Why Everton’s failing youngster must prove his worth this season

Comparisons to Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard do not leave too many players looking great.Ross Barkley, however, was paraded as a picture of wonder. A player who has the world at his feet. His following innocuous, dry performance saw him hooked at half-time against Sunderland, with his team proceeding to play with a great deal more freedom after his removal.The Everton midfielder has suffered a period of worrying – if explainable – stagnation. Roberto Martinez’s Everton tenure became a horror show for many at the club, as frustration rang out across Goodison with erring familiarity. Barkley was arguably the epitome of this frustration, this team. So much promise, such potential, but too often failing to deliver when most needed, or on a consistent basis.His career numbers add up well, but this season is time for the England international to become far more than a player with promise. He must show his worth in the biggest games and produce the goods for Ronald Koeman throughout the season…

As Koeman showed at the Stadium of Light on Monday, he is not afraid to drop a player even as popular as Barkley. Gerard Deulofeu – who suffers similar consistency issues – was his replacement and he turned the game, immediately looking more in tune with the play of Yannick Bolasie, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin Mirallas.

Too often anonymous, too regularly making the wrong decisions, Barkley is far from the finished product. His quality is without doubt, but there is a concern around his pattern of development. The failings of his game that were prevalent during his breakthrough campaign in 2013/14 are not vanishing, or even reducing. Creatively, he has seen slight improvements, but the benefit of Romelu Lukaku’s arrival has not been as a significant as many would have imagined.

Now only a few months from his 23rd birthday, Barkley must see this season as the most important in his career to date. If he is to get near the heights of Lampard and Gerrard, Everton’s frustrating midfield powerhouse has to show some signs of notable improvement this year. Koeman will, with the other attacking options at his disposal, not afford Barkley the same sort of patience that other managers may have done.

That disappointing display against Sunderland is not a one-off, it is a representation of a player that must finally push on to the ‘next level’ in his career. Barkley has all the tools to dominate the majority of Premier League sides and this is his year for him to prove that he is not going to be next failure of the English hype.

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Leeds vs Norwich: Five Key Battles

Leeds United and Norwich City will face each other tomorrow night in the EFL Cup, with a place in the quarter-finals awaiting the winner.

Both sides are just about meeting expectations in the league this season with Norwich currently fourth in the Championship and Leeds in tenth – just three points off the play-offs.

The match promises to be an interesting clash between two of the biggest sides outside of the Premier League, so a place in the last eight would be a fine reward for the fans who have stuck by them through relegations and more.

The Whites boast home advantage tomorrow night, playing in the relative safety of Elland Road, but the Canaries are undoubtedly the stronger team on paper – evident enough through their current league standing.

With that in mind, Tuesday’s League Cup clash looks set to be decided by which side dominates the individual battles, so Football FanCast have picked five that will determine the outcome.

CHRIS WOOD VS TIMM KLOSE

As Leeds’ top scorer, the threat of Chris Wood may well be what decides the clash for Leeds tomorrow.

Wood has scored six of the Whites’ 14 goals this season and will have a say if they are to break through Norwich’s defence.

But in order to do that, he will have to beat The Canaries’ Timm Klose, who has been consistent since joining from German side Wolfsburg in the January transfer window.

CAMERON JEROME VS KYLE BARTLEY

If Chris Wood is Leeds’ key man, Cameron Jerome is arguably the same for the Canaries.

The 30-year-old also has six strikes to his name this term, albeit in a side that tends to share the goals around a lot more.

What Jerome also does for his side, however, is hold up the play and draw opposition defenders out of position with his pace and ability in the air.

It’s difficult to say whether it’ll be Pontus Jansson or Kyle Bartley who will be tasked with dealing with Jerome. As the quicker of the two we’d bet on Bartley, but the ex-Cardiff man is capable of keeping them both busy.

CHARLIE TAYLOR VS JACOB MURPHY

While Cameron Jerome is one who needs to be watched, Leeds will also have to keep an eye on Jacob Murphy.

