Kane and Sarr lead Tottenham ratings in Cup win over Portsmouth

Assessing the substitutes and coach

By starting the top attacking line, there were not many game-changers on the Tottenham bench, and changes did not come until late in the match.

Djed Spence – 6

Spurs’ young right-wing-back came on with about a quarter-hour remaining for Sessegnon. Spence’s first touch and pass were excellent – playing a solid entry ball to Kane – but Spence rarely flashed after that first moment, leaving fans wanting more opportunities for the wide man.

Alfie Devine – N/A

Tottenham academy player Alfie Devine was the second player off the bench for Spurs, helping run down the injury-time clock. Devine’s appearance reflected both the nature of the game and the lack of options available to Conte in the attack. Devine did have a nice little run with the ball and showed the awareness not to play a pass to a man in an offside position and retain possession to see out the match.

Antonio Conte – 6

Antonio Conte came to win the third-round tie with Portsmouth. While their back eight were mostly rotational players, as we predicted, his attacking line was the top one he had available. Spurs moved the ball in possession but still seem to lack real intent and purpose against parked-in opposition. Playing young players was good; getting more intensity from the team would have been even better, but Spurs are moving on.