Tottenham Hotspur are still looking like a team that can win a trophy after Wednesday's League Cup semifinal first leg against Sheffield United, even if their performance wasn't the greatest. Spurs struggled to create chances, but head to Brammall Lane up 1-0, thanks to a penalty they were gifted in the second half.
The Blades started with great energy, and Spurs struggled to figure out their press. Eventually, Sheffield United had to slow down a bit and Spurs settled in, leading to their fairly comfortable control of the match. But they weren't great, and the biggest events of the first half were mistakes by the returning Emmanuel Adebayor. He was lucky to avoid a sending off when he hit Louis Reed in the face, and he badly missed a one-on-one in the 34th minute.
Eventually, Adebayor was subbed for Roberto Soldado, who won the penalty. James McEveley was caught handling the ball while trying to mark Soldado, the referee pointed to the spot, and Andros Townsend converted.
That was about it for major events in this game! If you couldn't watch because you were busy working or having a life, you didn't miss much.
Notes:
- We try not to slag off players for no reason here, but Emmanuel Adebayor was very poor. Hopefully he's not actually needed at any point this season. It looks like he's toast.
- Ryan Mason returned, which was good to see. He also looked rusty. Hopefully this game helped him work off the rust and he's ready to be a major contributor again.
- Can't tell if Harry Kane is bad as a withdrawn striker or Ade just made him look bad.
- I maintain that Eric Dier is better than Federico Fazio, Younes Kaboul and Vlad Chiriches.
- Can we try not to run Kyle Walker into the ground? DeAndre Yedlin plz.
- Sheffield United are really good for a League One side.