Tottenham survived a scare against Morecambe, as their senior attacking stars stepped up late in the game to lead the team to a win.
Morecambe seemed like they might pull off an unlikely upset at one stage, as they took the lead at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when Anthony O’Connor easily beat Japhet Tanganga from a corner around the half-hour mark. Spurs failed to take advantage despite having a good share of the chances.
It took some of Antonio Conte’s senior attackers to come into the fore and change the game. Harry Winks, started the comeback with a fine free-kick from a difficult angle. Later, substitute, Lucas Moura robbed Ryan McLaughlin of the possession and ran across half the pitch to round off the keeper and give Tottenham the lead.
Harry Kane then finished off the game with a late goal of his own. Emerson Royal, who had won the ball high up the pitch, fed Giovani Lo Celso and the Argentine squared it for the England captain, who made no mistake this time after missing a point-blank effort earlier.
The win sees Tottenham advance to the fourth round of the FA Cup, where they will be facing Brighton & Hove Albion. Here’s how the Spurs stars fared during their difficult win against Morecambe.
Pierluigi Gollini – 4/10
Yet another terrible performance from the Italian keeper, as his positioning was suspect, while he made no contribution towards organising the backline.
Japhet Tanganga – 3/10
Tanganga’s links with a move away should come as no surprise as he is yet another player consistently underperforming since Conte took over. He was the culprit for Morecambe’s goal and provided no assurance in defence all game.
Joe Rodon – 4/10
He looked rusty, which is expected given how sparingly he has been used this season. Then again, surrendering possession the way he did warrants no excuse, while he also came out second best in most duels on the evening.
Ben Davies – 5/10
Fared slightly better than his defensive partners on the evening. However, Davies was very static in his positioning, and despite defending well throughout, he did not play his natural game and was apprehensive to carry the ball out.
Matt Doherty – 4/10
Doherty offered very little from the right wing-back position and yet again proved he is not suited to Conte’s style. He showed slight improvements later on in the game, but this was another missed opportunity for the Irishman.
Giovani Lo Celso – 3/10
An anonymous performance from the Argentine who probably showed why Conte has been reluctant to select him for even the least important games.
Harry Winks – 6/10
After a terrible first period, he was sloppy and let Morecambe take control of his midfield. However, Winks led the revival with a well-taken goal from a free-kick and showed good composure late o in the game.
Tanguy Ndombele – 2/10
The worst of all Spurs players on the pitch as the Frenchman failed to make anything of the opportunity. Showed immense laziness on the field and was booed off when he walked off the pitch after his substitution.
Ryan Sessegnon – 6/10
One of the few players in the starting XI, who looked determined to make his chance count. Sessegnon tried to make things happen from the left wing-back position but lacked support from those around him.
Dele Alli – 4/10
Conte put Alli in an unusual position as part of the two-pronged attack, and it was no surprise he was ineffective. Ran hard and tried to press the opposition, but he is more effective in an advanced midfield position.
Bryan Gil – 3/10
The Spanish prospect’s lack of physicality was exposed as he was roughed up quite a fair bit by the Morecambe defenders early on. He was ineffective for most parts on the evening.
Substitutes
Harry Kane – 7/10
One can safely say Kane changed the complexion of the game, as the attacking unit was a different animal altogether, once he came on. He got himself a goal late in the game to kill off the contest.
Oliver Skipp – 6/10
His introduction gave Spurs some much-needed control in midfield. The team looked much better with him on the pitch.
Lucas Moura – 8/10
The game-changer on the day for Tottenham as Moura’s introduction turned things around for the Lilywhites. Scored a fantastic goal to give his team the lead and helped them get over the line.
Emerson Royal – 6/10
A late cameo in which he gave a new dimension to Spurs’ attacking play from the right side.
Dane Scarlett – N/A
Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
