Tottenham Hotspur

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The "most important thing" for Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou is to win a trophy, says former Spurs midfielder Michael Brown.

Postecoglou's side reached the Carabao Cup semi-final with a chaotic 4-3 win over Manchester United despite him having to field a makeshift back four featuring Djed Spence at left-back and Archie Gray at centre-back.

"It is a credit to Spurs they hung on considering the lack of depth they had available - but they made key mistakes when they were cruising, almost showboating," Brown told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"This is how they play under Ange Postecoglou. But, they were very light on the bench and Manchester United were able to make lots of changes to bring experienced players on.

"Postecoglou's squad was depleted by youngsters who have now gained experience. The injury list is long and when some of those come back hopefully we will see an improvement in their consistency.

"The most important thing for him is to try and win a trophy. The supporters want silverware. The stadium and training ground are amazing but that is the next step and hopefully this is the year.

"We can see the potential for a positive outcome for Spurs, they just have to get rid of that inconsistency.

"It was just an amazing football game. There was real quality, lets not just throw it all at the goalkeepers. United contributed some great counter-attacking football.

"We were treated to a wonderful cup tie which we will not forget for a long time."

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Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou, speaking to Sky Sports after the Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Manchester United:

"We made it harder than it should have been, we were well in control, played really well, we looked like we were going to manage the game and then two unfortunate moments - the first one affected Fraser [Forster] and then the second one came as a result of that.

"But we showed character and scored a fourth.

"I like the whole game. Are you not entertained? I know the studio is probably having a meltdown over my lack of tactics.

"We've got so many absences at the moment - centre-halves, kids on the bench. If we get through the period we're going to get enormous growth out of it.

"I really liked how we played tonight, obviously those moments tainted it a bit and that has happened this season before and it doesn't help our consistency, but the mentality of the boys... I love it.

"I love football and love watching teams that go out there to entertain. Obviously we want to be successful and we won't be if we make things difficult like we did tonight.

"We're not going out there to try to grind out 1-0 victories, we're trying to keep folks entertained. I can't see how that's a bad thing.

"It's part of football, mistakes will happen. From the context of how we play as a team, there's nothing we need to change. It doesn't get me any credit in the bank as an astute tactician, but so be it."

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Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke, speaking to Sky Sports after the 4-3 win over Manchester United in their Carabao Cup quarter-final: "Being 3-0 up, we could have dealt with the game better and killed some time, but we made it hard for ourselves.

"But the important thing is we won and we're through.

"That's football sometimes, we stick together. Mistakes are a part of football, we dug in, we showed spirit and got the job done.

"Scoring against a team like United is great but the most important thing is to win today and getting to the semi-final."

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The draw for the Carabao Cup semi-finals has been made, with Tottenham paired with holders Liverpool and Arsenal set to face Newcastle.

The two-legged semi-final ties will take place in week commencing 6 January (first leg) and week commencing 3 February (second leg).

Spurs completed the line-up for the last four with their victory over Manchester United on Thursday.

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Tottenham's performance

What did you make of Man Utd's display?

Come back to this page on Friday to find a selection of your replies

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On the most recent episode of the Planet Premier League podcast, former Manchester City defender, Nedum Onuoha tries to explain James Maddison's inconsistent playing time at Tottenham:

"What makes it even stranger is this is somebody who was given the vice captaincy. In a really simplistic way, we believe that anybody who's going to take up that sort of leadership role will be a regular within the team.

"But for Postecoglou, even though the squad is stretched overall, there are still times where he wants the midfield to look a certain way and I think he's very passionate about having speed up top as well.

"That speed in transition is a big part of what he perceives to be the best version of Spurs - and I can see how Maddison at times doesn't fit into that."

Former Chelsea defender, Gary Cahill added: "It must be frustrating for him though. He must feel that he delivers when he does play. It's almost like the manager is trying to find a position for him. He's a class player, especially in that number-10 role."

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Tottenham are a possible option for 29-year-old Paris St-Germain and Slovakia defender Milan Skriniar in January. (Gazzetta - in Italian), external

Meanwhile, Spurs, Liverpool and Manchester City are interested in 22-year-old Real Valladolid and Spain winger Raul Moro, who may be available for between 4-10m euros. (Sport - in Spanish), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has been speaking to the media before Thursday's Carabao Cup quarter-final against Manchester United (kick-off 20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Destiny Udogie is "still a bit sore" but he could feature, after being forced off the pitch last time out. The defender is not injured but will need to be reassessed because of the quick turnaround in fixtures.

