Despite a late fightback, Tottenham crashed out of the League Cup after a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.
Daniel Sturridge scored either side of half time for the hosts, and was denied on a number of occasssions from sealing his hat-trick by the brilliant Michel Vorm.
The introduction of Erik Lamela midway through the second period changed things for Spurs. The Argentine won a penalty that was converted by Vincent Janssen.
The visitors arguably should have been awarded a second penalty, but in the end Liverpool did just enough to edge the contest.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to the result and performance.
As I said before, nothing wrong with our system/philopshy. We have been the better side imo. Just lack LFC's quality in fringe front players
— Alan (@LaptopManager_) October 25, 2016
Vorm has been brilliant this season. Never moans, just gets on with it and puts in a top performance when asked. So much respect for him.
— James Forster (@TheJamesForster) October 25, 2016
If Daniel Sturridge could play against our 4th and 5th choice centrebacks every week, he'd be the world class talent everyone says he is.
— Bankrupt (@bankruptspurs) October 25, 2016
Said it once and I'll say it again: Winks has been excellent #COYS
— Emma Storey (@JournoSpursEmma) October 25, 2016
Tottenham's Tots simply not good enough tonight against Liverpool who might easily have had eight goals. Over to the first team #LIVTOT
— Uncle Norman Giller (@NormanGiller) October 25, 2016
Not a great performance but a good experience for several young players vs a top side. 3 big games coming up now. If only Lamela started…
— Nikhil Saglani (@Nikhil_Saglani) October 25, 2016
Won't dwell on tonight as both lineups showed the importance being placed on it but disappointed with first 75 mins, we are better than that
— General Burkinshaw (@TsideSpurs) October 25, 2016
Improved at 2 down. A stronger line up would have won that game. Hats off to the 3k fans who made the journey. Real chance of a trophy gone
— The Spurs Show (@spursshow) October 25, 2016
Really felt we were unfortunate not to at least get level at the end there. Miss bottled it. Created little though but winks did very well.
— Ben (@InsideN17) October 25, 2016
Disappointing, but realistically it could have been more. Vorm, Wanyama, Lamela and Winks the bright sparks. Wimmer/Carroll/Dier poor.
— Chris Miller (@WindyCOYS) October 25, 2016
What really stands out about Spurs is without Eriksen or Lamela in starting lineup we're completely devoid of creativity!
— Kenny Palmer (@KennyPalmer) October 25, 2016
Janssen is a donkey! Zero goals from open play in over 10 games! He makes Soldado & Rebrov look like Aguero & Suarez! His head at the far post from 3 yards out was pathetic. He has no killer instinct. Joke of a striker!
Ahhh shudup you brainless cretin…no one cares what you think .
Janssen had little service & no support whatsoever. He holds the ball up well but was so isolated it was always difficult for him. Even Kane would have struggled. We don’t seem to be able to support our striker & don’t get numbers in the box.
With no natural width we are just left trying to thread balls down the middle through packed defences into very tight areas to our lone striker which is easier to defend against.
The last few games have highlighted this and other clubs will no doubt use this packed defence tactic against us in the future if we continue with this style of play. We were once a very fast flowing counter attacking team, but we don’t seem to be playing that way of late.
I know we are unbeaten in the league, but in theory, you can go unbeaten all season & still get relegated with 38 points.
We have dropped points in the last two league games to clubs who we should be looking to beat if we are to challenge for the title, drawn a Champions League game that we arguably should have won & now gone out of the cup playing this system.
Also in certain respects, Poch let those travelling Spurs fans down by his team selection & sacrificing the team in this competition. He did it at Southampton in the cup and last season in the cup with Spurs. It must be said that he’s not the only manager to do this, which I think devalues our cup competitions.
Resting players is required, but such wholesale changes & playing so many youngsters makes the competition a farce & is a betrayal of the club.
Can it be right that the paying fans travel all that way at great expense only to see such team changes and as a result reduce the chances of the club progressing in the competition?
I am a great fan of Poch & how the club has progressed under him, but I do find his selections & tactics sometimes a little baffling.
Still that’s why he’s a manager & I’m just a mere fan!