Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg reflects on Tottenham Hotspur’s FA Cup exit against Middlesbrough
Speaking to Spurs TV on the club’s official website, Tottenham Hotspur star Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg reflected on his side’s 1-0 loss to Middlesbrough in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Josh Coburn’s goal for Boro in extra-time saw Spurs knocked out of the cup competition, effectively ending their quest for a trophy by the end of the season.
Hojbjerg looked back on the game and rued the chances his side missed throughout the match, saying that the Lilywhites missing their opportunities gave the home side more belief to win the fixture in the end with the obvious crowd support.
“We had enough chances to execute and enough chances to win the game. When you don’t execute you give Middlesbrough even bigger belief and give the crowd the chance to become the 12th man.”
With this result, Tottenham’s trophy drought continues to yet another year. The North London side last won some silverware in 2008 when they got their hands on the League Cup trophy.
“Keep the compactness”
Hojbjerg partnered Harry Winks in midfield, and the pair played the entirety of the match but could not prevent Boro from knocking them out of the competition. It adds yet another loss to their topsy-turvy form this season, unable to maintain consistency.
The Dane pointed out that the team were unable to keep their compactness and shape against the Championship side, with Chris Wilder’s side creating momentum in parts of the game that Spurs struggled against.
“Middlesbrough were creating a momentum in parts of the game. I think some parts of the game we stood against them OK, but other parts of the game we were struggling to keep the compactness.”
Middlesbrough continues their impressive run in the FA Cup, having now earned their title as giant killers this season in the cup competition. Thus far, they have beaten Manchester United and Tottenham in previous rounds of the knockout tournament.
Hojbjerg meanwhile, was left to rue the number of chances his side failed to finish. The midfielder has started nearly every game this season for the Lilywhites, and he has seen the club go through multiple ups and downs this term.
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The former Southampton man has added pressure on him to see through games for Spurs, given that he is only one of two midfielders that are fit and available for selection. The north London is currently facing an injury crisis in the middle of the park, and he only has Winks to rely on beside him.
The player may possibly be overworked given the number of games he has played this season, but unfortunately, there is no time to rest given there are no other options available for us. Hopefully, the task is not too much for Hojbjerg and he continues to play his part until we hear good news on the injuries front.
