Tottenham Hotspur breezed into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup last night, after beating League One outfit Doncaster Rovers 3-0 in North London.
Goals from Joao Palhinha, Brennan Johnson and an own goal from Jay McGrath secured the win for Thomas Frank’s men, setting up a fifth-round clash with Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
The showing on home soil last night was an extremely professional one, avoiding a slip-up and keeping their hopes alive of securing a trophy during the Dane’s maiden campaign in charge.
A strong side was certainly fielded in the meeting with Grant McCann’s side, as the new boss looked to keep the continuity that he’s built in recent weeks flowing ahead of Premier League action this weekend.
However, numerous players failed to grab their first-team opportunity with both hands, potentially leading to the 51-year-old looking past them for their clash with Wolves on Saturday.
Spurs’ poor performers against Doncaster last night
Brennan Johnson has seemingly fallen down the pecking order over the past couple of weeks, subsequently being named as a substitute in each of the last three of Spurs’ league outings.
However, the Welsh international was handed a start against Doncaster last night, subsequently getting on the scoresheet in the closing minutes of the encounter in North London.
The 24-year-old had the least amount of touches of any player to play 90 minutes (36), whilst also being caught offside three times - showcasing his lack of positive impact against the League One outfit.
Johnson wasn’t alone in failing to capture the opportunity handed his way, with Djed Spence also looking lacklustre against the opposition two divisions below them in the pyramid.
The full-back failed to complete any of the dribbles he attempted, whilst only winning one of the five duels he entered - often struggling to get the better of his opposite number.
However, despite the showings of the aforementioned duo, one other starter for Frank’s side looked way below the level expected, which should result in the player being dropped once again.
The 5/10 Spurs player who must be axed
Coming up against League One opposition was always going to be a tricky task for Spurs and Frank, but it was one that the side navigated with flying colours.
The Lilywhites restricted Donny to just two shots on target in the 90-minute display in North London, subsequently keeping their fifth clean sheet in the 2025/26 campaign to date.
Whether it be Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Kevin Danso or Palhinha at the heart of the defence, the side have still managed to thrive without the ball.
Frank’s arrival has certainly added the needed defensive solidity that has been greatly missed in recent years - hopefully allowing the club to compete for more trophies in the months ahead.
In the attacking third, Richarlison has been one of the side’s leading talismen, scoring three times to date, but the Brazilian was handed a needed rest in the win last night.
Such a decision gave Mathys Tel the chance to start just his second outing of the new campaign, but it was one that he failed to take - ultimately enduring a night to forget.
The Frenchman featured for 87 minutes and failed to get himself on the scoresheet, but it was his underlying stats which highlighted his lack of impact in Frank’s side.
The 20-year-old registered two shots on goal, only one of which was on target, whilst also missing one big chance - showcasing his wasteful nature when in possession.
He also failed to complete any of the dribbles he attempted, whilst losing 60% of the duels he entered - often being dominated by the side two divisions below the Lilywhites.
Tel could only register a total of 29 touches during his time on the pitch, a total fewer than that of goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, who registered 35 - further highlighting his lack of positive impact.
To top off his dismal showing, the former Bayern Munich talent was handed a measly 5/10 match rating by Football London’s Alasdair Gold - the lowest of any player who started the encounter.
As a result of his showing, Frank desperately needs to drop the youngster from his starting eleven, with the Dane currently having numerous better alternatives already at his disposal.
The decision to leave Tel out of the Champions League squad now appears somewhat respectable, with the player evidently lacking huge confidence after his summer transfer.