Chelsea produced the perfect response to manager Maurizio Sarri's weekend criticism to beat London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on penalties on Thursday and set up a League Cup final showdown against holders Manchester City.

Trailing 1-0 from the semi-final first leg, Chelsea turned the tie on its head with goals by N'Golo Kante and Eden Hazard in the first half but Fernando Llorente struck for Spurs in an enthralling Stamford Bridge duel.

Chelsea had 20 goal attempts to Tottenham's five but the visitors held firm to set up a penalty shootout.

Christian Eriksen scored Tottenham's first spot-kick but teammate Eric Dier, the hero of England's World Cup shootout win over Colombia last year, fired over and Lucas Moura's penalty was well-saved by goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Chelsea's penalties were more clinical and David Luiz slotted past Paulo Gazzaniga to seal the victory and send Chelsea into their 15th cup final in 17 years.

Spurs, who were without Harry Kane, scorer of a penalty in the first leg, and England teammate Dele Alli, both because of injury, plus South Korean Son Heung-min who is on international duty, battled hard but their wait for silverware goes on.

They have not won a trophy since beating Chelsea in the 2008 League Cup final.

After Chelsea's 2-0 weekend Premier League defeat at Arsenal, Sarri raised eyebrows by accusing his players of being "difficult to motivate" and publicly demanded more of his Belgium forward Hazard.

But a visit from rivals Tottenham, with a Wembley final at stake, provided the incentive for a far sharper display, with Hazard at the heart of Chelsea's attacking endeavour.

"I think that they reacted well tonight," Sarri, who has never won a trophy during his near 30-year managerial career, told reporters.

"But I didn't attack my players. I just said we had a problem. The reaction was very good but we need to have motivation with continuity now.

"In the last three or four matches we were not able to be dangerous. Tonight was better."

Tails Up

Tottenham, who are four points above Chelsea in the Premier League standings, looked comfortable early on but the hosts gradually began to exert a measure of control.

Chelsea went ahead in the 27th minute when Kante's shot from the edge of the area went through the legs of two Spurs players and squirmed past Gazzaniga -- in goal instead of Hugo Lloris.

With their tails up Chelsea began to dominate and they went ahead in the tie in the 38th minute when a fluid passing move ended with Cesar Azpilicueta's low cross being calmly side-footed home by a stretching Hazard.

Tottenham responded after the break and Kane's replacement Llorente bundled in a header from Danny Rose's cross to put them back on level terms on aggregate in the 50th minute.

The Spanish striker also wasted a great chance from Eriksen's raking pass before being replaced by Moura.

However, it was Chelsea who looked the more likely side to avoid the need for penalties. Hazard twice went close and Spurs needed some last-ditch tackles to keep Chelsea at bay.

It was all in vain for Mauricio Pochettino's side, though, as they faltered with a domestic final in sight.

"We are disappointed but it's a massive success to get to the semi-final with all the circumstances," he said.

"We're so disappointed to lose in that way, but it can happen. The players were brave and with all the circumstances I can only feel proud. It will make us stronger."

Chelsea produced the perfect response to manager Maurizio Sarri's weekend criticism to beat London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on penalties on Thursday and set up a League Cup final showdown against holders Manchester City.

Chelsea produced the perfect response to manager Maurizio Sarri's weekend criticism to beat London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on penalties on Thursday and set up a League Cup final showdown against holders Manchester City. Trailing 1-0 from the semi-final first leg, Chelsea turned the tie on its head with goals by N'Golo Kante and Eden Hazard in the first half but Fernando Llorente struck for Spurs in an enthralling Stamford Bridge duel. Chelsea had 20 goal attempts to Tottenham's five but the visitors held firm to set up a penalty shootout. Christian Eriksen scored Tottenham's first spot-kick but teammate Eric Dier, the hero of England's World Cup shootout win over Colombia last year, fired over and Lucas Moura's penalty was well-saved by goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. Chelsea's penalties were more clinical and David Luiz slotted past Paulo Gazzaniga to seal the victory and send Chelsea into their 15th cup final in 17 years. Spurs, who were without Harry Kane, scorer of a penalty in the first leg, and England teammate Dele Alli, both because of injury, plus South Korean Son Heung-min who is on international duty, battled hard but their wait for silverware goes on. They have not won a trophy since beating Chelsea in the 2008 League Cup final. After Chelsea's 2-0 weekend Premier League defeat at Arsenal, Sarri raised eyebrows by accusing his players of being "difficult to motivate" and publicly demanded more of his Belgium forward Hazard. But a visit from rivals Tottenham, with a Wembley final at stake, provided the incentive for a far sharper display, with Hazard at the heart of Chelsea's attacking endeavour. "I think that they reacted well tonight," Sarri, who has never won a trophy during his near 30-year managerial career, told reporters. "But I didn't attack my players. I just said we had a problem. The reaction was very good but we need to have motivation with continuity now. "In the last three or four matches we were not able to be dangerous. Tonight was better." Tails Up Tottenham, who are four points above Chelsea in the Premier League standings, looked comfortable early on but the hosts gradually began to exert a measure of control. Chelsea went ahead in the 27th minute when Kante's shot from the edge of the area went through the legs of two Spurs players and squirmed past Gazzaniga -- in goal instead of Hugo Lloris. With their tails up Chelsea began to dominate and they went ahead in the tie in the 38th minute when a fluid passing move ended with Cesar Azpilicueta's low cross being calmly side-footed home by a stretching Hazard. Tottenham responded after the break and Kane's replacement Llorente bundled in a header from Danny Rose's cross to put them back on level terms on aggregate in the 50th minute. The Spanish striker also wasted a great chance from Eriksen's raking pass before being replaced by Moura. However, it was Chelsea who looked the more likely side to avoid the need for penalties. Hazard twice went close and Spurs needed some last-ditch tackles to keep Chelsea at bay. It was all in vain for Mauricio Pochettino's side, though, as they faltered with a domestic final in sight. "We are disappointed but it's a massive success to get to the semi-final with all the circumstances," he said. "We're so disappointed to lose in that way, but it can happen. The players were brave and with all the circumstances I can only feel proud. It will make us stronger."

