Tottenham Hotspur avoided a historic FA Cup upset, overcoming a spirited performance from National League side Tamworth with a 3-0 victory after extra time on Sunday. Goals from Dejan Kulusevski, Brennan Johnson, and a Tamworth own goal eventually saw Spurs through to the fourth round.
How the Game Unfolded
The match began with a delay as Tamworth winger Beck-Ray Enoru assisted in fixing a net issue, embodying the underdog spirit. Enoru’s lively start troubled Spurs’ Pedro Porro, forcing an early save from goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.
Spurs struggled to adapt to Tamworth’s sloping astroturf pitch, with technical errors and misplaced passes evident in their rotated lineup. Despite dominating possession, Tottenham failed to capitalize in the first half, with James Maddison’s attempts thwarted by Tamworth goalkeeper Jas Singh. Meanwhile, Tamworth’s long throws from Tommy Tonks and Enoru’s energetic play provided moments of danger.
The second half saw Spurs increase their intensity, but Tamworth remained resilient. Singh denied Maddison again, and Haydn Hollis cleared a Timo Werner header off the line. Tamworth even came close to a shock win in stoppage time, but the game went to extra time.
Extra-Time Dominance
Tottenham’s quality finally shone through in extra time. A Tamworth own goal broke the deadlock after sustained Spurs pressure. Kulusevski doubled the lead with a clinical finish, and Johnson added a third to seal the win.
Player Ratings (Tottenham)
- Antonin Kinsky (GK): 7.5 – Confident handling of Tamworth’s set-piece threats.
- Pedro Porro (RB): 8.4 – Defensively solid and involved in attacking play.
- Radu Dragusin (CB): 7.0 – Dealt well with Tamworth’s aerial threats.
- Archie Gray (CB): 7.1 – Calm under pressure, a mature display.
- Sergio Reguilon (LB): 7.9 – Effective overlapping runs and crosses.
- Yves Bissouma (CM): 8.6 – Dominated midfield, Spurs’ standout performer.
- Pape Sarr (CM): 7.2 – Energetic but lacked incisiveness.
- James Maddison (CM): 8.1 – Spurs’ creative spark, unlucky not to score.
- Brennan Johnson (RW): 7.9 – Worked hard and scored a late goal.
- Timo Werner (ST): 7.0 – Missed key chances, struggled for impact.
- Mikey Moore (LW): 7.1 – Showed promise but was subbed early.
Substitutes:
- Dejan Kulusevski: 7.1 – Changed the game with his energy and goal.
- Son Heung-min: 7.2 – Brought composure and class in extra time.
- Djed Spence: 6.7 – Solid cameo at the back.
Talking Points
Tottenham’s Struggles Against Lower-League Opposition
Despite being heavy favorites, Spurs struggled to assert dominance during regulation time. The unfamiliar surface and Tamworth’s determination exposed vulnerabilities in Tottenham’s rotated lineup. Manager Ange Postecoglou’s reliance on key substitutes to secure victory highlighted the team’s lack of depth in certain areas.
Timo Werner’s Woes
Werner endured a frustrating outing, missing a golden one-on-one chance and struggling to link play effectively. His lack of confidence was evident, and his profligacy kept Tamworth in the game for longer than necessary.
Tamworth’s Heroic Effort
The National League side delivered a performance to be proud of, with standout displays from Jas Singh in goal and Haydn Hollis in defense. Beck-Ray Enoru’s dynamic play on the wing caught the eye and may attract interest from higher leagues. While they fell short, Tamworth’s spirited display will be remembered fondly.
What’s Next?
Tottenham advance to the FA Cup fourth round, but Postecoglou will demand improvement as they navigate a packed fixture schedule. Meanwhile, Tamworth can take pride in their valiant effort against one of England’s biggest clubs.
This match served as a reminder of the FA Cup’s enduring magic, where underdogs can push giants to their limits.
