Where the Cup Final was won and lost

Article by Cam Lessard

Subscribe to the e-Spurs Podcast on iTunes (Click Here)


Everything was set up for the final between Spurs and Chelsea to be competitive... Tottenham's heightened confidence after their throttling 5-3 win at White Hart Lane on New Year's Day, Matic's contentious Red Card against Burnley, and, most underrated of all, the line-up Mauricio Pochettino used at Wembley on Sunday.

The starting 11, at least in my mind, could not have been any better, most notably, Townsend in for Lamela. Erik Lamela has often been favored over Townsend due to his aggressive, skillful tackling and consistent pace. Poch, however, I'm guessing, noticed something in Lamela's play that has been a problem all season long... his unwillingness to carry the ball to the corner. Generally, Lamela receives the ball and immediately cuts in to the center midfield causing calamity with Eriksen's spacing and rendering the streaking Kyle Walker totally useless on any overlap.

You'll notice Kyle Walker, before his apparent injury, was more pivotal offensively than he has been in recent weeks. This comes as no surprise with the fleet-footed and eager Townsend ripping up field on the wing. Not only did this allow Walker to gain space in the overlap, but it also, provided more room in the middle, a place known to get crowded.

After Walker's injury, the Townsend-Walker potential died. Townsend was able to approach the corner, but with Kyle Walker hindered, the multi-factorial design became dual minded. Townsend’s first option was to drive it into a tight space and gamble that Harry Kane could get a touch and progress up field. The second option was to attempt to power past Azpilicueta to pull John Terry to the left, ultimately to hit Eriksen or Bentaleb in some free space. Neither option was very effective, but I would say it had more to do with Chelsea's commitment and execution than it had to do with Tottenham's effort.

Unfortunately for Spurs, execution, aside from Kane and Eriksen, has been an issue all season long. Townsend, at least from my vantage point, was expected to have a breakout game, creating chances from the wing and space in the middle. Lamela, for all his intensity, brought nothing to the table when he came on for Mason.

I love the potential both Lamela and Townsend offer, but I think the right wing spot needs a severe make over, both stylistically and physically. Lamela lacks the spirit to push forward and the mentality to realize progression options. He is a one-trick pony offensively and has decreasing value with set pieces. Defensively, Lamela has the fervor and ability to wreak havoc for opposing midfielders, but with Bentaleb and Mason in great form, the need is lessened. Townsend is near diminutive and lacks defensive prowess. He picked a few pockets in transition against Chelsea, but has the tendency to hover on the right, awaiting the chance to bolt up field. Offensively, there is no doubting Townsend's ability, however. If you are asking me, I would take Townsend over Lamela in any match-up, but Poch's affinity for Lamela leads me to believe he will be the one to get more usage in the future.

All things said, Poch went with his best line-up. I will be interested to see if he uses this in the push for a Top-4 spot. Chelsea had all the answers, but I don't think other teams will be so stifling. Spurs are headed in the right direction. Losing to Chelsea on Sunday is no exception.

© e-Spurs 2015 All rights reserved no part of this document or this website may be reproduced without consent of e-Spurs

Share on Google Plus