Chelsea edge Spurs on penalties to reach League Cup final

Tottenham moved back into second place in the Premier League, six points behind leaders Liverpool, after cruising to a 3-0 win at lowly Cardiff City on Tuesday.

Liverpool face third-placed Manchester City on Thursday night, and City could move back above Spurs if they avoid defeat at the Etihad Stadium.

Spurs, beaten by Wolves at home on Saturday, took just three minutes to get in front in South Wales through the familiar source of captain Harry Kane.

After Kane launched an attack, surging from deep, Kieran Trippier crossed and the England forward had a simple tap-in when the ball ricocheted off Cardiff defender Sean Morrison.

Cardiff manager Neil Warnock said that early goal was a heavy blow: "When we start off like that we shoot ourselves in the foot. All the planning goes out of the window," he told the BBC.

Christian Eriksen then made it 2-0 for Spurs nine minutes later with a clever finish from the edge of the box, although Warnock will be disappointed with the way his defenders backed off and gave the Dane space to wriggle and shoot home.

The game was effectively over in the 26th minute when Son Heung-Min produced a clinical finish with a shot on the turn after being well set-up by Kane. The South Korean has scored 11 goals in his last 12 starts.

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino praised the way his side seized control of the game early.

"The energy we showed from the beginning was fantastic to dominate the game. We knew that it would be difficult to open the score and we wanted from the beginning to have a high tempo. We found the solution in the first 20 minutes," he told Sky Sports.

"I don't want to see the table. Of course we are in a good position. We need to be consistent. You must be consistent during the whole season," he said.

Pochettino added that he wouldn't let nervousness over the table prevent him from watching Thursday's clash between City and Liverpool, the league's highest-scoring sides.

"I don't care. Of course I will watch, it will be an unbelievable game and I enjoy football," he said.

For his part Warnock suggested that Cardiff, who remain in 16th place three points above the relegation zone, may need to go shopping during the January transfer window.

"Hopefully we can get one or two additions which will help," he said.

Tottenham moved back into second place in the Premier League, six points behind leaders Liverpool, after cruising to a 3-0 win at lowly Cardiff City on Tuesday. Liverpool face third-placed Manchester City on Thursday night, and City could move back above Spurs if they avoid defeat at the Etihad Stadium.

Tottenham moved back into second place in the Premier League, six points behind leaders Liverpool, after cruising to a 3-0 win at lowly Cardiff City on Tuesday. Liverpool face third-placed Manchester City on Thursday night, and City could move back above Spurs if they avoid defeat at the Etihad Stadium. Spurs, beaten by Wolves at home on Saturday, took just three minutes to get in front in South Wales through the familiar source of captain Harry Kane. After Kane launched an attack, surging from deep, Kieran Trippier crossed and the England forward had a simple tap-in when the ball ricocheted off Cardiff defender Sean Morrison. Cardiff manager Neil Warnock said that early goal was a heavy blow: "When we start off like that we shoot ourselves in the foot. All the planning goes out of the window," he told the BBC. Christian Eriksen then made it 2-0 for Spurs nine minutes later with a clever finish from the edge of the box, although Warnock will be disappointed with the way his defenders backed off and gave the Dane space to wriggle and shoot home. The game was effectively over in the 26th minute when Son Heung-Min produced a clinical finish with a shot on the turn after being well set-up by Kane. The South Korean has scored 11 goals in his last 12 starts. Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino praised the way his side seized control of the game early. "The energy we showed from the beginning was fantastic to dominate the game. We knew that it would be difficult to open the score and we wanted from the beginning to have a high tempo. We found the solution in the first 20 minutes," he told Sky Sports. "I don't want to see the table. Of course we are in a good position. We need to be consistent. You must be consistent during the whole season," he said. Pochettino added that he wouldn't let nervousness over the table prevent him from watching Thursday's clash between City and Liverpool, the league's highest-scoring sides. "I don't care. Of course I will watch, it will be an unbelievable game and I enjoy football," he said. For his part Warnock suggested that Cardiff, who remain in 16th place three points above the relegation zone, may need to go shopping during the January transfer window. "Hopefully we can get one or two additions which will help," he said.

