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Gary Lineker wants ‘unfair’ FA Cup rules to be changed after Tottenham knock out Tamworth in extra-time
Tottenham Hotspur needed extra-time to overcome National League opposition Tamworth in their FA Cup clash last weekend.
Ange Postecoglou fielded a relatively strong Tottenham team away from home, even with a north London derby in just a few days time.
The likes of Dejan Kulusevski, Son Heung-min and Dominc Solanke were all on the bench, but Spurs certainly had enough quality available to get the job done in the 90.
Either way, Postecoglou’s side eventually demonstrated their quality in extra-time, an opportunity they wouldn’t have had in the past were FA Cup replays still in place – something Gary Lineker spoke about following Spurs’ win.
Gary Lineker thinks ‘unfair’ extra-time rules favoured Tottenham
Discussing the game on ‘The Rest is Football’ podcast, Lineker thought it was ‘unfair’ that the game went to extra-time, a rule that favours bigger sides who can call on their greater strength in depth, as Tottenham did.
Lineker expressed that further rule changes needed to be considered by the FA, who hadn’t quite got it right.
He said: “A quick word on Tamworth Tottenham, purely because it went to extra time. And of course, Tamworth were at home, they were playing against Spurs.
“And a year or so ago, or any time before that, in the history of the FA Cup, it would have been a replay for Tamworth at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which would have been special.
“It doesn’t happen that often, but this was a situation where that would have happened. We still have extra time.
“Personally, I think if they’re going to take away replays, it should take away extra time because otherwise it really favours the strong teams because they’ve got bigger squads and they can put on their best players in extra time, like Spurs did, and they went on to win.
“So I think that’s unfair. They should, if they’re going to do away with replays, which I think, to be honest, as much as it’s a shame, but I think they need to find other way of supporting teams from lower divisions, lower leagues and non-league, etc.”
Ange Postecoglou knows improvement is needed for North London derby
Speaking himself after the game, Tamworth’s manager was pleased with Tottenham’s approach – he was glad that Postecoglou was ‘respectful’ and fielded a strong team.
Spurs’ reward is another away trip in the fourth round, although this time they’ll face Unai Emery’s Aston Villa side, Tottenham’s Champions League rivals from last term.
However, Postecoglou’s thoughts will only be on the upcoming North London derby right now, a crucial one for both sides.
And perhaps Postecoglou should drop one Tottenham player who repeatedly struggled against non-league Tamworth.
Some big decisions for the Spurs boss, who would surely like to have more of his best defensive options available.