The 21-year-old has found the net five times already from a wide position and will provide a stern test for Charlie Taylor.

If the left-back can keep Murphy subdued, then Leeds stand a greater chance of victory. But with the winger’s pace and ability to cut in from the right, that’ll be easier said than done.

HADI SACKO VS ROBBIE BRADY

Robbie Brady is one of Norwich’s key players in the way he can get up the pitch as well as help out the full-back.

The Republic of Ireland wide man is a threat coming forward with his crossing accuracy and deliveries from set pieces.

It may well be his defensive duties that are more important as he faces up against Hadi Sacko.

The Senegalese winger is Leeds’ chief creative threat with four assists from the right wing this season. Brady needs to keep him quiet – anything else would be a bonus.

WES HOOLAHAN VS EUNAN O’KANE

It’s difficult to say whether Wes Hoolahan will even start the match given he played 90 minutes against Preston North End at the weekend.

The Irishman is 34 years of age now and arguably doesn’t have the legs to play week in, week out – but he’s still one of best players in the league.

If he starts, Eunan O’Kane will be the man tasked with tracking the tricky midfielder. He’s got the legs to do so but keeping up with Hoolahan’s shrewdness in midfield will be the bigger challenge.

Four key questions Spurs must answer before facing Arsenal

Ever since their 2-0 dismantling of Manchester City at White Hart Lane, Tottenham Hotspur have been treading water in the Premier League.

Spurs have drawn all three of their matches since, against opposition they should really be beating.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side couldn’t break through the stubborn defences of West Bromwich Albion and Bournemouth and were also unable to hold onto a 1-0 lead against champions Leicester City.

While they are by no means a team in crisis – they are still the only side unbeaten in the Premier League and also boast the best defence – they are failing to win too many games.

They suffered the same problem last season as they picked up a lot of draws to lose ground in the title race before eventually finishing behind north London rivals Arsenal by a point.

If things don’t change soon then the same will happen again…

WITHOUT KANE, WHERE ARE THE GOALS?

Spurs were very unlucky to lose their talisman and last season’s top scorer Harry Kane to an ankle ligament injury.

It looked as though they were coping well, with Heung-min Son’s genius helping to get them past Middlesbrough while a great team performance allowed them to defeat Manchester City.

Since then the goals have dried up. When Man City were without Aguero they managed to win all three matches – coping with injuries is a sign of champions and at the moment Spurs seem some way off.

WHO DOES POCH PREFER ON THE WING?

For a couple of seasons now the Spurs midfield has been a minefield.

The midfield pivot seems relatively settled, with Mousa Dembele partnering one of Victor Wanyama and Eric Dier, however, the attacking slots are less clear-cut.

Dele Alli seems to be first-choice in the ‘No.10’ role while Christian Eriksen is on the left. The real question is whether Poch will opt for the attacking threat of Son or the more defensive Erik Lamela once Kane returns.

CAN THE DEFENCE COPE WITHOUT ALDERWEIRELD?

Spurs had the point best defence last season and have started this campaign in a similar fashion.

Poch’s boys have only let in five goals in ten games in the Premier League, much in part due to the fine work of the imperious Toby Alderweireld. Unfortunately, the Belgian got injured against West Brom and is a doubt for the weekend.

Tottenham conceded not long after he’d been taken off injured against the Baggies, while they also couldn’t keep out a Leicester City team who hadn’t gained a point away all season. If Alderweireld is out against Arsenal too, they need to tighten up.

HOW WILL THEY RESPOND TO EUROPEAN DISAPPOINTMENT?

Britain Football Soccer – Tottenham Hotspur v Bayer Leverkusen – UEFA Champions League Group Stage – Group E – Wembley Stadium, London, England – 2/11/16Tottenham’s Kyle Walker and Eric Dier Action Images via Reuters / Matthew ChildsLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.

