Tottenham’s faith in youth is lauded, so why did they lose focus this week?
With Tottenham Hotspur dealing with a minor injury to Harry Kane, lack of depth up front was exposed this week.
Back-up Fernando Llorente put in an uninspired performance against West Ham, so much so that he was substituted off for a midfielder with Spurs chasing a goal.
This predicament made it clear that the club had made a mistake not naming a third striker on the bench and looking to their academy.
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino’s faith in youth is renowned, but his decision not to call upon young talent Kazaiah Sterling may have been a mistake.
Sterling has emerged as Tottenham’s most promising young forward ahead of Shayon Harrison.
The England under-18 forward has scored four goals at under-23 level for Spurs this season.
Arsenal’s faith in youth paid off this week as they brought Eddie Nketiah off the bench and he turned their tie with Norwich City on its head.
He has now put himself into the first team reckoning for the Gunners.
Tottenham should have afforded Sterling the chance to do the same, and created a potential option for themselves against Manchester United this weekend if Kane does not win his fitness battle.
With Spurs now out of the cup, it is a lost opportunity for Pochettino and the young strike talent.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
