Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho admitted an FA Cup third round replay is "a game we don't need" after watching his team get held to a 1-1 draw at Championship side Middlesbrough on Sunday.
Lucas Moura kept Tottenham's FA Cup hopes alive with the equaliser at the Riverside, cancelling out Ashley Fletcher's 50th-minute opener for the hosts.
The result is sure to add more frustration to Spurs and their manager after a run of form that has comprised just two wins in their past seven matches in all competitions and a potentially long-term injury to captain Harry Kane.
"We wanted to win but we knew it would be difficult," Mourinho told the BBC. "We managed to bring the game to our stadium. It’s a game we don’t need, our squad is short with so many problems, but it’s a game at home and we have to go for it.
"This is just the third round and the first for us. We could be out at this moment like a few other Premier League teams. Every match is difficult. Championship teams are getting closer to the level of Premier League teams. I wanted more but I cannot say I’m disappointed."
Mourinho was, however, clearly disappointed that the Middlesbrough goal was allowed to stand. Fletcher beat Tottenham's attempt to play offside before running through on goal and firing past Paulo Gazzaniga, with no VAR in use to question the goal.
"The Middlesbrough goal is offside," he said. "VAR would give [the offside decision]. But the game was good."
Hudson-Odoi on target for Chelsea
Mourinho's former club Chelsea had no such issues against Championship opposition, Frank Lampard's side running out 2-0 winners against Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge.
Callum Hudson-Odoi set the tone with the opener after six minutes before Ross Barkley doubled the hosts' lead after 33 minutes. Forest thought they had the chance to equalise after referee Peter Bankes awarded a penalty only for Alex Mighten to be ruled offside by VAR.
"These games are not easy. When they make changes it does not mean it's an easier game," Lampard said.
"We got our two goals and it was very comfortable but did we push on from that and create and score more goals? No, we didn't and I would've liked to have scored some more."
Rooney 'a pleasure to watch'
Elsewhere, Wayne Rooney helped second-tier Derby County eliminate Premier League side Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, with Chris Martin scoring the only goal of the game, and Manchester United's record goalscorer received glowing praise from his new manager.
"He influenced the game a lot because you could see his experience," Derby manager Phillip Cocu said.
"He knows when to receive the ball and has great delivery when he gives it. The other players know he will give the pass so they will make the runs.
"A big part of the success today is the combination between him and Tom Huddlestone - it was a pleasure to watch. Overall it was an excellent team performance."
