Timo Werner led the line against Tamworth to little effect. (Image: Getty.)
blushes have well and truly been spared but they needed to bring out the big guns and bail them out of Tamworth with a 3-0 victory in extra time, avoiding a big upset.
The giants headed to Staffordshire but struggled to break down their non-league opposition, despite naming a fairly strong starting line-up which included and Brennan Johnson.
It took 101 minutes for the deadlock to be broken, as substitute ‘s shot was bundled over the line in a Nathan Muya Tshikuna own goal, effectively ending Tamworth’s spirited efforts.
Fellow sub Dejan Kulusevski put any hopes of a giant-killing to bed when he rifled a shot into the bottom corner in the second period of extra time and Johnson put the final touches on a victory that looks a lot better than the visitors deserve.
Only a few days ago Spurs put , but Postecoglou had to endure more chants that he could be sacked after just about avoiding one of the most embarrassing results in the club’s history.
Here, Express Sport runs the rule over the Spurs stars who featured against Tamworth.
Tottenham player ratings vs Tamworth (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Antonin Kinsky – 7
Did little wrong throughout and could not impact the match at the other end of the pitch. Back-to-back clean sheets for the new goalkeeper.
Defence
Pedro Porro – 3
As one of Postecoglou’s starters in a full-fit squad, Porro would have hoped to lead from the front. However, he struggled in possession and against Tamworth’s biggest outfield threat of Beck-Ray Enoru. The winger, who also works in Zara, ran the Spanish full-back ragged throughout.
Radu Dragusin – 6
A quiet day aside from dealing with Tamworth’s threat from long throw-ins. Taken off after 90 minutes for Djed Spence.
Pedro Porro struggled to deal with Tamworth’s threat down the left. (Image: Getty)
Archie Gray – 7
Looked tidy in possession and was one of few visiting players who could hold their head up high.
Sergio Reguilon – 6
Handed another lifeline due to Spurs’ injury crisis but did himself no favours against non-league opposition.
Midfield
Yves Bissouma – 5
Played in the base of an experienced midfield trio but did not move the ball quickly enough and struggled on the artificial pitch.
Pape Matar Sarr – 5
Along with youngster Mikey Moore, was one of the first players substituted off as Postecoglou opted for increased firepower. A drab performance.
James Maddison – 7
By far Spurs’ biggest creative influence and any goal would have come through the man, but he snatched at a few chances and could have had the visitors out of sight by half-time.
Did not have as much of an effect in the second half and waned as the game went on, with Kulusevski called upon in extra-time to replace Maddison who shouldered the majority of the offensive load.
Attack
Brennan Johnson – 5
Had numerous chances to put this tie to bed but fluffed his lines with regularity before extra time. Having found himself out of Postecoglou’s side in recent weeks, Johnson had an opportunity to prove his worth once again but could not get the better of Tamworth’s goalkeeper Jasbir Singh, who had an outstanding afternoon, until the 118th minute when he curled an effort into the top corner.
Timo Werner – 3
Werner is rapidly running out of chances in a Spurs shirt and put in another very underwhelming display. Once the squad are back to full fitness it would be a huge surprise if the German forward is anywhere close to their starting line-up. Missed chance after chance and will be very disappointed with his efforts.
Mikey Moore – 5
The youngster put in a lively performance on his return from injury and illness, but made way for Solanke as Spurs began to get desperate for a goal in the second half.
Timo Werner fluffing his lines. (Image: Getty)
Substitutes
Lucas Bergvall (68′) – 7
There was no heroic repeat this time around after scoring the winner against , although the Swede made several impressive passes and adapted better than most to the 3G surface.
(68′) – 7
On to rescue the visitors in an uncomfortable environment and he was helped by Muya Tshikuna to bundle the opening goal over the line after a smart free-kick routine.
Djed Spence (90′) – 7
Given another cameo at centre-back and was solid for the final 30 minutes, also playing his way out of trouble on several occasions.
Dejan Kulusevski (90′) – 7
Spurs’ best player this season was required in extra time and he made sure of their place in the fourth round by picking the ball up in the area and firing past Singh, a tall order that no other Spurs player managed to repeat.
Son Heung-min (90′) – 6
Son’s inclusion off the bench spoke volumes at how much the visitors struggled against National League opposition.