Football - FA Cup - Colchester 1-4 Tottenham: Nacer Chadli scores twice as Spurs march on in FA Cup – 5 things we learned

Mauricio Pochettino's side progressed to the fifth round courtesy of a straightforward away victory 

Two-goal Nacer Chadli inspired a Spurs blitz at Colchester to continue the north Londoners' Treble bid.

The 26-year-old Belgian struck in the 27th minute for his third goal in as many games to see off the side bottom of League One.

Chadli also hit the crossbar in the second half before Eric Dier drove in Tottenham 's deflected second in the 64th-minute.

Chadli added a third from close range after Kieran Trippier crossed in from the right. And the former FC Twente attacker set up Spurs' fourth when his low ball in from the left was converted by Tom Carroll.

Colchester striker Marvin Sordell hit the post when clean through on 75 minutes. But Kevin Keen's men grabbed a consolation when Ben Davies sent the ball into his own net after Gavin Massey had hit the post.


Hero of the day: Chadli found the net twice for Tottenham


Spurs are just five points off the top of the Premier League and are also in the knockout stages of the Europa League.

Ths victory sent them past this stage of the FA Cup for the first time since they reached the semi-final in 2012.


Here are five things we learned:

1. Tottenham defenders step up

Eric Dier and Kevin Wimmer are able deputies for Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen .
With the games coming thick and fast both - and Vertonghen out for at least two months - Pochettino will be pleased to have two capable players able to slot in. Colchester had their chances but by and large Dier, dropping back from midfield, and Wimmer - finally set for a run of games - were in control.
Nasty blow – Alex Wynter is forced off after a blow to the head:

 

 

 

2. Spurs need attacking reinforcements

Harry Kane ’s presence in this game was evidence yet again that Spurs need a new striker before the transfer window closes.

What on earth was the England striker doing starting against the side bottom of League One?

Spurs have a tough Premier League game on Norwich against Tuesday night. A new striker would have given him the breather he needs ahead of a tough programme coming up for the north Londoners.

 

No rest for the wicked: Kane started for Spurs

3. But the rest of the squad is strong

Apart from up front, Spurs do indeed have the strength in depth to fight on three fronts.

Mauricio Pochettino was able to slot in understudies in goal and across his back four. Hugo Lloris, Kyle Walker, Toby Alderweireld and Dele Alli were all on the bench in case of emergency.

These cup games, however, are giving the the second string the chance to gain an understanding at a competitive level. They are also continuing the club’s gathering momentum.

 

Filling in: Kevin Wimmer got a start in defence for the away side

4. Nacer Chadli is filling his boots

It is three in three now for the Belgian winger who has an impressive composure in front of goal. After a lengthy spell out with injury, this was just the kind of game he needed to continue his return to peak fitness. Also to reinforce just how many creative options Pochettino has at his disposal.

 

Classy finish: Chadli scored the opener in fine style

5. It’s looking bleak for Colchester

They were bottom of League One going into this contest. They lost both their centre-halves within 20 minutes and they’d had 11 shots rained in on them after just half an hour. To be fair, Kevin Keen’s men did well to go in only a goal down.

Once Chadli’s goal went in, however, this game was going in only one direction. Colchester will know that sinking feeling from the League.

 

Not to be: Colchester found the net late on but couldn't trouble Spurs

Player ratings - by Darren Lewis:

Colchester

• Kean 4 - No chance with any of the goals. Could have been worse
• Brindley 4 - A tough afternoon against Spurs’ in-form danger men.
• Wynter (Kent 5) - Forced off after injury after just five minutes.
• Eastman (Briggs 20) 4 - Unlucky to be forced off so early
• Vincent-Young 4 - Given a torrid time by the Spurs wide men
• Gilbey 5 - Outmanoeuvred apart from that brief spell after half time.
• Garvan 5 - Lots of effort but just not good enough.
• Massey 6 - Good effort against the post converted by Davies.
• Moncur 5 - Some nice touches in the box but none of them decisive.
• Ambrose 5 - A big part of their stirring start to the second half but couldn’t make it count.
• Porter 5 - Effort, enthusiasm but no cutting edge.

Subs

• Kent (Wynter 6) 4
• Briggs (Eastman 20) 4
• Sordell (Ambrose 61) 5

Tottenham (4-3-2-1)

• Vorm 6 - Not the best handling but got away with it on this occasion.
• Trippier 7 - Nice crossing. Again. Strong competition for Walker at right-back.
• Wimmer 6 - Will improve for the run of games he is getting but looked good enough.
• Dier 6 - In control overall but did switch off a bit in the second half.
• Davies 6 - Unlucky to put through into his own net.
• Bentaleb 7 - Fit again and clearly up for the fight to stay in the team.
• Carroll 8 - Skilful on the ball and strong in the tackle. Deserved goal.
• Chadli 9 - Razor-sharp, alert and back to peak fitness. Now three in three for him.
• Eriksen 8 - Picked up some good positions but unable to convert from them.
• Lamela 7 - Good header saved in the first half.
• Kane 7 - Always a threat but should never have been playing in this game.

Subs

• Dembele (Lamela 56) 7
• Son Heung-Min (Kane 67) 6
• Onomah (Eriksen 76) 6

Man of the Match: Chadli
Ref: Michael Oliver