Spurs reclaim second place with 3-0 win over Cardiff

Tottenham Hotspur coach Mauricio Pochettino said his side completed "mission impossible" in the Champions League after they recovered from a nightmare start to qualify for the knockout stages with Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Barcelona.

Spurs were beaten 2-1 by Inter Milan in their first game, lost 4-2 to Barcelona in their second and threw away the lead to draw 2-2 at PSV Eindhoven in their third to leave them with only one point at the halfway stage of the group.

Narrow home wins over the Dutch side and the Italians gave them a chance of going through, but their plight again looked bleak when Ousmane Dembele's sensational individual goal put them on the back foot in the decisive game at the Nou Camp.

Yet Spurs seized their place in the next round thanks to Lucas Moura's late leveller, sneaking above Inter, who could only draw 1-1 at home to PSV, due to a better head-to-head record.

"I'm so happy, so proud, I remember that after PSV no one believed in us, it was mission impossible, but we are here, we're in the next round," Pochettino told reporters.

"It's a massive achievement for the club, we're happy for the fans here and around the world, it's a massive boost for the club and to be able to play in the knockout rounds next year in the new stadium is a massive motivation for us."

Tottenham's hopes of staying in Europe's elite competition looked doomed when news filtered through of Mauro Icardi's leveller for Inter.

Pochettino said he and his players were caught in two minds about whether to try to hold on for the draw or seek a winner in case Inter got another goal in their game.

"It was difficult to manage the last 10 minutes. The players knew the result (score) of Inter but it is difficult to translate what to do to the field," he said.

"You have to score to win but if you concede and lose the game, maybe you talk in a different way afterwards."

The coach also said reaching the last-16 from a group containing two giants of the competition was among his greatest achievements with Spurs since taking over the club in 2014.

"It was so difficult to manage everything inside but we made a fantastic effort. To see and celebrate with everyone after four years and a half was great, it was the first time I felt something really special," he said.

"The connection is amazing but we need to be clever about how we manage that energy tonight."

Tottenham Hotspur coach Mauricio Pochettino said his side completed "mission impossible" in the Champions League after they recovered from a nightmare start to qualify for the knockout stages with Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Barcelona.

Tottenham Hotspur coach Mauricio Pochettino said his side completed "mission impossible" in the Champions League after they recovered from a nightmare start to qualify for the knockout stages with Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Barcelona. Spurs were beaten 2-1 by Inter Milan in their first game, lost 4-2 to Barcelona in their second and threw away the lead to draw 2-2 at PSV Eindhoven in their third to leave them with only one point at the halfway stage of the group. Narrow home wins over the Dutch side and the Italians gave them a chance of going through, but their plight again looked bleak when Ousmane Dembele's sensational individual goal put them on the back foot in the decisive game at the Nou Camp. Yet Spurs seized their place in the next round thanks to Lucas Moura's late leveller, sneaking above Inter, who could only draw 1-1 at home to PSV, due to a better head-to-head record. "I'm so happy, so proud, I remember that after PSV no one believed in us, it was mission impossible, but we are here, we're in the next round," Pochettino told reporters. "It's a massive achievement for the club, we're happy for the fans here and around the world, it's a massive boost for the club and to be able to play in the knockout rounds next year in the new stadium is a massive motivation for us." Tottenham's hopes of staying in Europe's elite competition looked doomed when news filtered through of Mauro Icardi's leveller for Inter. Pochettino said he and his players were caught in two minds about whether to try to hold on for the draw or seek a winner in case Inter got another goal in their game. "It was difficult to manage the last 10 minutes. The players knew the result (score) of Inter but it is difficult to translate what to do to the field," he said. "You have to score to win but if you concede and lose the game, maybe you talk in a different way afterwards." The coach also said reaching the last-16 from a group containing two giants of the competition was among his greatest achievements with Spurs since taking over the club in 2014. "It was so difficult to manage everything inside but we made a fantastic effort. To see and celebrate with everyone after four years and a half was great, it was the first time I felt something really special," he said. "The connection is amazing but we need to be clever about how we manage that energy tonight."

Pochettino hails Spurs' 'mission impossible' after clinching knockout berth

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has played down his side's Premier League title chances ahead of the north London derby at fierce rivals Arsenal on Sunday, despite his side rising to third in the standings.

