Pedro Porro scored the only goal of the game as Tottenham defeated Burnley to progress to the FA Cup Fourth Round.
The Spaniard fired an incredible effort into the top corner in the 79th minute to hand Ange Postecoglou’s men their second home win in five days.
Here are five things we learned from the match…
Tottenham need a centre forward
It was another difficult day for Tottenham’s attackers. After Harry Kane departed the club in the summer, Son Heung-Min was drafted in as a makeshift centre-forward to great effect. Now, with Son unavailable for the next month thanks to his Asian Cup commitments with South Korea, Ange Postecoglou turned to Richarlison to lead the line against Burnley. Spurs’ number nine continued to struggle, and should prompt the club to dip into the market for a centre forward if they are to carry on their good form this season.
Encouragement for youthful Burnley
Vincent Kompany should be encouraged by the performance put on by his young side against a strong Tottenham team. Burnley have shown vast signs of improvement as the season has gone on and this match suggested the Clarets are going to be a difficult side to break down. With the likes of Wilson Odobert, Luca Koleosho and Zeki Amdouni improving with every passing game, there is plenty for Kompany and the Burnley fans to be encouraged by ahead of a crucial part of the season.
Van de Ven return a huge boost for Spurs
A return to a Tottenham match day squad for the first time since November 6th for Micky van de Ven will be a huge boost for Ange Postecoglou. The impressive Dutchman has been out since injuring his hamstring in Spurs’ 4-1 defeat to Chelsea, with the north London outfit just about dealing with his absence and the unavailability of defensive partner Cristian Romero. An unused substitute against Burnley, just having van de Ven back in the squad will be a massive boost for Spurs as they continue their top four charge.
Porro steps up as forwards falter
In a match where neither team’s forwards were basking themselves in any glory, and with the tie heading for a replay, up step Pedro Porro to save Spurs’ bacon. An assured defensive display from the Spaniard masked what had been a rather quiet attacking performance, but that was put to bed in the 79th minute as the fullback put the home side ahead. Burnley’s Zeki Amdouni’s cheeky nutmeg attempt on Porro came to nothing, before the Spain international took it upon himself and blasted an unstoppable effort into the top corner to give Spurs the lead, and the win.
Much more to learn for Postecoglou’s improving side
Despite claiming the victory and progression to the FA Cup Fourth Round, there is still much for Ange Postecoglou’s young Tottenham to learn. Pedro Porro’s wonder strike got the Lilywhites out of trouble, with much to be desired from their attacking and defensive displays, the latter being the more convincing. With captain Son Heung-Min now unavailable for the next month, it’s time for another adaption phase for the north London side, as they look to continue their strong start to the campaign.
