Tottenham survived a late scare against a hard-fought victory over Champions side Middlesbrough in the FA Cup third round.
Tottenham had their second-minute lead when Boro goalkeeper Tomas Mejias passed the ball to Giovani lo Celso who cut inside a challenge and scored.
Thereafter, Erik Lamela doubled the hosts’ lead after 15 minutes. He flicked the ball past Mejias after a fine run.
George Saville pulled one back late on for Boro with a low strike from 20 yards out. But it was not enough.
Visitors substitute, Rudy Gestede had a chance to force extra-time. However, he could only head over the bar from eight yards as Tottenham held on for the win.
The hosts have won the FA Cup eight times. The club will play at Southampton in the fourth round on the 25th of January.
Tottenham gains the most needed victory.
The FA Cup represents Tottenham’s best chance of a trophy this season. if they are to win the FA Cup, it would be their first trophy since lifting the League Cup in 2008.
12-years-ago, Boro boss, Jonathan Woodgate scored the winner for Tottenham in the Wembley final against Chelsea.
Woodgate and Keane’s current side made an awful start after a horrible error from Mejias.
The Spanish goalkeeper tried to play a ball to Marvin Johnson. But Lo Celso intercepted the pass inside the penalty area, cut inside a challenge and curled a low effort into the net.
Boro had their chance to equalize in the 13th minute. But Lukas Nmecha had his effort well saved by Paulo Gazzaniga. That proved costly as Lamella’s goal three minutes later doubled the hosts’ lead.
Lost chances
Tottenham wasted numerous chances to kill the match off. Lamela shot over on the turn, Ryan Sessegnon had an effort pushed wide, Japhet Tanganga shot off the target and Lucas Moura wasted a chance from a counter-attack.
Boro, on the other hand, had opportunities to get themselves back into the tie. But Paddy McNair shot well over when unmarked eight yards out. Lewis Wing’s direct free-kick was pushed around the post by Gazzaniga.
Saville’s 83rd-minute goal for the visitors gave his side hope. Nonetheless, they could not find an equalizer.