Pochettino's side impressed last weekend, inflicting a first defeat of the season on Chelsea with a 3-1 win at Wembley, which took them above Maurizio Sarri's team in the league table, five points off leaders Manchester City.

Spurs were last English champions in 1961 but have not finished lower than third in the Premier League in the last three seasons.

Pochettino said, however, that Spurs were not at the same level as their top-four rivals especially as the north London side made no signings in the close season compared to the heavy investment made by others.

"I can't say we're a title contender. I think Manchester City is in a different level. Clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea, (Manchester) United and Arsenal make a bigger investment to us, a different level," the Argentine told a news conference on Friday.

"They are the contenders, more than us. But we’re there. If we’re capable in the last few months of the season to be in a good position in the table we’re going to try."

Sunday's game at the Emirates will see Pochettino once again lock horns with Arsenal's coach Unai Emery. The two faced each other seven times from 2009 to 2012 when the Argentine was coaching Espanyol and Emery was in charge of Valencia.

Since succeeding Arsene Wenger, Emery has led Arsenal to fifth in the table with eight wins out of 13 league matches.

"I have a very good relationship with Unai, he is a great manager, he's doing a fantastic job there," said Pochettino.

"Of course Arsenal have always been a good team with very good players and unbelievable management from one of the greatest managers ever.

"Now it is a completely different culture with a manager who is Spanish. It will be tough because they are doing a good job from the beginning of the season and signed very good players too."

Spurs may be without Erik Lamela as he is being assessed after injuring his ankle in the 1-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Right back Kieran Trippier is close to return from a groin injury while midfielders Victor Wanyama (knee), Mousa Dembele (ankle) and defender Davinson Sanchez (hamstring) remain on the sidelines.

Spurs also announced on Friday a familiarisation event at their new stadium on Dec. 16 for around 6,000 season ticket holders as the completion of their long awaited venue appears to be getting closer.

Supporters will enter a ballot to be given access to the single tier south stand and surrounding areas.

"It makes me feel very, very happy. It makes me feel we are close to compete there. It’s an important thing for the fans to show our new home," Pochettino said.

The new 62,000 stadium on the site of the old White Hart Lane was due to be opened in August but has been delayed until next year.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has played down his side's Premier League title chances ahead of the north London derby at fierce rivals Arsenal on Sunday, despite his side rising to third in the standings.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has played down his side's Premier League title chances ahead of the north London derby at fierce rivals Arsenal on Sunday, despite his side rising to third in the standings. Pochettino's side impressed last weekend, inflicting a first defeat of the season on Chelsea with a 3-1 win at Wembley, which took them above Maurizio Sarri's team in the league table, five points off leaders Manchester City. Spurs were last English champions in 1961 but have not finished lower than third in the Premier League in the last three seasons. Pochettino said, however, that Spurs were not at the same level as their top-four rivals especially as the north London side made no signings in the close season compared to the heavy investment made by others. "I can't say we're a title contender. I think Manchester City is in a different level. Clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea, (Manchester) United and Arsenal make a bigger investment to us, a different level," the Argentine told a news conference on Friday. "They are the contenders, more than us. But we’re there. If we’re capable in the last few months of the season to be in a good position in the table we’re going to try." Sunday's game at the Emirates will see Pochettino once again lock horns with Arsenal's coach Unai Emery. The two faced each other seven times from 2009 to 2012 when the Argentine was coaching Espanyol and Emery was in charge of Valencia. Since succeeding Arsene Wenger, Emery has led Arsenal to fifth in the table with eight wins out of 13 league matches. "I have a very good relationship with Unai, he is a great manager, he's doing a fantastic job there," said Pochettino. "Of course Arsenal have always been a good team with very good players and unbelievable management from one of the greatest managers ever. "Now it is a completely different culture with a manager who is Spanish. It will be tough because they are doing a good job from the beginning of the season and signed very good players too." Spurs may be without Erik Lamela as he is being assessed after injuring his ankle in the 1-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday. Right back Kieran Trippier is close to return from a groin injury while midfielders Victor Wanyama (knee), Mousa Dembele (ankle) and defender Davinson Sanchez (hamstring) remain on the sidelines. Spurs also announced on Friday a familiarisation event at their new stadium on Dec. 16 for around 6,000 season ticket holders as the completion of their long awaited venue appears to be getting closer. Supporters will enter a ballot to be given access to the single tier south stand and surrounding areas. "It makes me feel very, very happy. It makes me feel we are close to compete there. It’s an important thing for the fans to show our new home," Pochettino said. The new 62,000 stadium on the site of the old White Hart Lane was due to be opened in August but has been delayed until next year.

Spurs are not title contenders, says Pochettino ahead of derby

Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur said on Sunday that they had been granted permission to continue playing home matches at Wembley until their new stadium is ready.

