Well that was easier than expected.
A quality display saw off a disappointing Millwall side that rarely crossed the halfway line let alone threatened Michel Vorm.
Five excellent goals and a goalkeeping error at the death meant that we barely noticed Kane’s early disappearance due to a damaged ankle.
The second, third and sixth goals were scored by Son, the first two being absolute master classes of technique. Our opener after half an hour was a cracking shot on the turn by Eriksen, the fourth a beautifully worked team goal and the fifth…. a goal from open play by Victor Janssen. Hallelujah! His sidefoot into the bottom corner was met with Soldado-esque levels of celebration and relief from both the crowd and his colleagues. The broad grin on his face let everyone know how he felt.
All unbeaten runs must come to an end…
The visitors came with a superb recent record, seventeen games since defeat, a defence tighter than the proverbial gnat’s chuff and the promise of a fierce and vocal support but it was all blown away in a storm of power, speed and class that left the Lions leaving the arena meekly with their tails between their legs. Whether their supporters returned to South London quite so peacefully is a different matter.
…but it could’ve been worse.
Keeper Tom King could have ended up collecting the ball from his net a lot more than half a dozen times such was our dominance. Thirty two shots in the match, fifteen of them on target, a clear penalty not given, a Wanyama header against the bar, etc etc. Millwall set up very narrowly at the back conceding the wings and Trippier, Davies and Son needed no further invitation to make the most of it. In the middle, prompted by the superb Winks and Wanyama, Dele and Eriksen found space and as usual wriggled and tipped and tapped their way into good positions.
The visitors’ direct style meant that Vertonghen, Alderweireld and Dier were put under several physical tests but they passed all with flying colours and Vorm could’ve happily spent the afternoon catching up on his paperwork and remained undisturbed.
So it’s all good.
Apart from the bit that’s bad. Kane’s ankle. We don’t know how long Harry will be out for, he walked off though (he was stretchered away against Sunderland) so hopefully there’s room for optimism. It’s not often that we’re grateful for an international break. More details will presumably emerge in the next few days though Spurs have been very vague this season when discussing injured players prognoses so I wouldn’t expect anything definitive.
The Saints are coming
Southampton next weekend, followed by that international break. Dembélé, Lloris and Walker will return. Harry or no Harry, confidence shouldn’t be a problem.
The semi final draw is due on Monday evening after the last quarter final. The game at Wembley is set for the weekend of April 22/23 meaning that the visit to Leicester will need to be rearranged to midweek as well as the fixture at Selhurst Park.
Given the absence of Harry and Rose, let’s hope we’ve got the sense to leave these games until well into April and May. We’re set for a hectic last few weeks of the season.
COYS
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