FA Cup: Tottenham doubles up on FA Cup replays after Rochdale 2-2 drew
One of two replays to take place just over a week from now, after Spurs and Swansea City draw in their respective fixtures.
The game started off with a surprise goal on the unexpected end of the field when Rochdale, went ahead against Tottenham through Ian Henderson – just inside the 45 minute mark.
Well-timed pressure, composed with great running against the run of play, taking them about three passes to complete a great counter.
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🗣️ @LucasMoura7: “I’m happy - my first start, my first goal. Of course I wanted to win, but I’m happy with the goal. It was a very difficult game, they were very strong and now we need to prepare for the second game at Wembley.” pic.twitter.com/NVXfC5G7Vr
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) February 18, 2018
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Shortly after, new boy, Lucas Moura cancelled out the home sides advantage, and repaid in full on his debut, taking Spurs level, almost immediately after the break.
The move was simply … perfect. He started and finished the move, putting his stamp on the game.
The game rocked Pochettino’s way with them being far more proficient on the ball. Tottenham’s 524 passes compared to Rochdale’s 288 – is no comparison at all. They allowed Spurs 65% of the game’s possession – at the Spotland Stadium.
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FA Cup tie match stats:
Rochdale | Stat | Tottenham |
| 2 | Goals | 2 |
| 35% | Possession | 65% |
| 64% | Pass Accuracy | 79% |
| 288 | Total Passes | 524 |
| 6 | Total Shots | 15 |
| 3 | Shots on Target | 6 |
| 3 | Corners | 6 |
| 28 | Tackles | 20 |
| 3 | Offsides | 0 |
| 23 | Fouls | 11 |
| 3 | Yellow Cards | 1 |
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 |
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Once the score was even, the two sparred mostly only to have late drama – once again going in Tottenham’s favour.
Mauricio Pochettino and his men showed us that if at first you don’t succeed – fall down and dive again. Controversy set out with an 88th minute penalty.
Dele Alli accused of being a photocopy edit of Harry Kane, after going down inside the penalty area. It’s almost as if the manager foresaw the dying embers of the second half, inserted his best actors into the game, and DIVE!
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Dele Alli getting a lot of stick again for diving this season.
— Last Word On Spurs (@LastWordOnSpurs) February 18, 2018
Please correct us if you think we are wrong but this looks like clear contact and therefore a definite penalty.#THFC #COYSpic.twitter.com/wvAbdjMCFV
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Step right up – it’s Harry Kane.
After he stepped up to the spot, he buried his chance with no second asking. Spurs went up and looked destined for the quarterfinals.
So they thought, Steve Davies was left unmarked in the box and Spurs’ celebrations ended early. Rochdale earned them a hard-fought replay at Wembley Stadium.
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