The Lucas Moura decision
Antonio Conte and Cristian Stellini made a total of six changes to the Tottenham team for Wednesday evening's FA Cup fifth round clash against Sheffield United. Always going to make alterations to the side following a hectic schedule, Spurs fans were keen to see a new look front three which would allow Richarlison to play through the middle in order to give Harry Kane a well-earned breather.
Richarlison did indeed take on the striker role as Son Heung-min returned to the side on the left flank. There was to be one other fresh face introduced to the team but it was not to be January signing Arnaut Danjuma as Lucas Moura was chosen ahead of him.
It was a decision that certainly raised eyebrows as the Brazilian has missed the vast majority of the season through injury and the Netherlands international has barely featured since joining from Villarreal on a loan deal. Another key talking point regarding the Lucas call is that the experienced attacker is departing Tottenham this summer following the conclusion of his contract, whereas Danjuma is trying to play his way into a permanent Spurs deal with the club having an option in their Villarreal agreement.
READ MORE: Tottenham player ratings vs Sheffield United: Richarlison, Sanchez and Lucas struggle in FA Cup
Porro crunched
Porro has had to be very patient since joining Tottenham with Emerson Royal getting the nod at right wing-back and impressing. The minutes have just not come his way since his debut at Leicester City but he was handed the opportunity he has been waiting for at Sheffield United.
It would have been quite the experience for him as well at a very wet and windy Bramall Lane as he tries to get used to life in England. Following a bit of a shaky start with the Blades starting well, the new signing started to show some neat touches and good movement.
He was given a big welcome not long after by Sheffield United Jack Robinson as the defender sent Porro flying after he had nudged the ball beyond Ben Osborn. It was a full-blooded but fair tackle from Robinson and the Spaniard came off second best as a result.
Porro was instantly back on his feet and keen to play on, though, whereas other players may have stayed on the ground.
Skipp appreciation
There was to be no place in the starting XI for Oliver Skipp at Bramall Lane after his heroics against Chelsea last Sunday. Dropping down to the bench after three successive starts, Pape Matar Sarr was handed his opportunity in midfield as he partnered Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
Following a dream outing against Chelsea after opening his Spurs account with a wonderstrike, Skipp had another moment to remember in South Yorkshire as the Tottenham faithful chanted his name when he went to warm up five minutes after the restart. It was a booming sound coming from the stand behind the goal with Tottenham fans housed in both the upper and lower tier.
Certainly something he won't forget in a hurry, Tottenham fans will continue to sing his song week in, week out if he carries on impressing when giving pitch time.
Richarlison experiment fails
Tottenham fans finally got their wish with Richarlison tried out in the middle of the front three at Sheffield United. Playing so well in the role for Brazil and also for Everton in the past, all were hoping for more of the same with Spurs really needing to find their man to take on Kane's position when he's not in the side.
Nothing went Richarlison's way during his time on the pitch, with the player starved of service as the Championship side made life very difficult indeed for the Lilywhites. The attacker did very little of note when he did have openings on goal, though.
Shooting over from a tight angle in the first half after Davinson Sanchez picked him out, his attempt moments before his substitution summed up his performance as his shot from outside the box almost hit the corner flag as it drifted well wide. Getting a good run of games at present after his injury struggles, Richarlison needs that to continue over the coming weeks and months and also to get his name on the scoresheet sooner rather than later.
One thing for sure is that he needs to offer so much more or he will find himself back on the bench.
A repeat one year on
Tottenham's FA Cup tie away at Sheffield United came one year to the day since their fifth round exit at the hands of Championship side Middlesbrough. Unfortunately for Spurs, history repeated itself 12 months on.
It was very much a carbon copy of their game at the Riverside Stadium as they just never got going and did little of note to trouble Wes Foderingham in the home goal. Given the need to end their barren run without a piece of silverware, it was unacceptable and a huge opportunity missed.
Tottenham now need to put things right at Wolves on Saturday afternoon and ensure they finish in the top four come may. That is a must.
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