NEW DELHI: Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou experienced his first defeat at the helm as Fulham emerged victorious in a penalty shootout, sealing a 5-3 win after a hard-fought 1-1 draw during the League Cup second round clash on Tuesday.
Postecoglou had orchestrated an impressive start to his debut season with Tottenham, securing consecutive Premier League victories over Manchester United and Bournemouth, following a draw against Brentford. However, the tide turned against the former Celtic manager as he made nine changes to his starting lineup at Craven Cottage.
Tottenham's understudies took to the pitch, but it was a misfortune that affected Fulham's squad. A peculiar incident saw Kenny Tete, the Fulham defender, leaving the field due to a boot issue, leaving the team a man down. Tottenham capitalised on this situation, levelling the score in the 56th minute. Ivan Perisic's precise cross, from the position Tete would have guarded, found Richarlison who converted with a well-placed header.
Despite both teams' efforts, a winner remained elusive, pushing the game into a penalty shootout. Tottenham's hopes dwindled when Davinson Sanchez's attempt was thwarted by Marek Rodak. In a dramatic moment, Kenny Tete, now equipped with boots on both feet, fired the decisive kick that clinched the victory for Fulham.
As Tottenham continues to grapple with a trophy drought stretching back to 2008, their aspirations for a cup triumph this season have been dealt a blow, as they exit the competition earlier than anticipated.
Luton celebrate first win
Luton Town, making their long-awaited return to the top-flight after 31 years, celebrated their first victory. Following defeats to Brighton and Chelsea in their opening Premier League matches, Luton rallied at home to secure a 3-2 win against fourth-tier Gillingham. Jacob Brown, Alfie Doughty, and Cauley Woodrow found the net, propelling Luton to a triumphant start.
Bournemouth's Iraola claims first English victory
Andoni Iraola, the Bournemouth manager, secured his maiden victory in English football with a thrilling 3-2 win against second-tier Swansea. After a draw with West Ham and losses to Tottenham and Liverpool in his initial league games, Iraola's Bournemouth bounced back in dramatic fashion. David Brooks and Hamed Traore's contributions were topped off by Ryan Christie's exceptional finish in stoppage time, sealing a dramatic comeback win.
Brentford advance in penalty shootout drama
Brentford endured a tense encounter against Newport, culminating in a 3-0 penalty shootout triumph following a 1-1 draw. The fourth-tier Newport side posed a challenge, but Brentford held their nerve to secure their progression in the competition.
Crystal Palace stage comeback for the ages
Crystal Palace scripted a remarkable turnaround against Plymouth, rallying from a two-goal deficit to secure a stunning 4-2 victory in the League Cup. Jean-Philippe Mateta's hat-trick heroics stole the spotlight, orchestrating a memorable victory for the Premier League outfit.
Salford stun Leeds in penalty thriller
Salford, the fourth-tier club co-owned by football legends David Beckham, Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, and Paul Scholes, stunned Championship side Leeds United in a penalty shootout. Following a 1-1 draw, Salford emerged victorious 9-8 on penalties, prompting co-owner Gary Neville to label the achievement as "absolutely incredible."
(With inputs from AFP)
