Tottenham extended their impressive start to the new campaign with a comfortable 3–0 win against Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup. The Lilywhites’ intent was clear from minute one as they sought to put the West Yorkshire club on the back foot straight away. Fans will also be pleased to see the North London club advance to the next round with ease.
Considering Thomas Frank rotated the squad with seven changes to the starting XI, it was a professional performance by Spurs at home. The Lilywhites broke the deadlock just 14 minutes into the first half, with João Palhinha scoring a spectacular overhead kick from close range. They then doubled the lead quickly when Wilson Odobert’s pacy cross hit an opposition defender and ended up in the back of the net.
The second half, however, was not smooth sailing for Spurs, as Doncaster Rovers fought back and created a few openings of their own. The League One outfit also forced Antonín Kinský to make a wonderful save down to his right, urging the Lilywhites not to become complacent. But Frank’s men sealed the tie in the dying minutes with a classic counter-attacking goal by Brennan Johnson, ensuring qualification for the next round.
Tottenham put their name in the hat after beating Doncaster Rovers at home. The Lilywhites lived to fight another day, and Frank hoped the players stuck to the game plan and avoided any slip-ups. It was a solid performance, with many impressing against the West Yorkshire club.
When asked about Spurs’ performance against the League One outfit, Thomas Frank was pleased to see his players see out the game in style. Speaking in the post-match presser (as transcribed by Football.london), Frank said,
“First and foremost, happy with the win, happy with the clean sheet and happy that we are through to the next round. That was the aim. I think the first half was good. Controlled the game, created chances that we wanted and needed. I think we could have scored more goals in the first half actually.”
The Spurs manager added,
“Got some big opportunities to Mathys Tel, Rodri and a few other situations that were dangerous. Second half was more disjointed. I think we threw the ball away too easily. The pressure was not top but also praise to Doncaster. They came very brave, very good to stretch us. So, if the pressure is not perfect they made it difficult so praise to them as well.”
Frank seemed pleased that his team qualified for the next round with a strong display against Doncaster Rovers. The Danish tactician pointed out that the first-half game plan was executed perfectly by his players, the only thing lacking being more goals. He admitted, however, that his players allowed Doncaster to build pressure in the second half, while also praising the visitors for giving the Lilywhites a tough fight.
All eyes will be on how Spurs fare in the fourth round of the competition as they face Newcastle United away from home. St James’ Park has not been a happy hunting ground for the Lilywhites for quite some time, so Frank’s men will have to be at their best to get a result there and continue their cup run.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!