• He added: "The next cabs off rank for us will be Mikey [Moore], Ben [Davies] potentially next week, and then Richarlison maybe in the first week of the new year."

• Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are "still chugging along" in their recovery from injury and they are expected to return in the new year.

• It is "good to have an option" between Lucas Bergvall and Yves Bissouma, who is now back from suspension, in midfield: "Lucas did very well the other night, and the past two or three games he has played for us. He showed real maturity, discipline and quality. At the same time, it was his first start in a while so we will have to see how he has recovered."

• On being just two rounds away from a Carabao Cup final at Wembley: "I don't think quarter-finals is close. If you get to a final, then you are close. There is still a fair bit of football to play, so all we can do is be ready."

• Manchester United have "done well in cup competitions over the past couple of years", but Tottenham have the home advantage and the support behind them which should be "enough motivation" to get to the semi-finals.

• He added: "I want to win and I want to play well - I don't think that's anything new. We will go out there and try to play our football. If we do then we will be hard to stop, as we have been this year."

• Ruben Amorim has made "an impact straight away" since being appointed as United head coach. He has "tweaked the formation a little bit" and has been "giving different players an opportunity", so he expects the Red Devils to be "a very tough competitor still".

• He has "no interest" in the comments Marcus Rashford has made about his future at Old Trafford this week, adding: "He is a very good player. They have got plenty of good players, but I manage my own players. I have no real desire to examine his situation any further."

• On the chants aimed towards Tottenham's board during the 5-0 win over Southampton, he added: "That's for the supporters. They have the right to express whatever they need to express, but hopefully they got to enjoy the performance."

• Yang Min-hyeok has been in the building and met Postecoglou over the past couple of days, before joining Spurs on 1 January: "He has been having a good look around. He isn't training with us, but I always feel it's good to allow players to settle in, especially off field." The 18-year-old South Korea winger has also been doing English lessons since arriving in London.

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On the most recent episode of BBC Radio 5 Live's, Planet Premier League, the panel ponder whether Ange Postecoglou should prioritise Thursday's Carabao Cup tie against Manchester United over the Premier League match against Liverpool on Sunday.

Ex-Manxchester City defender Nedum Onuoha: "I think he's going to go for both as if they get a really good result against United on the Thursday, the belief will there for the weekend," said Onuoha. "If he puts his eggs into one of these baskets and then both things go wrong, before you know it, we're on a Monday and it's crisis talks as Ange is now very much on the hot seat."

Former Chelsea defender Gary Cahill: "He's going to go into the Liverpool game wanting to put out a good side and compete, but winning a trophy at Tottenham surely has to be a priority sooner or later.

"If you're a fan, you want to see that - if you're a player you want that. If pushing me on which ones are bigger, I'd say the biggest priority is winning a trophy. They've not won a trophy for so long, and I think it's a huge opportunity for them."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Ali Speechly
Fan writer

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Everybody needs a little confidence boost now and again.

Following a period where tensions ran high and arguably neither the players, the coach or some of the fans showed the best versions of themselves, it turned out that an away game against the worst team in the league was just what the doctor ordered.

Indeed, it has been a stressful few weeks for everyone connected to Spurs.

Injuries, illness and suspensions have significantly impacted an already limited squad. Players who are fit enough are struggling to be good enough consistently enough in a relentlessly demanding system.

In one news conference, the manager assured us he would not criticise a player publicly, only to do exactly that the next time he was questioned by reporters - strong leadership or is the pressure starting to take its toll?

The anti-Daniel Levy sentiment continues to gather pace and volume among some sections of an increasingly frustrated fanbase.

In light of all this, it was a relief to watch our makeshift team perform so well against Southampton on Sunday. At times, they even looked like they were enjoying themselves.

Even more satisfying than watching four different players score five goals from open play - no corners needed here, thank you very much - was the proof that this team is capable of game management.

Granted, taking our foot off the gas in the second half was most likely out of necessity rather than desire on Ange Postecoglou's part.

Nevertheless, it was a welcome and much-needed sight: the team controlling possession and the game, securing all three points without running themselves into the ground, or capitulating to the opposition through a series of self-inflicted mishaps.

Maybe even adamant Ange is learning that, as well as trusting the process, sometimes you need to bend with it too.

Find more from Ali Speechly at Women Of The Lane, external and on Instagram, external

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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Southampton and Tottenham.

