Evening Standard
·19 de diciembre de 2024
Evening Standard
·19 de diciembre de 2024
Spurs goalkeeper situation to become a major talking point after two howlers in Carabao Cup quarter-final thriller
Tottenham progressed through to the Carabao Cup semi-finals after a chaotic 4-3 win over Manchester United, involving mistakes from both goalkeepers.
Ange Postecoglou's side cruised into a 3-0 lead inside the hour through Dominic Solanke’s well-taken double, either side of Dejan Kulusevski’s strike, but two clangers from Fraser Forster gave United hope.
Joshua Zirkzee pulled one back from close range after Bruno Fernandes intercepted the goalkeeper’s pass before Forster’s kick was charged down by Amad Diallo for 3-2.
But remarkably, Heung-min Son scored directly from a corner after limp goalkeeping from United No2 Altay Bayindir to restore the hosts’ cushion.
There was still time for Jonny Evans to head home deep into stoppage time but Spurs clung on to progress to the last four.
Here’s how we rated the Spurs players…
Fraser Forster 3
His two mistakes playing out from the back threatened to cost Spurs the tie and he should have done better from Evans’ late header. Denied Zirkzee with a fine one-handed save at 3-0 but his footwork now feels like a major talking point.
Pedro Porro 6
Gave Fernandes too much space in the first half but recovered to make a couple of important challenges. His saved shot fell to Solanke to open the scoring.
Radu Dragusin 6
Made a crucial tackle on Rasmus Hojlund at 0-0 but looked a little wobbly as United piled on the pressure in the second half.
Archie Gray 8
Blocked on-target efforts from Antony and Christian Eriksen in assured display at centre-back.
Djed Spence 8
Made Solanke’s second goal with an excellent pass. Looked confident and lively in another encouraging display, particularly considering he was playing on his weaker left side.
Yves Bissouma 8
Impressed at the base of midfield, breaking up play and snapping into tackles. Blocked a goal-bound Eriksen effort in the first half but beaten to the punch by Evans for United’s late consolation.
Pape Matar Sarr 7
Passing was crisp and covered ground in midfield. Booked for catching Fernandes in the first half.
James Maddison 7
Involved in the build-up to Spurs’ first two goals, taking up some excellent positions in the first hour, but could have been more dominant.
Dejan Kulusevski 7
Scored for the fourth game running to suggest he is now adding real end product to his outstanding work rate. His pressing and hold-up play from the front were important in relieving the pressure.
Heung-min Son 7
Scored direct from a corner to give Spurs a much-needed cushion late on. Involved in the build-up to their first goal but not at his outstanding best in the final third.
Dominic Solanke 8
Both his finishes were superb, particularly the first which he arrowed in off the post on the half-volley.
Lucas Bergvall (Maddison 79’) 6
The closest player to Bayindir for Son’s remarkable goal. VAR, not in operation at this stage of the competition, may have looked at it.
Brennan Johnson (Solanke 90’) N/A
Not enough time to make an impression.
Sergio Reguilon (Spence 90’) N/A
Made a surprise return to the pitch, a measure of Spurs’ injury concerns.
Not used: Austin, Whiteman, Lankshear, Dorrington, Olusesi, Hardy