Opinion: Five things we learned from Tottenham's FA Cup exit to Sheffield United

Tottenham Hotspur crashed out of the FA Cup in embarrassing fashion last night in a 1-0 defeat to Championship side, Sheffield United.

Let’s take a look at the five things we learned from the match. 

(Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Same old, same old – 

It’s hard to even call it a shock defeat because it follows the same pattern we have seen for so long. Over the last five years, Spurs have been knocked out of the FA Cup by Sheffield United, Middlesbrough, Everton, Norwich, and Crystal Palace. Not once in that time have the Lilywhites fallen short because they faced a big six rival.

Lack of energy – 

For some reason, any match outside the Premier League in which Tottenham are favourites, the energy seems to vanish from the performance. We have seen it year after year in the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Europe League, Conference League, and even Champions League at times.

It’s as if Spurs sometimes feel as though they have the right to win the game without getting out of third gear. Well, no matter the calibre of opposition, if they want it more than you, you will not win. The problem is that Tottenham never learn.

Weakened starting XI – 

Yes, Tottenham’s starting XI was more than good enough to beat Sheffield United. But why were changes made in the first place? I know you need to rotate the squad, but with only Man United and Man City left in the cup this season, and Spurs coming into the game off the back of two strong results, it felt like the perfect time to name as close to an unchanged XI as possible to maintain momentum.

Instead, it feels as though Tottenham have once again killed the spirit of the squad and fans alike.

The wait goes on – 

Tottenham are still in the Champions League, but let’s be honest, this is another season without a trophy. The long wait since 2008 continues. It’s beyond embarrassing now.

All the other big teams take it in turns to go on cup runs or challenge for the league, meanwhile, Spurs seem to shoot themselves in the foot every single time. Something has to change.

Top four or trouble – 

If one thing is for sure, Tottenham need to get top four now this season otherwise things could turn ugly. Priority was clearly placed on the Premier League with those changes last night, so Spurs need to back it up and get the job done.

No trophy and no Champions League next season would be a disaster for Tottenham and their hopes of attracting new players – plus convincing Harry Kane to stay.