CONTE’S CAVALRY FOILS BRAVE SHRIMPS
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THE FA Cup third-round weekend is about heroes.
So let’s not blame Morecambe goalkeeper Trevor Carson for allowing Harry Winks’ touchline free-kick to sail over his head for Tottenham’s equaliser.
Or the inconsolable Ryan McLaughlin, who lost possession on the halfway line to goalscorer Lucas Moura – one of the worst people to see racing away towards goal.
Or even the powerful Greg Leigh, for once robbed of the ball by Emerson Royal by the corner flag.
Giovani Lo Celso then knocked the ball on to Moura, who in turn found Harry Kane to complete the comeback. Three goals which ruined a big day for the League One side.
Although for the 69 minutes before Kane and Moura finally came on, to relieved cheers from the Tottenham fans, the Shrimps players were heroes to a man, fully deserving of their lead over one of the Premier League’s most glamorous clubs.
Tottenham boss Antonio Conte had watched his players look terrified of getting the ball and, worst of all, Tanguy Ndombele taking the slowest trudge straight down the tunnel when his number was held up with his side a goal down and heading out of the cup.
Japhet Tanganga went missing at a crucial point – and not for the first time – to allow Morecambe’s captain Anthony O’Connor to give the financial minnows an unlikely lead after 33 minutes.
Ben Davies had had a halfhearted penalty appeal turned down and Matt Doherty had hit the outside of the post with a header.
But with Dele Alli the closest thing to a striker in the line-up, the Spurs