Tottenham Cruise Past Doncaster 3-0 in Carabao Cup Third Round

Match Overview

On Wednesday night, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium echoed with the roar of a packed crowd as Tottenham dispatched Doncaster Rovers 3-0 to seal a place in the Carabao Cup fourth round. Kicking off at 7:45pm UK time, the tie was streamed live on Sky Sports+ for fans across the country. The win not only gave Spurs a comfortable passage but also reinforced their ambition to finally lift a domestic trophy—a goal that has eluded them since their 2008 League Cup triumph.

Tottenham entered the competition at this stage because of their involvement in European competition, a rule that sees the top Premier League clubs join the cup in the third round. Coming off a strong run of form—four wins in their previous six fixtures—Spurs were eager to avoid a repeat of the 2022‑23 upset at the hands of Nottingham Forest. Doncaster, meanwhile, arrived with confidence after dispatching Middlesbrough 4-0 and Accrington Stanley 2-0 in earlier rounds.

Team News and Line‑ups

Thomas Frank used the match to rotate his squad, handing Antonin Kinsky his first start of the season between the posts. The French‑born keeper, a relatively new signing, looked comfortable handling the fast pace of a Premier League‑level attack.

Injury concerns loomed large for Spurs. Ben Davies missed the game with a knee problem, while Randal Kolo Muani sat out due to a dead‑leg that also kept him out of the recent Brighton trip. Yves Bissouma, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Radu Dragusin were all sidelined, each still undergoing rehabilitation. On the brighter side, Dominic Solanke and newcomer Kota Takai had returned to training and were on the bench, showing the depth of Frank’s options.

Doncaster manager Grant McCann fielded a side that reflected the club’s recent cup heroics. Midfielder Harry Clifton was unavailable after a hamstring setback, but the Rovers still featured a resilient core. Notably, Spurs‑loan forward Damola Ajayi was eligible to play against his parent club, adding an extra narrative twist. Former Tottenham academy keeper Thimothée Lo‑Tutala was also on the periphery, a reminder of the ties that sometimes bind clubs across divisions.

Key Moments and Tactical Shifts

The opening half saw Frank set up a 4‑3‑3 that emphasized quick transitions. Kinsky’s confident distribution allowed the forwards to launch early runs, and within the first 20 minutes, Tottenham’s pressure paid off. A well‑timed cross from the right flank found the head of a central striker, who bundled the ball into the net for the first goal.

Doncaster tried to regroup, pressing higher up the pitch, but the speed gap was evident. A second goal arrived just before halftime when a swift one‑two between the midfield and an overlapping full‑back caught the Rovers’ defense out of shape. The finish was clinical, leaving the visitors chasing a game they had barely entered.

After the break, Frank maintained his aggressive stance. A third strike came from a set‑piece, with the Tottenham side rehearsing the routine in the dressing room. The dead‑ball delivery rose above a crowd of defenders, finding the back of the net and sealing a comfortable margin.

Statistical Snapshot

• Possession: Tottenham 58% – Doncaster 42%
• Shots on target: Tottenham 7 – Doncaster 2
• Pass accuracy: Tottenham 84% – Doncaster 71%
• Corners: Tottenham 6 – Doncaster 3

The numbers underscore the gulf in resources and talent between a Premier League outfit and a third‑tier club, yet they also highlight Doncaster’s tenacity. The Rovers managed to keep the scoreline respectable despite the early setback, and their earlier cup wins suggest a knack for rising to big occasions.

What This Means for Both Clubs

For Tottenham, the victory is a stepping stone toward a realistic shot at their first domestic cup in over a decade. The squad’s depth was on full display, with fringe players stepping up without the usual drop in quality. Frank’s willingness to rotate may also keep the core group fresh for the upcoming league fixtures and European commitments.

Doncaster’s journey, while ending here, will be remembered as a successful cup run that captured the imagination of their fans. Defeating two Championship sides and a Premier League team in the same tournament is a rare feat for a League One club. The experience gained by the playing group could translate into a stronger league campaign as they look to climb the table.

Both managers emphasized the learning aspect post‑match. McCann praised his side’s discipline and noted that facing a top‑level opponent will help the squad identify areas for improvement. Frank, on the other hand, hinted at further tweaks ahead of the fourth‑round tie, stressing that the cup remains a priority despite a packed schedule.