Wycombe Wanderers boss Gareth Ainsworth insisted there was no shame in losing in heartbreaking fashion to a ‘world-class’ Tottenham Hotspur side during their FA Cup fourth round clash, while speaking to the Bucks Free Press.
Wycombe fans must know how Cheltenham Town feel.
Just two days after Manchester City flirted dangerously with a ‘cupset’ for the ages before scoring three times in the blink of an eye to kill off the plucky, League Two underdogs, Tottenham did something very similar at Adams Park.
As a rejuvenated Gareth Bale cancelled out Fred Onyedinma’s first-half opener, an intriguing clash looked set for extra-time before a late Tanguy Ndombele-inspired surge secured Spurs’ place in Round 5.
Two goals in a minute from Winks and super-sub Ndombele put the game out of Wycombe’s reach, before the £62 million record signing slotted in a fourth in stoppage time.
“The scoreline is probably not a reflection on the game,” said Ainsworth, whose side were level at 1-1 until the 86th minute but found themselves 4-1 down on 93.
“Although they were fantastic at the end.
Jose Mourinho was forced to invite Harry Kane, Heung Min-Son, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Ndombele to the party as Spurs struggled to kill off their second-tier opposition.
“I’m flattered that they had to put some big names out there to get in front, but we looked tired at the end,” Ainsworth added.
“We gave everything and they’re a good side – a world class side.
“It was no disgrace from my boys tonight and I’m really proud, but we need to pick ourselves up for Brentford on Saturday and we’ll take a lot of heart from this.”
Perhaps the biggest plus for Spurs was the performance of Bale who, for the first time in his second spell in North London, looked like the explosive, jet-heeled winger who left for Real Madrid eight years ago.
The Wales international scored once and, if his radar had been a little more accurate, could have had a hat-trick on the night. But at least he is again doing what Bale does best; roasting past full-backs and firing shots at goal.
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