Match Review: Stoke City 1 Spurs 3 We are through to the Semi-Final

 

Match Review: Stoke City 1 Spurs 3 We are through to the Semi-Final

Yes, we are now in the Semi-Final, however, we made a hard job of it in the first half and until our second goal went in our fists were in our mouths. At least we can breathe a little easier now.

We've moved to within two wins of a first major trophy since 2008 after seeing off Championship side Stoke City in the Carabao Cup.

Gareth Bale scored his third goal for the club; he beat Andy Lonergan with a flicked header from Harry Winks' excellent delivery.

We were domineering and should have scored more before half-time, but Lonergan made good saves to deny Dele Alli and Harry Kane twice.

Stoke was much better after the interval and equalised with their first shot on target when Jacob Brown picked out Jordan Thompson to produce a good finish past our goalkeeper.

Ben Davies' 25-yard finish in off the post ensured that we regained the lead before Kane, who else, smashed home our third goal.

We now join holders Manchester City and Championship side Brentford in the semi-final draw after the fourth and final quarter-final tie between Everton and Manchester United (20:00 GMT kick-off).

My thoughts

Mourinho has transformed us into a winning team, we now are within touching distance of a long-overdue trophy after doing the job on a very wet and windy night. However, we were given a scare when Thompson levelled, but our superiority saw us over the line as we returned to winning ways after losing top spot in the League to Liverpool.

Mourinho is looking to win the League cup for a fifth time with a third different club after three triumphs at Chelsea and one with Manchester United. He made seven changes but showed how seriously he rates the competition by starting Kane and Lloris, something Pochettino wouldn't have done, as he cared very little for this competition.

It was on loan Bale who set us on our way with a brilliant header near the penalty spot after a good delivery from Winks. As for Winks, he had been excellent throughout the game.

To be fair, the tie would have been over before half-time but for their goalkeeper Lonergan. But we moved up a gear after surrendering our lead, thanks to Davies' first goal since September 2017. Kane scored his 16th goal of the season.

The stats

Jose Mourinho has reached the semi-finals of this competition for the fifth time, going on to win it on each of the previous four occasions his sides have got to this stage (2004-05, 2006-07, 2014-15 and 2016-17).

We have reached the semi-finals for the second time in the last three seasons, eventually being knocked out by Chelsea in 2018-19.

Stoke have lost each of their last six matches against us in all competitions, their worst ongoing losing run against any side.

Jordan Thompson scored his first goal in 42 appearances in all competitions.

Ben Davies has scored his first goal for us since September 2017 vs Huddersfield, ending a run of 111 games without a goal in all competitions.

Harry Kane has scored 10 goals in 11 games against Stoke in all competitions, making the Potters the 5th team he's reached double figures against in his club career.

What's next for us?

We have an extra day to prepare for Sunday's Premier League match at Wolverhampton Wanderers (19:15).

So, that is it, folks, all it leaves me to do now is wish you all a very Merry Christmas and see you soon… enjoy your Christmas!

Glenn

COYS!