The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
FA CUPSEMI-FINALS So close yet so far away as Vorm laments Spurs failure
MANCHESTERUTD TOTTENHAM 2 1
Tottenham’s devastated dressing room was a “mess” after an FA Cup semi-final defeat that means another promising season will end without silverware, leaving goalkeeper Michel Vorm at a loss as they look to take that “last step”.
Mauricio Pochettino has transformed Spurs into one of the most exciting sides in English football, leading them to third and second in the previous two Premier League campaigns.
Tottenham are on course for another topfour finish this season, yet silverware continues to evade their talent-filled side.
The FA Cup was the north Londoners’ last chance of a trophy this season, but they were unable to build on Dele Alli’s early goal and eventually lost Saturday’s semi-final 2-1 to Manchester United at their temporary home.
“We are close but so far away,” goalkeeper Vorm, selected ahead of Hugo Lloris, said at Wembley.
“We dominated most of the game even though we didn’t create much.
“I think if you see in the dressing room, it’s a mess. And it sounds cliched, maybe, but we need to learn from this. It just takes time.”
Alexis Sanchez beat Vorm with a header before Ander Herrera rifled home the winner and the result means Jose Mourinho’s oft-criticised team are on track to win another trophy while Pochettino’s lauded side goes without once more.
Vorm said: “I don’t know if it’s luck or just a little step. It’s hard.”
Spurs are next in action on April 30, when they will look to cement their top-four place against Watford. l Arsene Wenger has hinted that growing supporter unrest influenced
“I don’t know if it’s luck or just a little step. It’s hard”
his decision to quit Arsenal at the end of the season.
The 68-year-old saw his side beat West Ham 4-1 at the Emirates yesterday thanks to goals from Nacho Monreal, Aaron Ramsey and Alexandre Lavazette (2) in the first game since announcing he would step down in the summer. Marko Arnautovic scored for the Hammers.
After the game Wenger revealed he felt the club’s global reputation was being damaged by those dissenting fans calling for him to leave.
He said: “This club is respected all over the world and that our fans did not give the image of unity I want was hurtful.”