Wednesday night’s 1-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen was a major setback for Spurs’ European challenge.

The result puts Spurs third in the group with a worse head-to-head record than the German side.

It also means they’ve lost both of their matches at Wembley – an unwanted statistic that will do nothing for their morale.

Arsenal are flying high after coming back from two goals down at Ludogorets Razgrad on Tuesday, so how Spurs react to defeat will have a big say on Sunday’s final score.

Koeman targets Italian ace as replacement for Lukaku

As reported by The Mirror, Everton are interested in securing the services of Napoli forward Manolo Gabbiadini to replace star striker Romelu Lukaku.

What’s the story?

We discussed last week suggestions Lukaku’s time could be limited at Goodison Park, with Ronald Koeman already seeking potential replacements, and he could have already found his man.

The Mirror report that Italy international striker Gabbiadini is the player Koeman wants to take Everton forward and they’re willing to go beyond the rejected £14.5m offer they’ve already tabled.

They also reckon that the Serie A club are holding out for £20m for their man, a significant chunk of change.

Britain Football Soccer – Southampton v Everton – Premier League – St Mary’s Stadium – 27/11/16 Everton’s Romelu Lukaku in action with Southampton’s Josh Sims Action Images via Reuters / Matthew Childs Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representativ

Who is Gabbiadini?

Manolo Gabbiadini is in his third season at Napoli and isn’t finding first-team football a guarantee, starting just seven league games this campaign.

In a division notorious for tight games defined by defensive play, Gabbiadini has managed to score 22 goals in 71 appearances for Napoli during the three-year spell. Previously he starred for Sampdoria and has also made six outings for the Italian national side.

At 6ft. 2″, he certainly has the physical presence to replace Lukaku and is known for his heading ability and hold-up play, alongside his eye for goal.

Everton fans may be hoping for a more established striker in an elite league to replace their favourite, but a move for Gabbiadini represents good value, and at 25, he’s a striker who is likely to improve in the future.

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Euro Roundup: Your weekly European fix

The international break is starting to seem like a long time ago. Remember those two barren weeks with nothing to cheer about? Remember those two weeks where Netflix was your best friend? Remember those two weeks when you astounded yourself with your alarming lack of ability to hold a conversation with your mates (yes, they were feeling it too…)?In a massive weekend for title races everywhere, we forgot about such problems. It was glorious. With traditionally massive games in England and France as well as decisive moments in Italy and Spain, the weather may be taking a turn for the wintery bitter, but football will still warm your cockles. Club football, anyway.This week’s Euro Roundup is loaded up on Glühwein. After all, this is long and bitter Monday morning after the weekend before. Whatever gets you through the (Mon)day.

Spain

Since Pep Guardiola took over at Barcelona in 2008, Real Madrid have only won one La Liga title. One went to Atletico Madrid. The other six have ended up in Barcelona. In other words, it’s not very often we see the current champions six points behind anyone at the top of the table.

But Since Guardiola took over at Barca, the Catalans haven’t won a league game at Anoeta, the San Sebastian home of Real Sociedad. And this weekend, they were lucky to get a point. Outplayed the entire game, Barcelona have the woodwork and an incorrectly awarded offside to thank for their point. That and Lionel Messi, of course.

They were out-thought and out-possessioned by the Basques as the were restricted to a pass completion rate below 77% and couldn’t even manage a shot on target in the first half for the first time this season. The Anoeta curse continues. In fact, as they won’t have another chance to put that right until next season, that means by the next time they meet in San Sebastian, it will be 10 years since Barcelona last won a league game at the home of La Real.

That day, Lilian Thuram, Ronaldinho and Gianluca Zambrotta started for Barcelona, whilst Eidur Gudjohnsen came off the bench for the Catalans. Current Manchester City keeper Claudio Bravo started for Sociedad along with former City defender Javier Garrido.

