Tottenham cruised into the semi-finals of the FA Cup with a comfortable 3-0 win away to Swansea. Christian Eriksen opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a beautifully struck shot from the edge of the box and Erik Lamela doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time. The home side started the second half with more urgency and briefly threatened to make a contest of it, but when Eriksen added a third shortly after the hour mark it was game over.
Positives
Spurs did everything that was required of them, easily overcoming a Swansea side that was depleted by injuries, suspensions and cup-tied players. Though Eriksen was the standout player none of the starting XI had an off day and at three goals up were able to ease off and play the rest of the game at training pace. Just as important as making it to their second semi-final in two years, they did it at the first attempt, thereby saving themselves the inconvenience of another unwanted replay.
Negatives
None worth mentioning. It could be argued that Spurs were - not for the first time this season - wasteful in front of goal and could have put the game to bed even earlier if they had taken all their chances. But that would be a harsh judgement on as easy a 3-0 win as the players and fans could have hoped for.
Manager rating out of 10
8 -- Mauricio Pochettino, despite having spent much of his pre-match news conference talking down the importance of winning a trophy, clearly got his players in the mood to take no prisoners. Most encouraging of all, he has managed to set up the side in such a way that Harry Kane was barely missed. Eriksen, Lamela , Son Heung-min and Lucas Moura all combined well and looked capable of scoring at will. The only strange decision was bringing on Dele Alli as a late substitute when the game was long since won. Given Alli's own injury concerns, this felt like a risk not worth taking.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Michel Vorm, 7 -- Made a stunning double save early in the second half. If Swansea had scored at that point, the whole character of the game might have been changed. Otherwise, was rarely put under any pressure and deserves to keep his place in the side for the semi-final
DF Kieran Trippier, 7 -- Another very solid performance. Was rarely tested defensively, but combined well with the attack and played a couple of sublime cross-field long balls to switch play.
DF Davinson Sanchez, 7 -- Made a couple of key headed clearances on the few occasions when Swansea did manage to get behind the Spurs back four to put in crosses. Strong on the ball and even managed a couple of rare sorties up field.
DF Jan Vertonghen, 7 -- After a couple of games in which he has looked less comfortable than we have come to expect, the Belgian international looked to be right back on his game. Assured in possession and gave the Swansea forwards few glimpses of goal.
DF Ben Davies, 7 -- Yet again showed why he is now Pochettino's first-choice left-back. He may be unflashy but he seldom makes a mistake. Allowed Swansea only one clear break down his flank and linked well with the attack.
MF Eric Dier, 7 -- Was underemployed in his role of defensive midfielder which allowed him the luxury of playing slightly further forward. Twice went close to scoring: the first with a free header from an Eriksen corner and then with a long-range effort that was well-saved.
MF Moussa Sissoko, 7 -- One of his best performances yet. Didn't slow the game down or look to pass the ball sideways as he so often does. Instead, played with real intent in his efforts to release the attacking players. Had one shot on goal that went well wide.
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MF Christian Eriksen, 9 -- Spurs' man of the match. Was at the heart of all the best attacking moments, as Swansea never coped with his range of movement or the subtlety of his passing. Scored twice and was only denied a hat trick by a breathtaking tip on to the cross bar by Swansea 'keeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt.
MF Erik Lamela, 7 -- Combined well in attack and often won the ball in unexpected areas. Scored with a neat right-foot finish that went around the defenders and unsighted the goalkeeper. Looks to be back to somewhere near his best at a time when the club need him most.
MF Lucas Moura, 7 -- Given a rare start, he rewarded his manager's faith with an impressive display. Is settling in well to the pace of English football and his direct running frequently unsettled the Swansea defence. Only his last touch let him down and prevented him from being even more effective.
MF Son Heung-min, 7 -- Played much of the first half as the central striker in the absence of Kane but moved into his more familiar wider role as the game went on. Scored with a sublime finish from an Eriksen through ball only for the goal to be incorrectly ruled out for the tightest of offsides.
Substitutes:
FW Fernando Llorente, NR -- Given a run out for the last 18 minutes. Had a wonderful chance to score against his old club but failed to anticipate Son's pass that would have given him a tap-in.
MF Dele Alli, NR -- Surprisingly given a run out and everyone will have been relieved he came through safely without his injury any worse.
Source: espn.co.uk