Scout Notes

Why Kane came on in FA Cup with Spurs 6-0 up

Fantasy Premier League managers were surprised to see Harry Kane (£12.6m) come on and score in Tottenham’s FA Cup win at Tranmere on Friday night.

Mauricio Pochettino’s men were 6-0 up the time and ended up winning the tie 7-0, making the striker’s introduction all the more baffling.

The Spurs boss clarified his decision in the post-match press conference which we will discuss in this latest Scout Notes article.

Tranmere Rovers 0-7 Tottenham Hotspur

Pochettino brought Kane on for a 15-minute spell in Spurs’ trip to League Two Tranmere Rovers, much to the confusion of Fantasy managers all over the world. The north London side were 6-0 to the good at that point and Kane was definitely not needed to help secure the result. It appears Pochettino was keen to allow the home fans to witness England’s talismanic striker play on their pitch in the flesh. After all, it is not too often that a World Cup 2018 Golden Boot winner and MBE can make an appearance in a competitive fixture at Prenton Park. While the FA Cup is largely seen by managers, both Fantasy and Premier League alike, as a chance to rest key individuals, Pochettino’s decision not only makes sense but is an admirable one too, a gesture that feels in keeping with the so-called “magic” of the competition. It will be interesting to see how many other top-flight bosses consider utilising their star names as they go up against lowly opposition in the third round this weekend.

“It was respect. Respect the people, respect the opponent. They’re not going to have many chances to see Harry Kane play here in a competition like the FA Cup. I think it was a great atmosphere. For different reasons, I decided to make a change and put Kane on the pitch but one of them is that It’s important to show respect to the people here so they could see Harry Kane, who is an icon in English football. It is difficult in that division to see it. It was important to see him in action.” – Mauricio Pochettino

Pochettino also explained that it was good for Kane to get some football to keep his momentum going. His late goal means he has now found the net in each of his last five games in all competitions.

“It’s important for him to score and have 20 minutes playing football. I think it was important for him and for the team an important victory and to get to the next stage of the FA Cup. It was an important fixture for the club. To be in four competitions is an important thing.” – Mauricio Pochettino

Kane was not the only key player to get significant pitch-time. In making eight changes to the side that dispatched Cardiff, Pochettino handed starts to Davinson Sánchez (£5.8m) and attacking midfield duo Son Heung-min (£8.8m) and Dele Alli (£8.9m). There were attacking involvements from them with the South Korean netting in the 57th minute, having assisted two goals already by that point. Alli was the one who set-up Kane’s 82nd minute finish. He played the full 90 minutes with Pochettino keen to give him the run out after he recently returned from injury.

“Dele was injured and now I think he’s fresh. He can manage his effort. Of course with the result, it was better for us to give him more minutes in the game.” – Mauricio Pochettino

Son’s contribution to another heavy Spurs win was, once again, highly important. He involved himself in three of the goals before being replaced in the 65th minute. The South Korean now has just one match left with the squad before leaving to join his compatriots at the Asian Cup. However, Pochettino is still playing down how much Spurs will suffer in his absence, which could last until Gameweek 25.

“I accept that and I don’t suffer with that. Sure that the squad is strong enough to push forward and to of course perform in the way that we expect. Of course, you want all the players but I’m not going to suffer. We knew from the beginning of the season that that will happen. Now is not a point to suffer from something you know is going to happen.” – Mauricio Pochettino

Ben Davies (£5.6m) played in a back three while Christian Eriksen (£9.3m), Toby Alderweireld (£6.0m), Moussa Sissoko (£4.9m) and Michel Vorm (£4.8m) were among the unused substitutes. Hugo Lloris (£5.4m), Kieran Trippier (£6.1m), Danny Rose (£5.8m) and Harry Winks (£5.5m) were given the night off entirely.

Returning from injury to again put rotation pressure on Trippier, was Serge Aurier (£5.8m). He played the entire 90 minutes and even managed to score twice, his first ever brace for the club. In fact, the two goals he scored at Prenton Park is as many as he has managed in his first 35 appearances for Spurs.

“I think it was good for him. It’s important for any player to have the possibility to score. When you are a full-back and you score and you don’t have the habit to score, always it’s special. I think he scored two but I need to see the second if he scored or not I don’t know. He did? Ok, good for Serge.” – Mauricio Pochettino

As rumours continue to circulate that he will be leaving in January, Fernando Llorente (£5.6m) performed some excellent marketing work by scoring a hat-trick. Pochettino explained that there will be discussions held between him and the player during the winter window, and the three goals scored will probably help other clubs take notice of him.

