Tottenham eased into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a 3-0 win over Doncaster.
A home tie against League One opposition appeared on paper to be a generous start to the competition and so it proved, with Spurs firmly in control inside 20 minutes.
Joao Palhinha opened the scoring with a clever overhead kick and almost immediately the lead was doubled when Jay McGrath turned into his own net.
There was little to get the fans going after the break until the closing stages, when 16-year-old Luca Williams-Barnett came on for his debut, and Brennan Johnson then sealed victory with a nice dinked finish deep into stoppage-time.
Here’s how Standard Sport rated the Spurs players...
Antonin Kinsky 7
Spent most of the first half stretching, trying to stay warm, but then produced a brilliant save to tip Owen Bailey’s volley onto the post.
Pedro Porro 7
Handed the captain’s armband and was keen to mark it with a goal, trying his luck from distance on several occasions. Booked for diving late in the match.
Joao Palhinha 9
Yet another classy performance, even in a more unfamiliar position. Composed in defence and finished brilliantly with an overhead kick to make it 1-0. Always delivers for Frank.
Kevin Danso 7
Impact came more in attack, where his long throws were a real threat and Doncaster struggled to deal with him from set-pieces. Nasty cut early in first half but played on with bandaged head.
Djed Spence 7
Read play brilliantly to stop a Doncaster counter in the first half but otherwise largely untroubled in defence. Did not offer much in attack.
Archie Gray 8
Thrived in more attacking midfield role in first half, making runs beyond Brennan Johnson and forcing Ian Lawlor into a smart save. Assured when dropping deeper after the break.
Rodrigo Bentancur 7
Solid enough as the deepest midfielder and played the full 90 minutes, despite tiring as the second half went on. Vocal presence in midfield, barking orders.
Xavi Simons 6
Particularly bright early on when driving from deep into space and looked like he was in for a fun night. Didn’t quite materialise though, as he faded before being replaced on the hour mark.
Brennan Johnson 7
Brighter on the right wing. Clipped a couple of lovely crosses into the box and deserved at least one assist on the night, and took his goal cooly as ever when played in with the final kick of the match.
Mathys Tel 5
Another frustrating night. Got into good positions but no calmness when his chances came, twice swinging at thin air when picked out in the box by Johnson.
Wilson Odobert 7
More encouraging display from the Frenchman. Direct and purposeful when he had the ball, his cross forced McGrath’s own goal.
Substitutes:
Richarlison (Odobert 61’) 5
Hardly had a kick after coming on. Spurs could do with him rediscovering early-season form.
Lucas Bergvall (Simons 61’) 7
Added a bit more energy to midfield. Denied late goal by offside flag but picked out Johnson through the middle for third goal.
Destiny Udogie (Spence 75’) 6
Thought he had assist in closing stages but flag was up. Intriguing battle with Spence in weeks ahead.
Luca Williams-Barnett (Tel 87’) N/A
