Tottenham progressed to the semi-final of the EFL Cup thanks to an entertaining 2-1 victory over West Ham. Outcast Steven Bergwijn, who was handed his first start under Antonio Conte, had a hand in both goals during an impressive performance.
Each of the three goals came within a five-minutes period during the first half at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Bergwijn cleverly finished just prior to the half-hour mark to put Conte’s side ahead in North London.
Jarrod Bowen equalised with an excellent solo goal before Bergwijn incredibly weaved through several challenges to set up Lucas Moura.
Express Sport picks out three lessons Conte might have learned in North London.
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Bergwijn can be an option for the forward line
It seemed that Dutchman Bergwijn’s Spurs career would soon come to an end.
However, if this was his final opportunity to prove he can offer something different to Conte’s side then he more than passed the test.
The 24-year-old was handed his first start under the Italian and had a hand in Spurs’ opening two goals before being replaced by Son Heung-min on the hour-mark.
He opened the scoring with a fine finish and then weaved through several challenges to set up Lucas Moura.
Bergwijn will likely find himself behind Moura, Dele Alli and Son Heung-min for the two roles behind Harry Kane in Conte’s 3-4-3 system.
However, his ability to break through defensive lines with his direct running style, as evidenced by the second goal, is something none of the other Spurs attackers possess.
After a tough start to the season, Spurs have a genuine chance of winning a trophy
It would be quite apt if the season in which Spurs finally end their 14-year wait for a trophy had started with a poor run of form and an early managerial switch.
Nuno Espirito Santo was beaten in 10 of his 17 matches in charge and was dismissed in November.
His replacement, Conte, has overseen a sharp upturn in form.
And the Italian has a strong chance of lifting a trophy within the first six months of his reign.
Spurs could argue that they are the strongest team remaining in the League Cup. Liverpool and Arsenal have played weakened teams in each round. Spurs would back themselves to beat Leicester, who had taken Liverpool to extra-time by the time Conte’s side had sealed their win over the Hammers.
Chelsea have more important things.
Harry Kane needs to find the net regularly again
Kane might have scored and been involved in several other key moments during the thrilling 2-2 draw with Liverpool at the weekend, but against West Ham he struggled to get into the game.
His strike against the Reds was only his second in the Premier League this term.
The England captain tested Areola with an early effort but it was Bergwijn and Moura who had a bigger effect on the game.
Conte needs his star man to find his best form as soon as possible, especially if the Italian is to win the Carabao Cup.
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