Tottenham assistant manager Cristian Stellini insists their FA Cup exit will be 'easy to explain' after Newcastle United's top-four rivals suffered a shock loss at Sheffield United. Iliman Ndiaye netted the only goal of the game to settle the fifth-round tie at Bramall Lane on Wednesday night.
Tottenham captain Harry Kane began the match on the bench, but was unable to prevent the defeat despite being introduced in the 65th minute with the score still level. The FA Cup exit followed a run of three wins in their last four Premier League fixtures, including a derby victory over Chelsea on Sunday.
Attention for both Newcastle and Tottenham now returns to the top-four race, with Eddie Howe's side facing a daunting trip to defending champions Manchester City on Saturday. Tottenham take on relegation strugglers Wolves on the same day, and Stellini is not expecting the surprise FA Cup exit to prove to be a damaging setback.