Without Dani Alves, Xavi, Pedro and the injured Andres Iniesta, this stat starts to look a little bit worrying for the champions:

Elsewhere, there were victories for Madrids of both Real and Atletico varieties as well as Sevilla, to cap off Barcelona’s miserable weekend, whilst defeat for Villarreal at home to lowly Alaves means that Sociedad move up to fifth place. Barcelona are closer to the Europa League places than they are to Real Madrid at the moment, making next week’s Clasico a bit of a biggie.

Germany

Things can change very quickly in the Bundesliga this season. Just ask Borussia Dortmund. At the end of last weekend, victory over Bayern Munich lifted them to third place. This week, defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt sees Thomas Tuchel’s side drop to seventh.

Sometimes, then, just holding on can be crucial. Bayern Munich did just that this weekend to beat Bayer Leverkusen and remain three points behind RB Leipzig at the top of the table.

It wasn’t pretty, and perhaps not even a fair result, but a win is a win and it keeps them in second. Surely they’ll get better than this?

Leipzig, meanwhile, had no such struggles. A 4-1 victory on Friday night kicked off this round of fixtures and piled the pressure onto the big boys behind them.

At the bottom, the Nord derby between Werder Bremen and Hamburg ended 2-2 – an eventful game with a result that does nothing to help either grand old side. Both teams stay in relegation trouble.

France

Is the fairytale over?

Well, not yet. Of course not. But Nice, eliminated from the Europa League this week, succumbed to a 1-1 draw at home to Bastia this weekend. It’s too early to talk about the end of the fairytale, especially given Nice still top the table by a point, but Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain are now bunching up behind them. You get the feeling they probably need to re-establish that buffer zone.

PSG’s victory over Lyon at the new Parc OL was enough to move them within a point of Nice and round off what was a successful, if not wholly convincing week. A 2-2 draw with Arsenal leaves the Parisians in pole position with one round of Champions League group games to go, whilst they are now within striking distance of the top of the Ligue 1 table, too. Who needs Zlatan Ibrahimovic when you have Edinson Cavani?

Monaco, too, are having a good week – they celebrated Champions League qualification with a very convincing 4-0 victory over Marseille on Saturday evening to leave themselves in a position to capitalise on Nice’s draw. We might have one mega title race in France this season if the top three can all keep their form.

Down at the other end of the table, things aren’t looking good for Lorient. 3-1 up away to Metz, it took under three minutes for substitute Thibaut Vion to make his mark and level the game.

Lorient stay bottom, but things aren’t looking good for the next team up the ladder, either. Lille are second from bottom and sacked their manager Frederic Antonetti after a dismal start to the season. A potential sale of the club and a new manager might save them, but it couldÂtake more than one change to bring this team out of trouble….

Italy

The Italian weekend isn’t quite over yet. And, Euro fans, you’re in excellent luck this week: not only are there two conveniently-timed games on Monday night in Serie A (at 6pm and 8pm) but there are also two games on every night this week in either Italy or France – apart from Thursday, which is a strategically placed rest day where you can work on your struggling relationship. Don’t say European football doesn’t care about your wellbeing.

In fact, so much does Serie A care about your wellbeing these days, that now and then it threatens to give us all an actual title race.

Juventus are still four points clear at the top of the table, but wins for Roma and AC Milan mean they were both there to capitalise on the Old Lady’s surprising 3-1 defeat away to Genoa.

In fact, it wasn’t just the defeat that was surprising, it was the fact that Juventus were 3-0 behind with less than 30 minutes gone – the first time that’s happened since 2005. Giovanni Simeone scored for Genoa in the first half, 16 years after his father scored against Juventus for Lazio in a 1-0 victory.

AC Milan’s impressive 4-1 victory on Saturday ensured that they kept the pace, and former Liverpool playmaker Suso is very much enjoying his football at San Siro these days: four goals and three assists in his last three games.