Spurs were supposed to move to their new home in September but reached an initial agreement to play at Wembley until the end of the year instead because of construction delays at the new, 62,000-seater venue.

That agreement has now been extended indefinitely but all Tottenham's remaining Premier League games at Wembley after their match with London rivals Chelsea on Nov. 24 will have a reduced capacity of 51,000.

Spurs said in a statement that they would issue an update on their new stadium next month.

Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur said on Sunday that they had been granted permission to continue playing home matches at Wembley until their new stadium is ready.

Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur said on Sunday that they had been granted permission to continue playing home matches at Wembley until their new stadium is ready. Spurs were supposed to move to their new home in September but reached an initial agreement to play at Wembley until the end of the year instead because of construction delays at the new, 62,000-seater venue. That agreement has now been extended indefinitely but all Tottenham's remaining Premier League games at Wembley after their match with London rivals Chelsea on Nov. 24 will have a reduced capacity of 51,000. Spurs said in a statement that they would issue an update on their new stadium next month.

Tottenham get permission to keep playing at Wembley

Tottenham Hotspur overcame a worrying injury to talismanic striker Harry Kane to beat mid-table Bournemouth 4-1 with a Son Heung-min double and goals from Dele Alli and Serge Aurier to move up to third in the Premier League.

The loss of England international Kane, Tottenham&#39;s top scorer, who went off with an ankle injury on the half-hour, took some of the gloss off a hard-won comeback victory with the visitors slightly flattered by two late goals.

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Four goals, three points, third in the <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@premierleague</a>. ???? 
 
???? Thank you for your support today! ????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COYS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COYS</a> <a href="https://t.co/oBIzXXUGgP">pic.twitter.com/oBIzXXUGgP</a>
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A high-octane Bournemouth startled to Junior Stanislas hitting the bar and then scoring after six minutes but Alli, who had not found the net in 15 games, ended his worst barren spell by equalising from a position usually occupied by Kane.

Alli also played a major part in Spurs&#39; second goal, crossing for Son to score with a scuffed shot before the South Korean netted his seventh goal in four games from a late breakaway.

Fullback Serge Aurier made it 4-1 late on after Bournemouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic failed to clear his lines.

&nbsp;

Tottenham Hotspur overcame a worrying injury to talismanic striker Harry Kane to beat mid-table Bournemouth 4-1

Tottenham Hotspur overcame a worrying injury to talismanic striker Harry Kane to beat mid-table Bournemouth 4-1 with a Son Heung-min double and goals from Dele Alli and Serge Aurier to move up to third in the Premier League. The loss of England international Kane, Tottenham's top scorer, who went off with an ankle injury on the half-hour, took some of the gloss off a hard-won comeback victory with the visitors slightly flattered by two late goals. Four goals, three points, third in the @premierleague. ???? ???? Thank you for your support today! ????#COYS pic.twitter.com/oBIzXXUGgP — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 11, 2018 × A high-octane Bournemouth startled to Junior Stanislas hitting the bar and then scoring after six minutes but Alli, who had not found the net in 15 games, ended his worst barren spell by equalising from a position usually occupied by Kane. Alli also played a major part in Spurs' second goal, crossing for Son to score with a scuffed shot before the South Korean netted his seventh goal in four games from a late breakaway. Fullback Serge Aurier made it 4-1 late on after Bournemouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic failed to clear his lines.

Tottenham Hotspur beat Bournemouth to climb to third place

Tottenham Hotspur was left in FA Cup limbo after being held to a 2-2 draw by lowly Rochdale in a fifth-round tie on Sunday.

It seemed Harry Kane&#39;s penalty two minutes from time, which made it 2-1 to the visitors, had seen Spurs straight into the last eight.&nbsp;

But Steve Davies&#39;s stoppage-time equaliser saw Rochdale make it 2-2 and earn themselves a money-spinning replay at Wembley, Tottenham&#39;s temporary home this season while the successor ground to White Hart Lane is built.

It was a similar story in the fourth round, with Spurs needing to win a Wembley replay before finally seeing off fourth-tier Newport County.

Whichever club wins this last-16 tie will face either Sheffield Wednesday or Swansea, who will also need a replay after Saturday&#39;s goalless draw at Hillsborough.

Saturday&#39;s draw saw four of the top Premier League&#39;s top five kept apart in the quarter-finals, with Manchester United hosting Brighton -- a repeat of the 1983 final won by United in a replay -- and Chelsea away to Leicester.

Manchester City continues their quest for a historic quadruple of Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup with a fifth-round trip to Wigan on Monday.

Should Pep Guardiola&#39;s men avoid a repeat of the Latics&#39; shock 2013 FA Cup final victory, City will be at home to Southampton in the last eight.

The ties will be played between March 16 and 19.