“Yes, it’s a six-month contract with the club and we will see what happens. As I explained for different players, it’s not only in our hands, what the player wants. Of course, now the window is open we’re going to talk.” – Mauricio Pochettino

There more starts for Juan Foyth (£5.0m), Kyle Walker-Peters (£4.2m) and Oliver Skipp (£4.5m), whose appearances in the first team at Premier League level have been increasing of late. Central midfielder Skipp especially impressed under the lights, and on national television, as he provided two assists on the night.

“Yes I am so happy. Always I never expect more than the attitude from the young players. They have the quality we believe but you cannot put too much pressure on them. Today they were very good, Skippy was fantastic. Of course Kyle Walker-Peters, Foyth, they are so young. I am so happy with the evolution of them.” – Mauricio Pochettino

Timothy Eyoma and George Marsh were also involved for Spurs, both featuring as second-half substitutes. Neither player is in FPL yet but Pochettino’s comments after the game suggest they may earn Premier League appearances between now and May.

“Yes, these are players who have been involved this season for us. George and TJ they were involved in the pre-season tour in the summer. I think they are players that I hope have a future with us in the first team.” – Mauricio Pochettino

Tottenham Hotspur XI (3-4-3): Gazzaniga; Davies, Sánchez (Eyoma 79′), Foyth; Walker-Peters, Skipp, Alli, Aurier; Son (Marsh 65′), Llorente (Kane 75′), Moura.

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1,165 Comments Post a Comment
  1. T96
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    When's Mendy back?

    1. Super John McGinn-
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      2nd Feb I think

      1. T96
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Safe to keep hold of Sane then

    2. dvdguy
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      fit enough to run onto the pitch at 100mph, LOL.

  2. Super John McGinn-
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    What changes would you make to this? Will want to get Salah in, over the next couple of GWS

    Fab
    Alonso, TAA, Digne
    Hazard (C), Son, Pogba, Siggy, FAnderson
    Kane(VC), Rashford

    Steele, AWB, Doherty, Kamara.

    1FT 1.5 ITB

    Bottomed.

    1. T96
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Personally I'd look at maybe getting rid of Kane and FAnderson for Salah and a cheaper striker such as Arnie etc.
      Kane's not getting massive hauls and you'd have 4 players from one game otherwise.

  3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 2 months ago

    That half summed up morata. Absolutely terrible performance

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 2 months ago

      Oops!

  4. MTPockets
      5 years, 2 months ago

      ...and he's flagged

      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Who, Arnie?

        1. MTPockets
            5 years, 2 months ago

            yep

        2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Who?

          1. Nomar
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Arnie

      2. tm245
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Wow, just checked Chelsea's squad ages -- they are getting old:
        27 years (January 7, 1991) Eden Hazard
        27 years (March 29, 1991) N'Golo Kanté
        32 years (September 30, 1986) Olivier Giroud
        26 years (October 23, 1992) Álvaro Morata
        31 years (May 4, 1987) Cesc Fàbregas
        31 years (July 28, 1987) Pedro
        30 years (August 9, 1988) Willian
        27 years (December 20, 1991) Jorginho

        24 years (October 3, 1994) Kepa Arrizabalaga
        31 years (April 22, 1987) David Luiz
        28 years (December 28, 1990) Marcos Alonso
        25 years (March 3, 1993) Antonio Rüdiger
        29 years (August 28, 1989) César Azpilicueta

        22 years (January 23, 1996) Ruben Loftus-Cheek
        25 years (December 5, 1993) Ross Barkley
        24 years (May 6, 1994) Mateo Kovačić
        28 years (December 12, 1990) Victor Moses
        18 years (November 7, 2000) Callum Hudson-Odoi

        1. Ginkapo FPL
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          But also have 200 youngsters on out loan.

          1. tm245
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            They need to recall them soon then.

          2. Nomar
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Which, of course, is perfectly fine and acceptable.

            However, when a small club wants to show some ambition to get into the Prem and spends some cash that their owner can spare, they get a massive fine.......

        2. Ode
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Just 5 players over 30

      3. SomeoneKnows
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Which player do you think will score the least amount of points in the upcoming 4 gameweeks?

        A) Alonso
        B) Trippier
        C) Jimenez

        1. Dr. Rog
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          go to RMT here or FFF predicted points

      4. Rash
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Best martial replacement? 7.8 to spend

        1. Hazz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          I'd hold fire unless you're wanting to downgrade him, to upgrade elsewhere.