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Lineker suggests why Chelsea will win the title

Chelsea have been in excellent form this season, winning 13 consecutive Premier League matches before falling to defeat against Tottenham Hotspur last night.Still with a solid advantage over their rivals, the Blues are favourites to win their second title in three years and Antonio Conte has led the side valiantly this season, including guiding Eden Hazard and DiegoÂinto their best form.[ad_pod id=’now-tv’ align=’centre’]Despite Chelsea having an abundance of talent amongst their ranks, Conte has used the least players out of any other side in the Premier League this season and Match of the Day host Gary Lineker has suggested that will be the reason they’ll win the title.

Pointing out that last season’s champions Leicester City made the least changes out of any side in the division, Lineker suggests a trend could emerge to state that rotation in the Premier League isn’t the best course of action.

Of course, this may just end up being merely coincidental but it’s certainly worth talking about.

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Swansea City looking to make more smart choices in January

As reported by The Daily Mail, Swansea City are looking to to sign Inter Milan’s experienced defender Andrea Ranocchia to their squad this January.

What’s the word?

Paul Clement has already added Luciano Narsingh, Tom Carroll and Martin Olsson to his new team this January and he could be set to add yet another name to his squad.

The Mail reckon he’s in the market for Inter Milan’s central defender Ranocchia and could pay £5m to land him.

The paper say a loan-to-buy option is another possibility and that could be a deal that suits all parties given his lack of first team action this season.

Britain Football Soccer – Hull City v Swansea City – FA Cup Third Round – The Kingston Communications Stadium – 7/1/17 Swansea City manager Paul Clement Reuters / Scott Heppell Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.

Another smart addition?

Paul Clement’s acquisitions this January all look like they could make a positive impact on Swansea’s season and Ranocchia is another who fits that bill.

The Italian international has excellent experience in Serie A and European competition and only injuries have halted his progress at the San Siro.

The defender has made just nine appearances for his club this season but a fresh start in the Premier League could be just what he needs to get himself back to the form that made him a regular for Italy.

Clement is building a team of quality and all this fresh talent can only be a boost to their hopes of staying in the Premier League come the end of the season.

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FA Cup: Five things you didn’t know about Sutton United

This week, Football FanCast’s Fixture in Focus is taking a different, more alternative angle.

Usually, it’s a simple matter of focusing on the biggest match for any given weekend, but upon running the rule over the FA Cup’s Fourth Round schedule, one clash particularly stood out, laden with giant-killing potential – Sutton United vs Leeds United.

Sutton are the lowest ranked team left in the competition and although the Whites are enjoying a fantastic campaign, this match-up carries a hint of typical mid-winter FA Cup magic.

Of course, we’re not ruling out a Leeds romping but Sutton are very much an unknown quantity and that should play to their advantage. You’d certainly be forgiven for not knowing too much about the Vanarama National League outfit, who are currently 15th in the fifth-tier table.

With that in mind and ahead of the most unique FA Cup fixture this weekend, here are FIVE things every Leeds fan needs to know about Sutton United…

European Champions

Sutton have never exceeded semi-professional status but that hasn’t stopped them making waves on the continent throughout the years.

Indeed, Sutton were one of the most successful sides involved in the incredibly brief semi-professional era of the infamous Anglo-Italian Cup, which was previously better famed for fan violence than excitement on the pitch. They won the European accolade in 1979, unexpectedly beating Chieti 2-1, and finished as runners-up twice more before the competition was disbanded.

Giant killers

Football – Sutton United v Coventry City – FA Cup Third Round 88/89 – 7/1/89 Sutton’s Matt Hanlan , scorer of winning goal, is mobbed by jubilant fans after their giantkilling win over Coventry Mandatory Credit: Action Images

Leeds fans be wary; Sutton United have some history when it comes to giant-killing in the FA Cup.

Back in 1989, they famously reached the third round after seeing off Walton & Hersham, Dagenham and Aylesbury, where to everybody’s surprise they recorded a 2-1 victory over Coventry City – who were second in the top flight at the time. That stood as the greatest non-league result in the competition for 24 years.

