Schlupp: My Eyes Just Lit Up

The goal caps a brilliant start to the season for Schlupp, who continues to build on last year’s promise with performances to match his growing goals tally – four in all competitions. 

Defensive guile gained from a spell at left back as well as his electrifying pace have seen Schlupp cause continued problems for Premier League defences on the left wing this term, and he was delighted to help the team return to winning ways at White Hart Lane on Saturday. 

“The first goal sort of bounced at the edge of the box and I did go for goal - I’m not going to lie and say it was a pass,” joked Schlupp. “I went for goal and it’s one of those things where there are load of bodies in the way so you hit it and hope for the best. Leo [Ulloa] took a great touch and showed both his composure and finishing, like he has all season. 

“For my goal, Danny Simpson and Marc Albrighton worked well together on the right. When Marc and Danny get the ball, I’m ready for the cross, so as soon as it went to that side I knew it was going to come in, so I gambled a bit and ran towards the penalty box. As it came in my eyes lit up and I just wanted to get a good contact. Thankfully it went in. 

“It was a massive moment. Especially in front of our own fans, who were unbelievable and they sang all through the game, so it was almost like payback for the fans that travelled all this way. I was a bit emotional when I scored and celebrated with them. It just felt amazing.” 

It was a result that not only keeps alive dreams of a trip to Wembley, but boosts confidence ahead of a trip to Old Trafford against Manchester United in the league on Saturday. 

Schlupp knows it will be difficult, but is also aware that as resilient a display as the one against Spurs will give them a great chance against the Champions League chasing Red Devils. 

He added: “I think we started the game well actually, but like at our place they took the lead and we had to show character again like we did. The boys are buzzing and hopefully we can take those kinds of results and performances into the league. 

“It (the message at half time) was just to not panic. It was a similar situation to the game at our place, so we knew what we had to do to get the win – not panic, play our game and go to the end. We did that and it showed. The boys took it on, went out there and won the game. 

“Hopefully we can take the momentum, turn it into another run in the league and get up that table.”