Tottenham made easy work of Doncaster Rovers, with Thomas Frank managing to rotate a little.
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Tottenham cruised into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night after seeing off League One side Doncaster Rovers at home. Joao Palhinha and Brennan Johnson were on target either side of an own goal to help their side to a 3-0 win, and Thomas Frank’s men already know their reward.
Spurs will face current holders Newcastle United in the next round, with the draw not proving particularly kind. One of the most exciting parts of the win over Doncaster was the introduction of Luca Williams-Barnett off the bench, who made his debut at only 16 years of age.
After the game, fellow youngster Archie Gray, who saw plenty of game time last season, spoke about his excitement for the youngster, who could have a big future ahead of him.
“If he had 10 more minutes, he could have scored,” Gray told SpursPlay. “I said to him at the end that if he had just a few more chances to get at the full-back. We see him in training, and he is so sharp. It's so exciting to see young player like that come through and get given chances. I know what it's like, so I'll be helping him along the way.”
Gray has struggled for game time so far this season, with Frank upping the competition with the signing of Palhinha, leaving Gray more of a supplementary option.
“Obviously, I want to play every minute, but this manager is unbelievable,” the 19-year-old Gray added with humility. “Learning off him and every manager I've had is something I always do. I'm working hard every minute to try to get in the team, but competition is what you need at a top club. We are going to compete in all four of these competitions and we need a big squad for that, so I need to be ready whenever I'm called upon.
“We have such a young squad and one that is ready to learn. But we are competing and not just learning. We're not losing those games like Brighton, to come back and get a result, that shows how we are learning.”
What Frank said
Speaking after the game, Spurs boss Frank said of the win: “I’m happy with the win, happy with the clean sheet, very happy that we’re in the hat for the next round – that was the aim. I thought the first half was good, happy with that performance. I thought we started well, created chances, opportunities, up 2-0, could have scored one or two goals more.
“The second half was more disjointed. We threw the ball away too easily, the pressure was not top, and Doncaster did well. Always respect the opponent that made it difficult, they either dropped short or played long, but in the end, we did the job.
“We always want to, completely, how can I say… stay on top in all games, but that’s why it’s so complicated. There is an opponent who also wants to play. 'It’s Doncaster, we need to beat them', all that, but it’s never that easy. Overall, I’m happy with a convincing win, I would love to have even more in the second half.”