3-0 v Doncaster Rovers - 24 September 2025 - Home

Tottenham continued their strong start to life under Thomas Frank and sealed a spot in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with victory against Doncaster.

Frank showed the depth of his squad, making seven changes to the side that drew at Brighton on Saturday, and they did not skip a beat.

Mathys Tel had two opportunities to score inside the opening three minutes - with one shot blocked before an air kick from eight yards saw the second pass by.

Tottenham did not have to wait long to get in front with Bayern Munich loanee Joao Palhinha finishing with an overhead kick after League One Doncaster failed to fully clear a corner.

Defender Jay McGrath was caught flat-footed when trying to deal with Wilson Odobert's cross three minutes later and subsequently hooked into his own net to double Tottenham's lead.

Doncaster had already taken a scalp to reach this stage of the competition - beating Championship side Middlesbrough in round one - but they were no match for Premier League opposition.

The chances continued to flow freely for the hosts before half-time but Rodrigo Bentancur headed just wide and Archie Gray's snap shot was saved.

Captain Owen Bailey had Doncaster's only chance of the half shortly before the break but his volley was palmed on to the post by Antonin Kinsky.

Doncaster came out with intent after half-time and almost pulled one back when Glenn Middleton's free-kick kissed the side-netting.

Lucas Bergvall had a goal ruled out for offside in additional time but Brennan Johnson took his opportunity when clean through on goal to grab a third with the last kick of the game.

On Tuesday, Frank conceded he would need to rotate for the Carabao Cup as Tottenham, who made a winning start to their Champions League campaign last week and sit third in the Premier League, are competing on four fronts this season.

Even without Richarlison, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Mohammed Kudus in the starting line-up, Tottenham were a strong and cohesive unit.

The pace of Johnson and Odobert on either wing helped pen Doncaster back for large periods, while Xavi Simons was a constant threat with driving runs through the middle.

Rovers boss Grant McCann clearly urged his side to throw caution to the wind after the restart but Spurs, who have now kept five clean sheets this season, were far too disciplined defensively.

Tottenham have three games to play, including a trip to Norway to face Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League over the next 10 days, so it was no surprise to see them conserve energy levels and slow the tempo in the second half.

Frank also spoke about hoping to have the "privilege" to hand someone a debut and that moment arrived in the 87th minute when 16-year-old Luca Williams-Barnett got his first taste of senior football.