Sheffield United stun Tottenham in FA Cup thanks to Iliman Ndiaye’s solo goal

Iliman Ndiaye came off the bench to send Premier League Tottenham out of the FA Cup at the hands of a much-changed Sheffield United.

The Senegal forward was eliminated from the World Cup by Harry Kane & Co but gained his revenge on a chilly night thanks to a delightful individual goal. Tottenham had been in control of the match but failed to find a killer touch and were made to pay by the promotion challengers and Ndiaye’s quick feet.

United’s priorities were indicated in the team news as the manager, Paul Heckingbottom, made eight changes from the weekend win over Watford with a lunchtime trip to Blackburn on Saturday deemed more important than the FA Cup. Cristian Stellini, in possibly his final game in charge of the team before Antonio Conte’s return, decided to rest Kane, as part of six changes, despite saying in the buildup that he wanted the striker to play every game.

Andre Brooks was given his first start for the hosts after three substitute appearances totalling as many minutes. The teenager’s first action of note was to play a pass blindly backwards into the path of Lucas Moura, who was making his first start since 1 November, allowing the Brazilian to dribble at goal only for him to be tackled inside the area when a pass to Richarlison in space might have been the better option.

It was unsurprising that the early stages were slow with both teams looking to be direct as those without match-practice looked to get up to speed with a competitive match. Mistakes were rife from poor touches, misdirected passes and bad decision-making at crucial times. Long throws were launched into the box without success and Spurs aimed shots from distance before watching Wes Foderingham fall on to the ball.

Spurs were quicker into