Quarter-final draw:

Sheffield&nbsp;or Swansea City v Rochdale or Tottenham Hotspur

Manchester United v Brighton

Leicester City v Chelsea

Wigan or Manchester City v Southampton

&nbsp;

Tottenham Hotspur was left in FA Cup limbo after being held to a 2-2 draw by lowly Rochdale in a fifth-round tie on Sunday

Tottenham Hotspur was left in FA Cup limbo after being held to a 2-2 draw by lowly Rochdale in a fifth-round tie on Sunday. It seemed Harry Kane's penalty two minutes from time, which made it 2-1 to the visitors, had seen Spurs straight into the last eight. But Steve Davies's stoppage-time equaliser saw Rochdale make it 2-2 and earn themselves a money-spinning replay at Wembley, Tottenham's temporary home this season while the successor ground to White Hart Lane is built. It was a similar story in the fourth round, with Spurs needing to win a Wembley replay before finally seeing off fourth-tier Newport County. Whichever club wins this last-16 tie will face either Sheffield Wednesday or Swansea, who will also need a replay after Saturday's goalless draw at Hillsborough. Saturday's draw saw four of the top Premier League's top five kept apart in the quarter-finals, with Manchester United hosting Brighton -- a repeat of the 1983 final won by United in a replay -- and Chelsea away to Leicester. Manchester City continues their quest for a historic quadruple of Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup with a fifth-round trip to Wigan on Monday. Should Pep Guardiola's men avoid a repeat of the Latics' shock 2013 FA Cup final victory, City will be at home to Southampton in the last eight. The ties will be played between March 16 and 19. Quarter-final draw: Sheffield or Swansea City v Rochdale or Tottenham Hotspur Manchester United v Brighton Leicester City v Chelsea Wigan or Manchester City v Southampton

Rochdale's revival stuns Spurs as they face uncertain Cup fate

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino refused to blame the club&#39;s Wembley hoodoo for their 2-1 Premier League defeat to Chelsea on Sunday.

Spurs had hoped to mark a new era at their temporary home by turning it into the sort of fortress they had constructed at White Hart Lane, where they last lost a league game in May 2015.

Instead they extended the poor form that always dogged them at the national stadium where they have won just two of their past 11 games, a record far inferior to Chelsea who have now won nine in 11.

Pochettino, though, said he was &quot;only disappointed and not frustrated or upset by the defeat&quot; in a game which Spurs dominated.

&quot;The Wembley effect is not the reason we lost the game,&quot; he said.

&quot;It is not fair to blame a stadium that is one of the best places to play football in the world.&quot;

Pochettino batted away suggestions that his players were affected by the size of the pitch, which is eight per cent bigger than their old home which is being replaced by a new, 61,000-seater stadium due to open for the 2018-2019 season.

&quot;If you love football you know that Wembley is not the problem. We didn&#39;t lose because of the pitch but because they were more clinical in front of goal than us,&quot; Pochettino said.

&quot;What is more important was the performance which I am happy with.&quot;

On another day, Harry Kane would have buried any number of the chances he spurned on Sunday and Christian Eriksen also went close. But, for all their effort and possession, Spurs could not break down a battling Chelsea side.

&quot;Chelsea set out to contain us and I am happy to lose in that way,&quot; Pochettino said.

 
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Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino refused to blame the club's Wembley hoodoo for their 2-1 Premier League defeat to Chelsea on Sunday

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino refused to blame the club's Wembley hoodoo for their 2-1 Premier League defeat to Chelsea on Sunday. Spurs had hoped to mark a new era at their temporary home by turning it into the sort of fortress they had constructed at White Hart Lane, where they last lost a league game in May 2015. Instead they extended the poor form that always dogged them at the national stadium where they have won just two of their past 11 games, a record far inferior to Chelsea who have now won nine in 11. Pochettino, though, said he was "only disappointed and not frustrated or upset by the defeat" in a game which Spurs dominated. "The Wembley effect is not the reason we lost the game," he said. "It is not fair to blame a stadium that is one of the best places to play football in the world." Pochettino batted away suggestions that his players were affected by the size of the pitch, which is eight per cent bigger than their old home which is being replaced by a new, 61,000-seater stadium due to open for the 2018-2019 season. "If you love football you know that Wembley is not the problem. We didn't lose because of the pitch but because they were more clinical in front of goal than us," Pochettino said. "What is more important was the performance which I am happy with." On another day, Harry Kane would have buried any number of the chances he spurned on Sunday and Christian Eriksen also went close. But, for all their effort and possession, Spurs could not break down a battling Chelsea side. "Chelsea set out to contain us and I am happy to lose in that way," Pochettino said.

'Wembley effect not the reason we lost', says Spurs manager

Midfield enforcer Victor Wanyama became the first player from Southampton to join up with former manager Mauricio Pochettino when he signed for Tottenham from their Premier League rivals on Thursday. 
 
