Five things we learned from Tottenham’s 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Doncaster Rovers
Tottenham secured a 3-0 victory at home to Doncaster Rovers on Wednesday night, ensuring they move into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
Let’s take a look at the five things we learned from Tottenham 3-0 Doncaster Rovers:
Luca Williams-Barnett makes Tottenham debut and claims legacy number 900
Tottenham fans had been calling for one of their most in-form academy stars to be involved against Doncaster Rovers, and sixteen-year-old Luca Williams-Barnett got his big moment as he stepped off the bench for his boyhood club.
The tie must have gone as Frank planned, as the Dane looked to give game time to a few of his squad players, while resting his starters and having youngsters on the bench.
The teenager has been in sparkling form at the youth level, notching six goals and four assists in just six matches, and his inclusion on the bench against Doncaster was already a sign that Frank had been paying attention to his progress.
Williams-Barnett finally had his moment when he was introduced in the 87th minute, making his first-ever appearance for Tottenham Hotspur.
His debut means he becomes Tottenham’s 900th legacy number holder, a milestone that Spurs supporters will take note of as they hope to see him feature more in this competition and perhaps in future league fixtures. It was a special moment.
Palhinha covers at centre-back as Spurs depth is tested
Although the match itself proved straightforward, the teamsheet offered an early surprise, particularly in defence, as Joao Palhinha was asked to fill in at centre-back.
The Portuguese midfielder, who many might have expected to be rotated out alongside the likes of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Mohammed Kudus, instead had to put in a shift in an unfamiliar role.
Not only did he start at the back, but he also played the full ninety minutes, which highlights just how stretched Tottenham currently are in that department.
Palhinha acquitted himself well and did the job required, but the fact that he was pressed into service at centre-back does point to concerns around depth, especially with Ben Davies, Radu Dragusin and Takai not fully fit. While it is not yet cause for panic, it remains an area Frank will need to monitor.
Pedro Porro wearing the armband hints at Tottenham leadership role
Thomas Frank has already confirmed Cristian Romero as his club captain following the departure of Heung-min Son, but the rest of the leadership group has yet to be made public.
Against Doncaster Rovers, however, Pedro Porro was handed the armband, offering a strong indication that he is among the players Frank sees as leaders within the squad moving forward.
It was particularly notable to see Porro wearing the armband ahead of senior figures like Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur, suggesting that the Spaniard has earned the manager’s trust and could play a significant role in the dressing room dynamic this season.
Archie Gray impresses in midfield role for Spurs
Another standout from the tie was Archie Gray, who looked right at home in midfield after a season in which he was often deployed in makeshift positions across the backline.
Used as a number eight, Gray showed composure in possession, a willingness to make underlapping runs, and a good understanding with Brennan Johnson, frequently threading passes into dangerous areas that Johnson could work with.
Frank has previously spoken about seeing Gray as a midfielder long term, and this was the clearest evidence yet that he can excel there when given the opportunity. It was an encouraging display that bodes well for his development.
Mathys Tel fails to take his Tottenham chance in the Carabao Cup
For Mathys Tel, the Doncaster game was another opportunity to stake a claim, particularly given the fierce competition in Tottenham’s attacking line, but he failed to make it count.
Played through the middle as a centre-forward, Tel found himself in promising positions, yet his finishing deserted him, with two air shots standing out as moments of real frustration.
One came in the opening minutes when Johnson delivered across goal, the other late in the second half from a cut-back, but both times he failed to connect properly.
Frank has given the Frenchman several starts this season, especially with him not in the Champions League squad, but nights like this will not strengthen his case for a bigger role.
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