Here are five talking points in the aftermath of Colchester United’s 4-1 home defeat to Tottenham, in Saturday’s FA Cup fourth round tie.

East Anglian Daily Times: George Moncur, trying to get the ball ahead of Tottenham's Ben Davies during the FA Cup defeat on Saturday.George Moncur, trying to get the ball ahead of Tottenham's Ben Davies during the FA Cup defeat on Saturday. (Image: Pagepix Ltd 07976 935738)

No.1: What if Tom Eastman and Alex Wynter hadn’t collided, inside the first two minutes? Would the outcome have been any different?

It was a big ask for young Frankie Kent, and left-back specialist Matt Briggs, to keep star-studded Tottenham at bay. The duo actually performed well, in the heart of defence. The early collision of heads certainly had a detrimental effect on the U’s, especially seeing Wynter stretchered off to hospital, but I don’t think the overall outcome could be any different.

No 2: What if Marvin Sordell had not fluffed his lines?

The U’s best chance of the match fell to an out-of-sorts Sordell, who failed to hit the target when put through on goal. His curling shot struck the outside of the far post and rolled to safety. The U’s were only 2-0 down at the time, but they went on to concede a third soon afterwards. If Sordell had scored, it would certainly have set up an interesting finale.

No 3: What if Tottenham hadn’t fielded such a strong team?

Manager Mauricio Pochettino showed respect for the U’s, by fielding such a powerful starting line-up.

The likes of Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen both started.

But I don’t think it would have mattered what team the Argentine selected, because Spurs have one of the strongest squads in the Premier League, with the exception perhaps of their striker department.

And Kane and Eriksen did not have their best games, against the U’s.

No 4: Will the U’s lose George Moncur or Alex Gilbey before the transfer window closes tonight?

It could be a nervous day, for all.

Bristol City might well step up their interest in Gilbey, so there is a chance of him going, while Moncur is being monitored by several clubs.

One might leave, for sure, but the U’s need them to stay if they are to stand a real chance of cheating relegation.

Let’s see how the day develops.

No 5: Will U’s boss Kevin Keen strengthen before the window shuts?

It will be a busy day for the U’s rookie boss.

The impact of Wynter’s head injury will have to be assessed, and then there is the threat of losing one of their star midfielders, who would need to be replaced.

The U’s need a couple of new recruits, if they are to start climbing the table, even though Keen has previously said that he is happy with his current squad.