What went down inside Wembley was far from your normal football match. But the only thing concrete was what way this encounter was going. Spurs were exceptional in front of goal and deserved a trip to the next round over Rochdale.
The first half led the way for one of the most entertaining, unusual football match witnessed in this FA Cup. From the VAR incorrect decisions – to the refs inability to take charge and manager the game better.
In short – the match official could have made better decisions than the eye in the sky. VAR and whoever were making the calls, got it wrong, completely wrong.
https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/969244662287536128
Trying to pick the most scandalous moment of the match – is as hard as picking the best player of the match. Two to three moments saw a goal disallowed, a wrongfully awarded free kick, and a penalty stopped, and not retaken – but award with a card.
Wow, what a mouthful!
Tottenham 6-1 Rochdale match stats
Tottenham | Stat | Rochdale |
| 6 | Goals | 1 |
| 63% | Possession | 37% |
| 88% | Pass Accuracy | 79% |
| 590 | Total Passes | 355 |
| 18 | Total Shots | 7 |
| 11 | Shots on Target | 2 |
| 7 | Corners | 3 |
| 19 | Tackles | 32 |
| 2 | Offsides | 1 |
| 12 | Fouls | 11 |
| 3 | Yellow Cards | 0 |
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 |
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Whatever the ref had before the match must be illegal. Can somebody please tell me if you can get a yellow for a penalty run-up? These questions motions the display at Wembley in the first half.
However, all this mind-bending flashes, comes short of taking away the effortless behaviour of Mauricio’s men in front of goal. Their build-up play was second to none, and their finishing in front of goal, Harry Kane worthy, and their defending barring a first half equalizer, was a goal short of perfection.
A dream come true. 🙌
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 1, 2018
🗣️ @KyleLPeters on an evening to remember at Wembley - https://t.co/JHw3RHdHVV #OneOfOurOwn pic.twitter.com/sMCX8bY376
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Like Llorente, Son should have been the other player to get a hat-trick, he plus his fellow frontman, new boy Lucas Moura, and Erik Lamela, were too much for The Dale’s defence to handle.
One more shot for the homeboys and its Spurs youngster, Kyle Walker-Peters repaying his manager’s faith with Spurs sixth and final goal of the game. It was a comprehensive victory by the Premier League side after the young man scored and a final blow by Spurs.
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🎩 The hat-trick hero is your Man of the Match! 👏#COYS pic.twitter.com/Q5LyHVg5Ry
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 1, 2018
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The only aspect of Rochdale’s game that was as equally impressive was Stephen humfrey’s goal. Great run in behind the defensive line, a magical touch after a gifted ball, and a prolific finish. Other than that – they were outdone, outclassed, and sent marching home unsuccessful.