The 24-year-old Kenyan international, who Southampton refused to sell to Spurs last year, will cost a reported $13.4 million although with add-ons it could rise to more than $16 million. 
 
Wanyama signed a five-year contract and is Pochettino&#39;s first signing of the close season, as he builds a side not only for the Premier League campaign but also the Champions League after they finished third last term. 
 
Wanyama said in an open letter that he was sad to leave the club that in 2013 gave him the chance to become the first Kenyan to play in the Premier League. 
 
&quot;I write to you with a heavy heart to announce that I will be leaving Southampton Football Club,&quot; he said. &quot;As you can imagine it is very emotional for me to say goodbye to the club that gave me the chance to be the first Kenyan to play in Premier League.&quot; 
 
&quot;Firstly, I would like to thank the most important part of every club, the fans. It took a while for me to win you all over but I can truly say that with your support and affection I have grown as a player and a person. I will never forget my time in Southampton Football Club, I will keep the club forever in my heart.&quot; 
 
Wanyama, who made his international debut at only 15-years-old, impressed for the Saints last season as they finished a best-ever sixth in the Premier League. 
 
The Kenyan player, who scored four goals in 85 league appearances and had a year to run on his contract, is the second big loss to Southampton in the past week, after manager Ronald Koeman left to take over at Everton. 
 
Pochettino was the man responsible for bringing Wanyama to Southampton, signing him from Celtic for the 2013-14 campaign, but the Argentine left for the Spurs at the end of that season.&nbsp; 
 
(AFP)

The 24-year-old Kenyan international, who Southampton refused to sell to Spurs last year, will cost up to $16 million

Midfield enforcer Victor Wanyama became the first player from Southampton to join up with former manager Mauricio Pochettino when he signed for Tottenham from their Premier League rivals on Thursday. The 24-year-old Kenyan international, who Southampton refused to sell to Spurs last year, will cost a reported $13.4 million although with add-ons it could rise to more than $16 million. Wanyama signed a five-year contract and is Pochettino's first signing of the close season, as he builds a side not only for the Premier League campaign but also the Champions League after they finished third last term. Wanyama said in an open letter that he was sad to leave the club that in 2013 gave him the chance to become the first Kenyan to play in the Premier League. "I write to you with a heavy heart to announce that I will be leaving Southampton Football Club," he said. "As you can imagine it is very emotional for me to say goodbye to the club that gave me the chance to be the first Kenyan to play in Premier League." "Firstly, I would like to thank the most important part of every club, the fans. It took a while for me to win you all over but I can truly say that with your support and affection I have grown as a player and a person. I will never forget my time in Southampton Football Club, I will keep the club forever in my heart." Wanyama, who made his international debut at only 15-years-old, impressed for the Saints last season as they finished a best-ever sixth in the Premier League. The Kenyan player, who scored four goals in 85 league appearances and had a year to run on his contract, is the second big loss to Southampton in the past week, after manager Ronald Koeman left to take over at Everton. Pochettino was the man responsible for bringing Wanyama to Southampton, signing him from Celtic for the 2013-14 campaign, but the Argentine left for the Spurs at the end of that season. (AFP)

Wanyama rejoins old boss Pochettino at Spurs

San Antonio Spurs star power forward Tim Duncan, one of the best players in NBA history, announced his retirement on Monday, ending a brilliant 19-season career that included five league titles. 
 
The 40-year-old Duncan, who was selected as the first overall pick in the 1997 NBA draft, spent his entire career with the Spurs -- an anomaly in a league where players often change teams. 
 
The Spurs reached the playoffs in every one of his 19 seasons. 
 
&quot;Tim Duncan is one of the most dominant players in NBA history,&quot; National Basketball Association commissioner Adam Silver said, adding that Duncan&#39;s &quot;understated selflessness made him the ultimate teammate.&quot; 
 
&quot;For two decades Tim represented the Spurs, the city of San Antonio and the league with passion and class.&quot; 
 
Duncan, together with Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, formed one of the most successful trios in NBA history. They hold the league record for regular season wins (575) and postseason wins (126). 
 
Duncan and Spurs coach Gregg Popovich also formed a dynamic duo, accounting for the most wins ever by a player-coach duo at 1,001. 
 
Duncan, a three-time NBA Finals MVP and a two-time regular season MVP, led San Antonio to titles in 1999, 2003, 2006, 2007 and 2014. 
 
The Spurs posted a 1,072-438 regular-season record since drafting Duncan -- the best 19-year run in league history. 
 
News about Duncan quickly began trending on Twitter, with the hashtag #ThankYouTD taking hold. 
 
&quot;Nineteen seasons. Five rings. One team. #ThankYouTD,&quot; the Spurs tweeted on Monday. 
 
He averaged 19 points and 10.8 rebounds per game during his career. But last season&#39;s campaign was disrupted by a knee injury and he played in only 61 games. 
 
