Tottenham overcame Chelsea 1-0 in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinal courtesy of a first-half penalty from Harry Kane. The penalty was awarded after Referee Michael Oliver used the help of VAR to conclude that Kane was actually onside after the England captain was flagged offside by the linesman.
Spurs were much the better team in the first half and opened up Chelsea at will. In the second half, Spurs decided to sit deep and defend their 1-0 lead. Even though Chelsea monopolised possession, the Lillywhites defended resolutely and managed to see Chelsea off.
One player who’s performance gained rave reviews from the Spurs fans was second choice keeper Paulo Gazzaniga. The Argentine who has started ahead of Lloris in all of Tottenham’s Carabao Cup fixtures was absolutely flawless in the match.
Gazzaniga pulled off some great saves in the game and gathered all of Chelsea’s crosses assuredly. He also showed that he is extremely capable with the ball at his feet, as he showed no signs of nerves playing out from the back.
Here’s how some Tottenham fans on social media reacted to the Argentine’s performance:
Yet to see any evidence that Gazzaniga is not a good goalkeeper, based on what he’s done in a Spurs shirt. Come at me with that, “yeah, but he was crap at Southampton” stuff, if you want, but we know Poch improves players – who says he can’t do the same with ‘keepers?
— #CowlinDidGatwick (@bankruptspurs) January 8, 2019
I think the Gazzaniga > Lloris calls are premature, *but* it's lovely to have a viable second keeper since… Lloris was briefly our second keeper?
— Chris Miller (@WindyCOYS) January 8, 2019
This fucking guy pic.twitter.com/dsEnKU3x8W
— The Fighting Cock (@LoveTheShirt) January 8, 2019
Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga with another top performance.
The Argentinian made a goal-saving tackle on the brink of half-time where he had to adjust his feet ever so quickly.
Spurs still unbeaten in every game he has played.#THFC #COYSpic.twitter.com/162hiSXFWk
— Ricky Sacks ? (@RickSpur) January 8, 2019
The Lloris vs Gazzaniga debate is actually starting to become serious and I’m starting to doubt which side of the fence I am on.
— James Harris (@JamesCHarris97) January 8, 2019
Gazzaniga superb again probably MOTM. Lloris doesn’t get that deflected cross and it’s 1–1 ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/FmjWMUmOYD
— TAS?⚪️ (@coys100) January 8, 2019
Back 4 were solid. And btw Gazzaniga is better Lloris. Don't care what anyone says. Feels a lot safer with him
— Trevor Lloyd (@Trevorlloyd92) January 8, 2019
While Lloris will likely still retain his place as Tottenham No.1 being the club captain, there is no doubt that Gazzaniga is now starting to put pressure on the Frenchman. If the Tottenham No.1 makes any more mistakes, you would think Pochettino would be tempted to start Gazzaniga over him.