Neither Manchester United nor Chelsea wanted an extra game - but they both got one. And two important points were evident again in the 3-3 FA Cup draw between Chelsea and Spurs:

1. Chelsea have no defence without a leader. And for all of Michael Essien's willingness and versatility and Ricardo Carvalho's game-reading ability, neither is a leader in the same mode as John Terry.

2. Martin Jol, there is wisdom in the auld adage that reads: "If it ain't broken, don't fix it." With all due respect, I think Chelsea worry more about Dimitar Berbatov than Mido. That's why Spurs were open to offers for Mido in January, remember?

(Sir Alf Ramsey made a similar mistake in World Cup 1970 when England played West Germany. The Germans knew the England's most lethal weapon was Bobby Charlton and assigned no less than Franz Beckenbauer to shadow him. England were leading 2-0 when Sir Alf decided to rest Charlton from the Mexican heat for the next game. Who he sent on was inconsequential. [It was Colin Bell.] Beckenbauer, thus rid of his defensive shackles, now led the team up the field in his familiar Emperor-like manner and England eventually lost the game 2-3.)

Yet, it might not be to rest an injured or spent player that forced your hand, Martin. Could it then be that you were experimenting with tactics? I pray not -- an FA Cup quarter-final match against Chelsea is hardly the right moment.

All said, amidst the disappointment, there is wisdom to learn. And learn you must. Although the Spurs fan's heart is a most weathered but forgiving one -- having withstood many a suicide attempt by the team in the decades gone by -- he suffers fools loudly.