Spurs survive 'self-inflicted' collapse to reach cup semis

As Son Heung-min wheeled away and the Tottenham fans in the South Stand bounced their way into the Carabao Cup semifinals, it was fitting in this bonkers, breathless tie that the winning goal against Manchester United would come straight from a corner kick.

- JAMIE BRAIDWOOD

A huge night for Ange Postecoglou, as Spurs moved a step closer to lifting their first trophy since 2008, came with palpable relief as Son’s corner made sure they rescued themselves from extraordinary embarrassment. Ruben Amorim’s side could not find another comeback.

Above all, though, this was a bad night for back-up goalkeepers. Altay Bayindir flapped as Son’s cross sailed over his head, the second goal he had been at fault for. He did not cover himself in glory on his first appearance under Amorim, and may still have been appealing to referee John Brookes late into the night. Meanwhile, Fraser Forster’s efforts with the ball at his feet ensured another two goals of the seven at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium came down to goalkeeping mistakes. Lisandro Martinez contributed a couple more errors, with woeful defending.

Postecoglou and Amorim chuckled as they fell into each other’s arms at full-time. How could they not? Tottenham are through to the semi-finals, but this was a tie that showed why these teams are currently 10th and 13th and illustrated how much work both managers have to do to bring consistency and sustained success. For Postecoglou, at least, his injury-hit side found some resilience after spectacularly shooting themselves in the foot twice. Archie Gray, at 18, was remarkable continuing as a makeshift centre-back. It was he who raced into the United box to win the corner that Son settled it from.