not only is he remarkably consistent with his performances, but he also isn’t afraid of standing up and taking a risk to become the difference-maker. That game had 0-0 or a 1-0 Burnley win written all over it until he smashed his shot into the top corner. And he has come up with vital goals and assists so regularly this season – beyond James Maddison, he might be Tottenham’s best creative spark.
Returning players
We saw plenty of familiar faces back in the squad tonight, most notably Micky Van de Ven. Not quite fit enough to start, but he took his place on the bench and will surely be fighting for a place in the XI for the Man United game. It was also great to see Ryan Sessegnon back on the pitch after 11 months out, as well as Dane Scarlett back from loan. The squad is getting deeper by the week now!
Royal and Davies
We have to take a moment to commend Ben Davies and Emerson Royal once more. A left-back with centre-back experience in a back three, and a right-back with very little centre-back experience at all. Yet they managed to earn a clean sheet against Premier League opposition tonight, while standing out as two of the best players on the pitch. Wherever Spurs finish come the end of the season, their efforts should not be forgotten.
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