Christian Eriksen’s late show sent Spurs to Wembley at the expense of Nigel Clough’s battling Sheffield on a snowy night at Brammall Lane.
The Dane had put Spurs in the driving seat with a simply stunning free-kick in the first half, rooting the United ‘keeper to the spot with his swinging effort.
But 18-year-old substitute Che Adams had other ideas when he came on late in the second period, side footing home his first goal for the club to level the scores on the night, beore seeing his effort deflected in off a sprawling Eric Dier to level it on aggregate.
But as extra-time loomed large, Eriksen was sent through by a pin-point Harry Kane through ball and finished with ridiculous composure to send the travelling Spurs faithful into a winter wonderland.
Que Sera Sera!
Player Ratings
Michel Vorm 6 – a shaky start for Vorm after his recent blunder but it was enough on the night. Couldn’t do much about Adams’ second due to the deflection but might be disappointed at the first.
Kyle Walker 7 – Made up for his few errors with some tenacious defending, and his block from Vorm’s first half mistake was exemplary for the rest of the game. A great outlet on the right.
Eric Dier 6 – Unlucky to see his block fly into the top corner and was left out of place by Flynn’s crossing, but another composed display from the youngster.
Jan Vertonghen 7 – Similar to Dier, with some superb moments of composure as Sheffield pressed. Captained the side to Wembley.
Ben Davies 6 – Did his homework and dealt with Jamal Campbell-Ryce well. His replacement caused some stress when he started swinging crosses in from the right but once again, we did enough.
Benjamin Stambouli 8 – Excellent game from Benji, who was rock solid all game in front of the back 4. Set plays up and sat at the base of the attack wonderfully.
Ryan Mason 7 – Ferocious defence from the breakthrough youngster, who broke from midfield wonderfully to cause the Sheffield defence problems. Superb skill and balance, taking one for the team with his yellow card.
Erik Lamela 6 – Positive display from the Argentine, who carried the ball well but couldn’t get a sight of goal. Helped Walker out well on the right with some great tracking back.
Christian Eriksen 8 – Quite simply brilliant. Took us to Wembley with two moments of incredible skill, his free kick and his composed last minute finish. Champagne’s on him.
Mousa Dembele 8 – I thought Mousa was fantastic also tonight, keeping possession better than anybody on the pitch. Effortlessly shouldered away opposing midfielders.
Harry Kane 7 – Found the gaps in the Sheffield high line and was unlucky not to find the net. Tested the ‘keeper when nobody else would and created chances out of nothing when he went unsupported.
SUBS
Paulinho 6 – Injection of energy in a floundering midfield.
Andros Townsend N/a – couldn’t get the ball but valuable defensively.
Danny Rose N/a
