Tottenham's League Cup Win over Newcastle Is Their Most Important Victory so Far

Tottenham's 4-0 League Cup quarter-final win over Newcastle at White Hart Lane is a huge step for Mauricio Pochettino and Spurs.

Having set up a semi-final against Sheffield United, Spurs' season is headed for an early defining moment. That two-legged affair won't be their last big fixture this season, but it will be a chance for Pochettino to make his first mark on Spurs' proud history. A trip to Wembley in his first season beckons.The significance of the match was matched by the manner of the victory.

Tottenham did what they so rarely do by wrapping up the match with plenty of time left to play. Pochettino was able to withdraw stars like Nabil Bentaleb, Nacer Chadli and Harry Kane early, and the fans were able to really bask in the win.

By the end, Spurs were as comfortable as they've been in a home win since the 4-0 triumph over Liverpool in 2011.

The key architect of the victory, despite the well-earned praise of Kane, Chadli and Bentaleb, was Christian Eriksen. There can be little doubt that Eriksen is Spurs' most important outfield player. As Spurs' results continue to blossom, so too does the little Dane.

Eriksen has taken hold of matches against Hull City, Aston Villa and Swansea in recent weeks by moving in from the left. Against Newcastle, he was given that central role from the beginning, and he thrived.

Three assists from a central role will give Pochettino something to think about when he sets out his team against Burnley.

Eriksen was criticised by Denmark manager Morten Olsen in October, per Alex Sharp of the Daily Mail, but his recent form has lifted him far beyond the levels he was producing then.

At this moment last season, Spurs were counting the cost of an improbable defeat to West Ham. New manager Tim Sherwood missed the chance to grab immediate credibility.

It's infinitely easier for a new manager to convince his squad of his ideas when they're winning.

Stubbornness has cost many managers their jobs. Harry Redknapp and Andre Villas-Boas both lost their positions at Spurs for failing to bend their wills.

Against Newcastle, Pochettino showed his willingness to adapt to changing circumstances. His selection of Vlad Chiriches at right-back is no longer one of necessity. The Romanian had been frozen out of the team after a string of poor performances but has now seemingly won himself a stay of execution.

Tactically, Pochettino also showed sophistication against Newcastle. Though he persisted with inverted wingers, Chadli and Andros Townsend were instructed to keep wide as much as possible. This opened the space for Eriksen to take control of the match while providing crucial protection to the full-backs.

The goal Spurs conceded on Sunday against Swansea came from a moment when Ben Davies was left totally exposed. No such moments came against Newcastle, as the wingers added a defensive shift to their contributions.

Pochettino's willingness to adapt was crucial to this victory, but the victory itself will be crucial to Spurs' season. Having struggled to win or even score at home, a 4-0 triumph will win him many new converts among Spurs' fans.

Not since the 5-1 win over Asteras in October have Spurs managed more than three goals. Only their first home fixture of the season, against QPR, brought so many against a serious opponent.

A rampant victory over any Premier League side is good news. The fact that it came against a team that handed Spurs a humiliating defeat in October adds to the joy of the win. When Newcastle stunned Spurs that day, Pochettino looked unable to influence results, and the fans turned on him in great numbers. Just two months later, he has handed back that embarrassment with interest.

Of particular interest to Pochettino will have been the performance of Spurs' squad members. Players like Townsend, Chiriches, Danny Rose and goalkeeper Michel Vorm proved their ability to be genuine contributors this season. There is no space for passengers, but the players given their chance against Newcastle did not waste it.

Even Roberto Soldado, rested from the start, came on to poach a goal. The Spaniard needs goals to rebuild the confidence that was demolished in his first 12 months in England. Any goal is good news for him if he is to recover his best form at White Hart Lane.

Tottenham are on the cusp of a great moment. More than the chance to win silverware on a day out at Wembley, Spurs have the opportunity to build momentum with a talented young squad and an ambitious manager.



Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2303361-tottenhams-league-cup-win-over-newcastle-is-their-most-important-victory-so-far