Spurs have blown hot and cold this season. Beating Manchester City away from home came after miserably error strewn defeat at home to Wolves. Antonio Conte chose a full strength Spurs side with realistic chance of silverware being this tournament. The Italian's favorite 3-4-3 with the most lethal partnership in England right now Son and Kane spearheading the attack. Dejan Kulusevki joins them and has taken to the English game rather well. Chris Wilder's giant killers had a home time this time around after their brave win over Manchester United. Hero of Old Trafford Duncan Whatmore started so did former Man United defender Paddy McNair. The best chance of the match fell to Boro Midfielder Crooks who skied his free header. If you watch the clip, not looking at the ball ,attention firmly on the Spurs defender. Look, Antonio Conte's comments in recent post match interviews doesn't augur well for team morale at Spurs. Saying that he may not be the right man for the job isn't what the doctor ordered. That being said I am not surprised at the patchy form. Now, Spurs thought they had the ball in the back of the net when Kane side footed home a corner flick on but was marginally hasty and caught offside. Kane had a case for a penalty if he did not hold Fry's shirt as well.

The stalemate brought extra time to the fore and that was when Boro struck. Teenage sub Josh Coburn two minutes after half time in extra time. The Spurs back four played Coburn onside after a neat one two with Crooks. Spurs have a case for interference with play from number 47, Arsenal loanee Balogun. As the rules say a player becomes actively offside once he touches the ball. The North East side have a rich recent history in Cup competitions having reached the UEFA Cup final in 2006 and the FA Cup final in 1997. So winning this one and getting promoted to the Premier League will cap a great season. They lie in 8th in the championship.