Four years later, in 1993, they beat Colchester City and Torquay United in the FA Cup, whilst they also earned a home tie with Don Revie’s Leeds back in 1970, but found themselves on the receiving end of a 6-0 defeat.

Champions League experience

Sutton may be in the fifth tier of English football but they do boast a former player from the top flight – one-time Arsenal youngster Craig Eastmond, who turned out for the Gunners four times in the Premier League and even once in the Champions League.

He’s not the only Sutton player of noteworthy pedigree; midfielder Nicky Bailey has previously won Player of the Season awards at Barnet, Southend and Charlton Athletic; defender Kevin Amankwaah has plied his trade with Swansea, Bristol City and Swindon to name a few; Simon Downer made over 75 league appearances during his early days at Leyton Orient; and striker Matt Tubbs scored regularly for Bournemouth, Crawley, Portsmouth and AFC Wimbledon during his spells in League One and League Two.

Without a doubt, Sutton have a bit of quality about them.

A long history

Considering Sutton’s progress through the football league has been somewhat modest – they achieved their highest ever rank in the English pyramid of 95th earlier this season – you might be surprised to learn the club has been in existence since the 19th century.

The Amber and Chocolates were officially founded in 1898, almost 119 years ago, and their ground first opened in 1912. Since then, they’ve gone on to win nine league titles and 32 cups, so Leeds fans be warned – this lowly London club has a surprising history of success.

Garner Green Lane

When non-league sides pay hosts to bigger teams in the FA Cup, the quality of the pitch usually becomes a pivotal factor – a ‘leveller’ to use the punditry cliche.

But that certainly won’t be the case when Leeds come to town; Sutton’s Garner Green Lane is home to a 3G pitch which has been deemed 2-star quality by FIFA – the highest rating world football’s governing body hand out. Furthermore, Garner Green Lane’s attracted some big crowds down the years. Nearly 5,000 attended when AFC Wimbledon played Sutton in their first ever match in 2002, whilst the record remains the 14,000 who watched Leeds claim that 6-0 win back in 1970.

It also uses the idiosyncratic “Ellison’s patent rush preventative turnstiles” – perhaps better known for being installed at the old Wembley.

Man City the English team to thrive under Champions League pressure

Manchester City’s craving of Champions League success is growing.

While this season has been a disappointment for the club in many aspects, their European adventure is still alive and kicking. With Leicester City rank outsiders as they face Sevilla and Arsenal having Arsenal’d themselves out of the competition thanks to a first leg humiliation against Bayern Munich, Pep Guardiola’s team are the only real hope left for the Premier League.

Facing Monaco after a bit of fortune to avoid the biggest clubs in the draw, Manchester City are favourites to progress to the quarter-finals. Monaco are having a very good season and scoring with more freedom than any other side in Europe’s top leagues, but Guardiola’s expertise and the upturn in City’s form makes progression an expectation.

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Despite a shaky period domestically, Manchester City moved into the knockout stages with ease. While dropping points at the Etihad Stadium to Middlesbrough, Everton and Southampton they strode into second place in Group B. After a 3-3 draw with Celtic and the emphatic defeat at the Camp Nou, Guardiola’s side were in a tricky position. A sensational team display to dismantle Barcelona in the return match at the Etihad made qualification relatively comfortable, though.

When they needed the result most, the real City turned up. At the halfway point in the group stage any chance of winning the group had vanished, but that performance against Barcelona remains one of the best from any team this season.

As Chelsea and Liverpool took advantage of a quieter calendar, Manchester United slugged in the Europa League and Tottenham crumbled under the pressure of Europe’s premier competition, Manchester City flexed their muscles just enough to keep the rest of Europe aware of their threat. The Champions League eluded Guardiola during his glittering spell at Bayern, but his record in the competition is almost unrivalled.

