Tottenham vs Tamworth player ratings: 2 turnovers 3/10 for limping Tottenham | Football | sports
Timo Werner led the line against Tamworth to little effect. (Image: Getty.)
Spurs survived their shyness really well, but they needed Ange Postecoglou to bring out the big boys and rescue them from Tamworth with a 3-0 extra-time win, avoiding a major upset in the FA Cup.
The Premier League giants headed to Staffordshire but struggled to break down their non-league rivals, despite naming a fairly strong starting line-up that included James Maddison and Brennan Johnson.
It took 101 minutes to break the deadlock, as substitute Dominic Solanke’s shot curled over the line past Nathan Moya Chikona, ending a spirited Tamworth effort.
Fellow substitute Dejan Kulusevski put an end to any hopes of a giant-killer when he fired a shot into the bottom corner in the second half of extra time and Johnson put the finishing touches on a win that looked far better than the visitors deserved.
Just a few days ago, Tottenham put their foot in the door in the Carabao Cup final with victory over Liverpool, but Postecoglou had to endure more chants that he could be sacked after avoiding one of the most embarrassing results in the club’s history.
here, Express Sport Runs rule on Tottenham stars who featured against Tamworth.
Tottenham player ratings vs Tamworth (4-3-3)
goalkeeper
Antonin Kinski – 7
He did nothing wrong throughout and was unable to influence the game at the other end of the pitch. Consecutive clean sheets for the new goalkeeper.
Defense
Pedro Porro – 3
As one of Postecoglou’s starters in a full squad, Boro was hoping to lead from the front. However, he struggled in possession and against Tamworth’s biggest threat on the pitch in Beck Ray Enoro. The winger, who also works for Zara, had the Spanish full-back running raggedly throughout.
Radu Dragocin – 6
A quiet day away from dealing with Tamworth’s threat from long throw-ins. He came off after 90 minutes for Jed Spence.
Pedro Boro struggled to deal with Tamworth’s threat on the left flank. (Image: Getty)
Archie Gray – 7
He looked composed in possession and was one of the few visiting players who could hold his head high.
Sergio Reguilon – 6
He was given another lifeline due to Spurs’ injury crisis but did himself no favors against non-league opposition.
Midline
Yves Bissouma – 5
He played at the base of an experienced midfield trio but did not move the ball quickly enough and struggled on the artificial pitch.
Bab Matar Saar – 5
Along with youngster Mickey Moore, he was one of the first players to be replaced as Postecoglou opted for increased firepower. Lackluster performance.
James Madison – 7
By far Tottenham’s biggest creative impact and any goal would come from the Englishman, but he snatched some chances and could have put the visitors at bay on the stroke of half-time.
He had little impact in the second half and diminished as the game went on, with Kulusevski called up in extra time to replace Maddison who shouldered the majority of the attacking load.
attacks
Brennan Johnson – 5
Had several chances to settle the equalizer but regularly spoiled his lines before extra time. Having found himself out of Postecoglou’s line-up in recent weeks, Johnson had the opportunity to prove his worth once again but was unable to get the better of Tamworth goalkeeper Jasbir Singh, who produced an impressive display this afternoon, until the 118th minute when he fired home a powerful shot. Top corner.
Timo Werner – 3
Werner is quickly running out of chances in a Tottenham shirt and putting in a very disappointing display. Once the team returns to full fitness, it will be a big surprise if the German striker is close to being in the starting line-up. Miss one opportunity after another and he will be greatly disappointed in his efforts.
Mickey Moore – 5
The youngster produced a lively performance after returning from injury and illness, but made way for Solanke as Spurs began searching for a goal in the second half.
Timo Werner reveals his lines. (Image: Getty)
Alternatives
Lukas Bergvall (68′) – 7
There was no heroic repeat this time around after scoring the winner against Liverpool, although the Swede made several impressive passes and adapted better than most players to the third-generation surface.
Dominic Solanke (68′) – 7
He continued to rescue the visitors in an uncomfortable environment and was assisted by Moya Chikona, who headed the first goal over the line after a smart free-kick.
Jade Spence (90′) – 7
Given his resurgence at centre-back he was solid in the final 30 minutes, also working his way out of trouble on several occasions.
Dejan Kulusevski (90′) – 7
Spurs’ best player of the season was called into extra time and confirmed his place in the fourth round by picking up the ball in the penalty area and slotting it past Singh, a difficult task that no other Spurs player has been able to repeat.
Son Heung-min (90′) – 6
Son’s inclusion on the bench reflects the extent of the visitors’ struggles against their National League rivals.
