Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur failed to seize a place in the quarter-final of this season’s edition of the FA Cup after they fell to an embarrassing shootout defeat at home to the league’s bottom club Norwich City. It has to be said that Daniel Farke’s side were in the ascendancy for most of the night and that if either team deserved to win the fixture in normal time, then it had to be the Canaries. The two sides couldn’t be split in 120 minutes of football, after which it was decided with a penalty shootout, where Tim Krul made a couple of vital stops.
Tottenham Players Rated In Gutting Defeat Vs Norwich City
Michel Vorm – 6.5
The experienced Premier League shot-stopper made multiple key saves along the way to keep the Lilywhites in the tie, despite some relentless Norwich attacking all through the second period.
Serge Aurier – 7
The speedster tried to get forward and impact the tie on every possible opportunity, but like the rest of this Spurs team, every move he attempted seemed to break down at the final pass.
Davinson Sanchez – 6.5
The young centre-half retained his place at the heart of the defence for this tie and did a good job keeping some of the dangerous Norwich attacks at bay throughout the ninety.
Eric Dier – 6
The versatile Englishman started the game as one of the two Spurs centre-halves and was given an extremely strenuous night by the Norwich attackers’ pace and directness in the final third.
Jan Vertonghen – 6
The Belgian international centre-half was deployed in the left-back slot by Jose Mourinho tonight, and the energetic Norwich runners gave him a torrid time all through the ninety.
Harry Winks – 6.5
The youngster was replaced by the more dynamic and physically adept Ndombele in the middle of the park as Jose began to push for a winner in extra time. Didn’t have his usual influence in midfield.
Oliver Skipp – 6.5
Another one of the Spurs youngsters, Skipp did a decent job in the midfield area. He linked up well with the attackers for phases during the tie and never really looked rattled under pressure.
Lucas Moura – 6.5
The Brazilian speedster made multiple excellent runs into the forward areas throughout the first half. Spent most of the second half ball-watching as he couldn’t affect the tie.
Giovani Lo Celso – 8
The Argentine midfielder was undoubtedly Spurs’ best player on the pitch, as he acted as the link between the defence and offence lines. Delivered the set-piece that Vertonghen put away.
Steven Bergwijn – 6.5
The Dutchman displayed good intent in the first half and made some sharp forward runs into space too. Wasn’t able to drive this toothless Spurs attack forward on the night though.
Dele Alli – 6
The Englishman tried to hold the ball up in the first half but was watched pretty effectively by the tireless Norwich centre-halves. Was correctly substituted by Mourinho in extra-time.
Substitutes
Gedson Fernandes – 7.5
The winter signing was brought on in the second half of regular time as Jose pushed for a winner. Showcased his quality in glimpses and had a couple of shots at goal too.
Erik Lamela – 6
The winger was celebrating his 28th birthday today but just couldn’t find an attacking spark in the final third. Then went on to miss a crucial penalty during the shootout as well.
Tanguy Ndombele – 6
Came on during the second half as Jose attempted to add a little more steel and grit to what was a stuttering Tottenham midfield. Moved the ball around and played some good passes into space.
Troy Parrott – 6
The teenager was given an opportunity in extra time, but his touch seemed to let him down on multiple occasions. Unfortunately missed a penalty in the shootout as well.
