Spurs 3-0 Doncaster, Carabao Cup | Thomas Frank’s verdict
Wed 24 September 2025, 23:25|
Tottenham Hotspur
It was a case of ‘job done’ for Thomas Frank after our 3-0 win against Doncaster Rovers in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.
Two goals in quick succession in the first half from Joao Palhinha and an own goal from Wilson Odobert’s assist put us in control before a late, late third when Brennan Johnson ran onto Lucas Bergvall’s pass and finished one-on-one.
The icing on the cake saw in-form Academy forward Luca Williams-Barnett make his debut off the bench as the victory over the determined League One side set up a fourth round clash away to Newcastle at St James’ Park (date TBC, week commencing 27 October).
Speaking afterwards on our Review Show, Thomas said: “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.”
Asked for the challenges of a tie like this – particularly in getting the balance right in terms of squad rotation – Thomas added: “It’s the balance where we need to use the squad, want to use the squad, we’ve a strong squad and players who want and need to play. That’s very important.
“Then we need to make enough changes, but not too many, try to get them in the right positions. That’s the challenge. We all know, as I say all the time, if we’re going to play 60+ games this season, we need to be really good at nailing that - making the right amount of changes per game.”
