THEY HAVE TO SHRUG OFF THEIR ‘NEARLY-MEN’ TAG

TOTTENHAM seemed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. With more than an hour gone they were 1-0 up and in control. At that stage in the second half, I thought they should have brought on Victor Wanyama and tried to protect their lead but they kept going for another goal. In doing so, Spurs left themselves open and were punished. This is not the first time they have exited a cup competition having been in a dominant position. They were 2-0 up against West Ham in the Carabao Cup, but conceded three in 15 second-half minutes. Mauricio Pochettino is a superb manager but he needs to find a way for his team to win from these positions in the way Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola do. Last night’s defeat only highlights the importance of the FA Cup for Tottenham this season. This is a brilliant, young Spurs team but they are in danger of becoming the best side to never win a trophy.