Since breaking into the Champions League, it has been the trophy that Manchester City have wanted most of all. Having lifted all the domestic silverware at one time or another over since the 2008 takeover, Guardiola’s tenure will be defined by how his team does in the Champions League. Yet to reach the final and with only one semi-final appearance to their name, Manchester City must, at the very least, become a regular in the latter stages of the competition.

Even when their league form has been indifferent, City’s players find a way to produce their best levels on the greatest of occasions. A late equaliser by Boro may hurt in the short-term, but team displays like the one that decimated Barcelona will be remembered for years to come. Manchester City’s challenge now is to convert their big game performances into a run of knockout victories in the Champions League.

The disappointments in the league will easily be forgotten if Guardiola can take his side to the Holy Grail. Currently, they are the Premier League’s greatest hope of Champions League relevance this season and, whatever that says about the standard of the league, that deserves recognition. A team that thrives on the pressure of a high-profile occasion are made for cup football.

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Five images that summed up Fulham 0-3 Spurs

Spurs travelled to Craven Cottage on Sunday and comprehensively beat Championship side Fulham 3-0 to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

Harry Kane was the hero on the day after he scored a superb hat-trick, his fifth hat-trick in Spurs colours. It was an afternoon that couldn’t have gone much better for Kane and company after a demoralising defeat to Belgian side Gent on Thursday.

Fulham couldn’t compete with their Premier League visitors and Spurs never looked like losing from the first whistle to the last.

This latest win now has supporters dreaming of major silverware. Mauricio Pochettino’s side are now just three wins away from securing the club’s first FA Cup since 1991. They will travel to face Millwall in the next round.

With three home games to come next for Spurs, they’re now well placed to go on an extended winning run after losing their last two on the road.

Here are the FIVE pictures that summed up all the action…

Number 1…

After a fairly even contest in the opening period of the game, Spurs burst into life from a clever Kieran Trippier throw-in that took Fulham by surprise on their left flank. The throw found Christian Eriksen who had plenty of space and time to find Harry Kane lurking in the middle who stretched himself to prod home from six yards.

It was a simple but clinical attack from Spurs. When you give players with Eriksen’s ability the freedom to find Kane, it’s only ever going to end one way.

…Number 2…

The same three players combined early in the second half to double Spurs’ lead, Trippier passing to Eriksen who crossed for Harry Kane to slip home.

By this point the game was over and Tottenham were heading through. Getting through against Spurs was an almost impossible task for Fulham to begin with but from 2-0 down it became a certainty they would be crashing out of the competition.

…Number 3

Harry Kane scored the 5th hat-trick of his Spurs career with this effort 17 minutes from time. It ensured there would be no late drama and allowed the travelling support to enter party mode and savour a place in the quarter-finals of the competition.

It was a well taken effort and highlighted again just how clinical and efficient Harry Kane is. The striker now has 10 goals in his last 10 appearances and 19 goals overall for the season which is a fantastic return.

Pleased Poch

Britain Football Soccer – Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur – FA Cup Fifth Round – Craven Cottage – 19/2/17 Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino applauds fans after the game Reuters / Eddie Keogh Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for furth

Mauricio Pochettino was clearly delighted with his side’s efforts at Craven Cottage after a difficult week which saw defeat at Anfield and defeat in Belgium. It was massively important to bounce back from those losses and show supporters their season is still very much alive.

They can now take this confidence into Thursday’s match at White Hart Lane against Gent and attempt to reverse the 1-0 aggregate score from the first leg.

Dejected Jokanovic

Britain Football Soccer – Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur – FA Cup Fifth Round – Craven Cottage – 19/2/17 Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic Reuters / Eddie Keogh Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic was clearly disappointed that his side couldn’t compete in the same manner that Wycombe Wanderers did against Spurs in the last round. Pochettino admittedly fielded a much stronger side but many were expecting Fulham to at least put up more of a fight.

It highlighted just how much work the Fulham boss has to do at the club if he’s to get them promoted and turn them into a Premier League calibre side again.

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