Tottenham were knocked out of the FA Cup on another dismal night for Antonio Conte’s side on Tuesday, by Championship side Middlesbrough at The Riverside. Josh Coburn scored an extra-time winner for Boro.
Spurs came into the side with inconsistency an issue under Conte. A 1-0 loss to Burnley at Turf Moor last week saw Conte question his own future – only for Spurs to smash Leeds United at Elland Road 4-0 on Saturday lunchtime.
Conte named a full-strength side to take on Chris Wilder’s men on Teesside, in front of a sold-out Riverside. Both sides had numerous chances, but it was Middlesbrough that looked more up for it as it entered extra-time.
Then, in second-half of extra-time, sub Coburn produced a piledriver of a shot that rocketed past Hugo Lloris. A huge loss for Spurs, ending any chance of a trophy. Shearer said: “Spurs were so flaky, typical Tottenham.”
Shearer on Tottenham: Is Conte future under scrutiny once again?
Without a doubt. Conte will now understand the phrase ‘Spursy’, if he did not know before. The loss was the definition of the nickname of the North London club, as they looked a shadow of themselves on Saturday.
It ends any chance of silverware this season, with their hopes slim already given Manchester City and Liverpool remain in the FA Cup. All hopes of a decent season rest on finishing in the top four – again, looking unlikely.
Conte will question his own future, and while he has remained loyal in his comments so far – even after the Burnley loss – even he will be questioning if he can turn around what he has taken on.
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