        2. RoysCallerAnne
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Shaqiri.

        3. Numb
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Depends on your squad

          1. Rash
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Pat fab
            Doherty Robbo digne dunk kiko
            Salah hazard Pogba martial kayal
            Auba rash Jimenez

      5. Rusty71
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        If you were able to put together a team (wildcard) with Haz, Salah, Kane, Auba and Kun in it, would you?

        1. Numb
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Yes please

        2. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          No

        3. tm245
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Play 5 defenders under 5.5m and you could have a decent 5-2-3.

        4. Nomar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Aye, but I’d probably want Sterling instead of Kun.

          I like to get points from my players away from home.

          1. Pep bites Kun
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Good point - we seem to have lost a lesson learned earlier in the season
            Another point - Although Sterling will probably be top 10; I'd like a player who's not a rotation risk for his price

        5. jtreble
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          No, my points/GBP (value) would be too low; OR would sink like a rock.

        6. FPL.team
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          I did but Sterling instead of Kun. Defense is shite but I'm having an awful season and this is my attempt to turn it around

      6. Bobby
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        was going to bring Arnie in - should I be worried about transfer window and this argument hes just had with the manager?

        1. Hits from the Bong
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          No, bring him in and captain him

        2. Cruz88
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          The only thing to worry about is the potential of him carrying an injury

        3. Gentle_Turks
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          He's injured. Flagged.

        4. Bobby
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          pell said it was just a minor shoulder thing and he didnt want to come off, so think injury-wise he'll be ok

      7. Canary_Kid
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Fab Hamer
        Robbo Digne Doherty Holebas AWB
        Sterling Haz Son Pogba Martial
        Auba Jimenez Kamara
        1ft 1.0itb

        What to do here? Want to get Salah in so how does Sterling and Son to Salah and Rich look?

        Any suggestions?

      8. EL tridente
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        If arnie is fit
        A) Arni and Pogba
        Or
        B) Rashford and Anderson

        1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          A by a million miles

          1. Not again Shirley
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Definitely not a million miles. I would say it is a close call.

        2. Nomar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          I actually prefer B.

          Arnie too injury prone.

        3. Rusty71
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Toss a coin and cross your fingers!

      9. Louis Van Gaalstones
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        How does this team look for GW23:

        Fabianski,
        Luiz, Doherty, Digne
        Sane, Salah, Hazard, Pogba, Anderson
        Rashford, Arnie

        Button, Jiminez, Schindler, AWB

      10. ZeBestee
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        How did Alexis fare today? Any chance he could replace Martial in the near future?

        1. Hits from the Bong
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Did his hamstring I believe

          1. ZeBestee
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Martial vs Trippier.. could do really well. Probably not the right time to replace Martial.

      11. Hits from the Bong
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Redmond scores

        1. Rash
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Essential

        2. BitefromBarcelona
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Redmond is a different player under Ralph.

          Good value for 5.2

      12. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Morata scoress

      13. Hits from the Bong
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Morata essential?

      14. Silecro
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Moratatatatata

      15. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Morata goal

      16. tm245
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Morata, never doubted you.

      17. lankdog
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Redmond bout to do a madness sksksksk

      18. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Cardiff the only team currently heading for a replay. Come on Cardiff!

        1. Nomar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Camarasa DGW is on! 😀

          1. Hits from the Bong
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Great get to bench him twice

            1. Nomar
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              5 years, 2 months ago

              Yay for us!

      19. fedolefan
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Oh Christ, that turd has gone on and scored now. Start against Newcastle confirmed.

        1. Nomar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          ** sells Hazard for Sterling ***

        2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          There is another match Wednesday

      20. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Kante to Morata

        1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          *Kane

          1. Hazz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Oh, never mind...

        2. Hazz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Hudson-Odi, actually.

      21. Gentle_Turks
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Who assisted Morata goal?

        1. Hits from the Bong
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          And who got the 2nd assist?

        2. Hazz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Hudson-Odoi.

          1. Gentle_Turks
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 2 months ago

            Cheers.

      22. EL tridente
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        A) Arni and Pogba
        Or
        B) Rashford and Anderson

        1. Gentle_Turks
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          Arnie injured. Flagged.

      23. Gentle_Turks
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        So I guess the Man UTD lineup today cements Rashford start next weekend then?

      24. ZeBestee
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Moratalol

      25. Hits from the Bong
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Morata misses sitter

      26. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        Omggg

      27. tm245
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 2 months ago

        The Alvaro Morata Experience right there.

        1. tm245
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          His xG for this match will be above 10.0 at this rate.

        2. Syd.
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 2 months ago

          He does miss some sitters