San Antonio was eliminated in the playoffs this past season by the Oklahoma City Thunder. 
 
Duncan&#39;s final game was a 113-99 loss to the Thunder in game six of the Western Conference semi-finals on May 12. In his career finale, he scored 19 points, with five rebounds and a block as he played the entire fourth quarter without a rest. 
 
Talk of retirement&nbsp; 
 
At the end of June, Duncan had exercised a $6.4 million player option for next season, but talk of retirement loomed large. 
 
Spanish star Pau Gasol, who during his career has played power forward and center, has reportedly agreed to join San Antonio on a two-year deal worth $30 million, after spending the last two seasons with the Chicago Bulls -- and it now looks like he will help fill the void left by Duncan. 
 
Ginobili, 38, has said he plans to take his time in deciding about playing a 15th season for the Spurs for $2.9 million next season. 
 
He was emotional about Duncan&#39;s departure. 
 
&quot;Even tho I knew it was coming, I&#39;m still moved by the news. What a HUGE honor to have played with him for 14 seasons! #ThankYouTD,&quot; Ginobili said on Twitter. 
 
Parker said: &quot;Greatest Power Forward Ever! It was an honor to play with you !! #spursfamily.&quot; 
 
Kobe Bryant who like Duncan won five league titles over a two-decade career with the same team, the Los Angeles Lakers, before retiring tweeted: &quot;Congrats TD #19yrs #GoSpursGo.&quot; 
 
Bryant, who played 20 seasons with the Lakers before also retiring at the end of this past season, is the only player to have played longer with one team. 
 
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry admired Duncan for the way he carried himself. 
 
&quot;The end of an era. Thanks 4 everything you did for the game! A Winner, and you Did it your way. Congrats, Tim!&quot; 
 
(AFP)

The 40-year-old Duncan, selected as the first overall pick in the 1997 NBA draft, spent his entire career with the San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Spurs star power forward Tim Duncan, one of the best players in NBA history, announced his retirement on Monday, ending a brilliant 19-season career that included five league titles. The 40-year-old Duncan, who was selected as the first overall pick in the 1997 NBA draft, spent his entire career with the Spurs -- an anomaly in a league where players often change teams. The Spurs reached the playoffs in every one of his 19 seasons. "Tim Duncan is one of the most dominant players in NBA history," National Basketball Association commissioner Adam Silver said, adding that Duncan's "understated selflessness made him the ultimate teammate." "For two decades Tim represented the Spurs, the city of San Antonio and the league with passion and class." Duncan, together with Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, formed one of the most successful trios in NBA history. They hold the league record for regular season wins (575) and postseason wins (126). Duncan and Spurs coach Gregg Popovich also formed a dynamic duo, accounting for the most wins ever by a player-coach duo at 1,001. Duncan, a three-time NBA Finals MVP and a two-time regular season MVP, led San Antonio to titles in 1999, 2003, 2006, 2007 and 2014. The Spurs posted a 1,072-438 regular-season record since drafting Duncan -- the best 19-year run in league history. News about Duncan quickly began trending on Twitter, with the hashtag #ThankYouTD taking hold. "Nineteen seasons. Five rings. One team. #ThankYouTD," the Spurs tweeted on Monday. He averaged 19 points and 10.8 rebounds per game during his career. But last season's campaign was disrupted by a knee injury and he played in only 61 games. San Antonio was eliminated in the playoffs this past season by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Duncan's final game was a 113-99 loss to the Thunder in game six of the Western Conference semi-finals on May 12. In his career finale, he scored 19 points, with five rebounds and a block as he played the entire fourth quarter without a rest. Talk of retirement At the end of June, Duncan had exercised a $6.4 million player option for next season, but talk of retirement loomed large. Spanish star Pau Gasol, who during his career has played power forward and center, has reportedly agreed to join San Antonio on a two-year deal worth $30 million, after spending the last two seasons with the Chicago Bulls -- and it now looks like he will help fill the void left by Duncan. Ginobili, 38, has said he plans to take his time in deciding about playing a 15th season for the Spurs for $2.9 million next season. He was emotional about Duncan's departure. "Even tho I knew it was coming, I'm still moved by the news. What a HUGE honor to have played with him for 14 seasons! #ThankYouTD," Ginobili said on Twitter. Parker said: "Greatest Power Forward Ever! It was an honor to play with you !! #spursfamily." Kobe Bryant who like Duncan won five league titles over a two-decade career with the same team, the Los Angeles Lakers, before retiring tweeted: "Congrats TD #19yrs #GoSpursGo." Bryant, who played 20 seasons with the Lakers before also retiring at the end of this past season, is the only player to have played longer with one team. Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry admired Duncan for the way he carried himself. "The end of an era. Thanks 4 everything you did for the game! A Winner, and you Did it your way. Congrats, Tim!" (AFP)

Five-time NBA champion Tim Duncan retires after 19 seasons

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