Tottenham’s late turnaround secured a 2-1 win over Championship side Coventry to progress to the Carabao Cup fourth round and keep four trophies available to Ange Postecoglou in his pursuit of second-season silverware.
Postecoglou took some by surprise by fielding a side full of fringe players, days after making a point of saying that he “always” wins silverware in his second season at his clubs. Ultimately, his stars had to come on to rescue the game.
Coventry were the superior side throughout and led until two minutes from regulation time after Brandon-Thomas Asante’s opener just past the hour. They could have been further ahead but Ben Davies stopped Haji Wright’s goalbound shot.
Djed Spence, a half-time introduction who many thought had no future at Spurs before the summer, poked in an equaliser after 88 minutes thanks to his fellow substitute Dejan Kuluseveski’s through ball.
Brennan Johnson then dinked over goalkeeper Ben Wilson, who produced a top save to deny Kulusveski when his side were ahead, in stoppage time to seal the win and send Spurs into the next round of the Carabao Cup, breaking Coventry hearts.
Redknapp: Ange took liberties tonight
Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp:
“Spurs were so poor and going nowhere fast. Ange will be mightily relieved. But they have to make sure that this is a turning point for them.
“I didn’t like the team he picked. I’m a big fan of Ange but l thought he took liberties tonight.
“He didn’t select a strong enough team but he has got away with it.”
Watch Spurs’ late goals
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Tottenham find a crucial equaliser against Coventry through Djed Spence!
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Brennan Johnson finds a late winner for Spurs, leading to heartbreak for Coventry!
When is the fourth-round draw?
The Carabao Cup fourth-round draw will take place live on Sky Sports following the conclusion of Liverpool vs West Ham on Wednesday September 25.
Ball numbers for the draw will be finalised on the morning of Wednesday 25 September.
The fourth round ties will take place week commencing October 28.
More to follow…