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Three things we learnt from Tottenham’s 3-0 FA Cup win at Fulham
Vertonghen and Alderweireld are the perfect pair
Jan Vertonghen’s return to action reunited him with national colleague Toby Alderweireld, re-forming a partnership which is crucial to Spurs’ hopes of a trophy. The Belgium duo are arguably the best centre-back pairing in the league, so when one is missing it affects the structure of the defence. Keeping just two clean sheets in the six games without Vertonghen in the side shows the problems that arise, particularly in tough trips to the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool.
Thrusting Eric Dier, Kevin Wimmer or Ben Davies next to him, or forming a back three hasn’t had the same level of results, as Liverpool showed when they carved them apart in a nightmare first-half at Anfield. Spurs have the joint best defence with leaders Chelsea, conceding just 18 goals, and that is largely down to the system with Wanyama anchoring in front of the Belgians and Hugo Lloris in goal. If Tottenham are to challenge on three fronts, although Chelsea look to be pulling away in the league, then keeping both their centre backs fit is key to that.