Image Credit: talkSPORT
By Lee Clow 4 January 2019 | Emirates FA Cup
Fernando Llorente strikes 3 as Spurs hit 7 past Tranmere at Prenton Park sending them into the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Tranmere for 40 minutes contained Tottenham very well limiting them to half chances. Tottenham, who made 8 changes from the Wolves defeat, lacked creativity in the attacking thirds in the first half. Son Heung-min and Lucas Moura came closest to giving Spurs the lead but both chances were wasted and saved by goalkeeper Davies. After continuous pressure, Spurs finally found a way through and it came from and unlikely source. Serge Aurier making his comeback from injury, playing at right wingback, hit a 25-yard shot that deflected off Emmanuel Monthe before swerving into the top corner gave the North London club the lead just before the break. As the second half kickoff, Spurs started to run riot and show their class with Llorente doubling the lead after turning in Son’s cutback. Aurier then doubled his Tottenham career total by scoring his second and Tottenham’s third of the game. 2 minutes later, Son was on the act after a fine solo run from deep he slotted low into the corner. Two quick fire goals from Llorente (71, 72) completed the Spaniards hattrick, his second hattrick for the club with his last also coming in the FA Cup last year. To the delight of everyone in the ground, Harry Kane was introduced into the game replacing Llorente and it didn’t take him long to add to the score sheet, taking him level with Cliff Jones as Spurs' joint fourth top scorer on 159 goals. Kane’s goal sealed the 7-0 thrashing and sent Tottenham cruising into the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Mauricio Pochettino spoke about how happy he was with his sides performance and also explained the decision to bring on Harry Kane with the score line already 6-0. "I am very pleased… We were very solid, they worked very hard in the first half and of course, we were a little bit lucky to open the scoring. "In the second half we found space and were very clinical in front of goal. Pochettino continued "It was the plan to give Harry Kane 15-20 minutes to play, he always wants to play. It is important too for the fans here and the opponents to enjoy Harry Kane, he's an icon in England and not everyone can have the opportunity to see him. It was important to show some respect to the people who are here, it was very nice for everyone."
Tranmere boss, Micky Mellon, stated how amazing it was for his side to face a high quality Premier League side, but he also reminded that now his team have fully focus on the league. “To play against a team like Tottenham was fantastic for the club but we'll move ahead and it's all about the league now.
What’s next?
Tottenham will be glad they had the chance to rest key stars and give opportunities to more fringe players as their next game is a tough one with Chelsea coming to Wembley for the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on Tuesday. Tranmere on the other hand travel to Cheltenham next Saturday.
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