Tottenham analysis: Harry Kane call proves Mauricio Pochettino wants to win the FA Cup this season

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Giuseppe Muro7 January 2018

Harry Kane took his goal tally for the season in all competitions to 27 with a quick-fire double in Tottenham's 3-0 victory over third-tier AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup third round at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

Tottenham were labouring to break down their visitors before Kane effectively sealed the tie with goals in the 64th and 66th minutes, while Jan Vertonghen added his side's third soon after.

AFC Wimbledon had proved stubborn opposition until a Moussa Sissoko cross found Kane who slid in to prod the ball home. Kane made it 2-0 when he turned in an attempted shot by team mate Kyle Walker-Peters from close range.

Vertonghen fired home a spectacular third goal from distance eight minutes later for his first Tottenham goal for four years.

Giuseppe Muro assesses the key talking points at Wembley...

Playing Harry Kane pays off

Getty Images

Kane was a surprise inclusion in the Tottenham team but his two goals in two minutes in the second half ensured Spurs avoided a what could have been a frustrating afternoon and, crucially, a replay against Wimbledon.

Pochettino might have rested Kane with the Premier League game against Everton in mind but, after Chelsea and West Ham had been held to replays earlier in the weekend, his decision was a good one.

Dons impress despite defeat

REUTERS

AFC Wimbledon can be proud of their efforts against Tottenham and manager Neal Ardley will want to take positives from Wembley into their battle against relegation in League One.

The 3-0 scoreline was harsh on Wimbledon, who frustrated Spurs before Harry Kane broke their resistance in the second half.

The Dons were organised and disciplined until Spurs ran away with it. Wimbledon will now focus all their energy on climbing out of trouble in League One. Next up they face a trip to MK Dons.

Pochettino proves critics wrong

PA

There has been a lot of debate about how seriously Pochettino takes domestic cup competitions but naming Kane in the team showed he is interested in a cup run.

Pochettino did rest several players like Dele All, Christian Eriksen and Hugo Lloris but he played a strong team that included Kane, Jan Vertonghen and Moussa Dembele.

The FA Cup is Tottenham’s best chance of silverware this season, and Spurs fans want to win it.

No fairytale for lifelong Spurs fan Barcham

AFC Wimbledon midfielder Andy Barcham was at Wembley to watch Spurs beat Real Madrid in the Champions League earlier this season and his dad Chris has a Tottenham season-ticket holder.

Barcham, a former Tottenham academy graduate who made one senior appearance for Spurs, played well but there was no dream return against his former club.

Wanyama return a big plus for Spurs

Wanyama made his first start since August and having him back could be key for Mauricio Pochettino.

There is no doubt Tottenham missed Wanyama when he was out injured and seeing him play 90 minutes alongside Moussa Dembele in midfield was a welcome sight for Spurs fans.

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