Image Credit: ClubCall.com
By Lee Clow
19 December 2018 | Carabao Cup
Tottenham booked their place into the semifinals of the Carabao Cup after overcoming their greatest rivals, Arsenal, at the Emirates.
Goals from Son Heung-min and Dele Alli allowed Spurs to avenge their 4-2 league defeat to Arsenal only 18 days ago and book their place into a semifinal meeting with Chelsea. Arsenal started as they started in the league fixture, causing Tottenham problems and creating a few chances, however it was Spurs who broke the deadlock. Son fired Tottenham into the lead within 20 minutes after latching onto Alli’s pin point pass over the top of the Arsenal defense. Despite going one down, Arsenal continued to threaten the oppositions goal as the half moved on and the score line could’ve been different if it wasn’t for excellent goalkeeping by Tottenham’s cup goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga. Spurs themselves could’ve had a second after a great counter attacking move led to a disappointing strike from Sissoko. However, Tottenham were not made to pay as in the second half Spurs found their second goal. Immediately after being introduced into the match, Harry Kane beautifully controlled a clearance from Gazzaniga before turning and releasing Alli through on goal, who marvelously chipped it over keeper Petr Cech using the outside of his boot. Shortly after the goal Alli was struck by a water bottle from the crowd. This victory for Spurs was only their second win at the Emirates Stadium with their last coming in 3-2 victory back in 2010. Arsenal slipped to back to back defeats for the first time since August.
Mauricio Pochettino was in very high praise for his sides performance, but he believes the semifinal draw against Chelsea will be very difficult. "I am very pleased to qualify, that's the most important thing.” "It is a very difficult draw, another London derby. We have already played Watford, West Ham and Arsenal.”
Dele Alli spoke about the incident involving the bottle being thrown at him. "It is what it is. It made the goal even sweeter, and the win. We knew how important it was - a big test. It was a strong performance in the end."
What’s Next?
After back to back defeats, Unai Emery will be looking to get his side back to winning ways in the next match against Burnley on Saturday. Spurs also kick off on Saturday as they play Everton in the late game.
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