Here are some of your comments:

Harry: A first half for the history books. Maddison has certainly redeemed himself to be a core element in our starting XI. Congratulations to Son for moving on to the joint highest assists for our club but I missed him in the second half. Ange's game management was understandable but you'd think we could have got nine against them like teams in the past. An enjoyable night for Tottenham fans.

George: Brilliant first half, no denying it. You could see the players fired up and that's what got us the goals. Second half was as expected, however you can still see our defence struggling, even at the best of times. Nevertheless this game will go far in boosting confidence, and together with the return of our injured players hopefully we'll be back on track.

Roger: Great to see Djed Spence get a chance and take the opportunity to show what he can do. He and Madders set the scene from the start - hope he can keep it up. The other youngsters together with overworked regulars Deki, Sarr and Solanke set a great example. Bringing on Porro, Johnson and Werner though, who were all poor, highlighted what our problem has been this season.

Michael: Sparkling first half performance and it could have been more. Our defence is looking more makeshift every game. I wouldn't be surprised if Ange's half time talk consisted of 'don't get injured'. Good to see youngsters getting minutes. This is the project Ange is building but circumstances are forcing his hand. Maybe we should look at Dibling and Harwood-Bellis. We have a ridiculous goal difference for a team in our position. Onwards and upwards.

Highlights and analysis from Sunday's four Premier League fixtures, plus the best of the action from the rest of the weekend.

If you missed Match of the Day 2, catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

And you can watch Saturday's Match of the Day here.

Listen back to the weekend's full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Liverpool 2-2 Fulham

• Nottingham Forest 2-1 Aston Villa

• Brighton 1-3 Crystal Palace

• Man City 1-2 Man Utd

Joe Bradshaw
BBC Sport Senior Journalist

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Ange Postecoglou questioned some of his senior players in Glasgow on Thursday and he will have been delighted to watch this rampant performance at the opposite end of the United Kingdom.

Of course, it helps when your opponents are as leaky as a sieve, but Tottenham seized their opportunity and were brutally clinical against struggling Southampton, putting this game to bed inside 15 minutes.

Prior to this match, they had not won since hammering Manchester City at Etihad Stadium where James Maddison scored twice.

The England midfielder was clinical once again, scoring with both his shots on target. Meanwhile, captain Son Heung-min levelled Darren Anderton's record as leading Spurs' assist-maker in the Premier League and could have a hat-trick of his own.

Postecoglou has conceded he needs everyone given the number of players unavailable to him at the moment.

As well as having Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray in his starting XI, Postecoglou named five teenagers on the bench, four of whom had never played a minute for Tottenham.

He did not need to use them though, instead being able to give Son the second half off and re-integrate Timo Werner back into his team as a late sub.

This is a big week for Spurs with the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Manchester United on Thursday taking on huge importance.

Their opponents had their own dramatic victory on Sunday at neighbours City - it makes for a perfect set-up.

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Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou speaking to TNT Sports after their win: "It was outstanding by the players. We had a tough European game away on Thursday night. We had 10 first-team players unavailable tonight and for the lads to come out with that much energy. We had to come out quickly because we knew we were going to get tired. We are asking a lot of our layers and the quality and energy showed was outstanding."

On scoring so early: "We've had great opportunities in the last few games early on and if we'd have taken them then you put pressure on the opposition. I said to them before the game let's be ready, let's have a fast start. It was great endeavour by Djed and a great finish by Maddison."

On Djed Spence: "He has had to bide his time, to be fair to him whenever he has played he has done well. We haven't been able to give him too much game time because full-back is one of the positions we have a bit of cover but we needed him to come in and play at a good level and he did. It's a credit to him."

On Destiny Ugodie's injury: "He felt something but he wanted to continue. We can't take risks at the moment. I don't think it's anything too bad."

On how important a win tonight was: "It helps. You just want the players to feel good and get a reward for their efforts. We can't rest or rotate and you want them to feel good. They get their reward tonight and we'll recover and get ready for a big game on Thursday."

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Tottenham's James Maddison has been speaking to TNT Sports after today's victory: "It was a great night for us. It's an important night. There are so many big teams all throughout the league who are struggling to get results and are on a tough patch. We were on one tonight. It was important to get that win. That was a big night for us.

"We can blow away any team in this league, and not just Southampton. We did the same at Manchester City. But we need to do it on a regular basis. We showed grit and determination, especially after a rapid turnaround after Glasgow. I am proud of the boys."

On Djed Spence: "He's been patient and he's a great lad. He is a laidback character and I don't think he needed too much of a pep talk. But I told him before the game to go out and do what he does best. It was a great pass from him and big credit to Djed for that."