Tottenham player ratings vs Doncaster: Spurs cruise into Carabao Cup fourth round

Tottenham ensured they were in the hat for the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday night, beating Doncaster Rover 3-0 in N17.

Thomas Frank opted for seven changes to his starting XI from Saturday's draw at Brighton, with the boss dropping João Palhinha into his defence to partner Kevin Danso, while Pedro Porro captained the side from right-back.

Seemingly liberated by his new role, Palhinha opened the scoring with a tidy acrobatic effort after Doncaster goalkeeper Ian Lawlor failed to properly clear Xavi Simons' inswinging corner.

The hosts then threatened to take the game away from Rovers, as a Wilson Odobert cross was converted into his own net by Jay McGrath, three minutes after Palhinha’s strike. However, Doncaster just about remained in the tie come the interval, and even forced the otherwise quiet Antonín Kinský into an outstanding reflex save towards the end of the first half.

A sluggish opening to the restart doubtless would've infuriated Frank, although the spritely visitors, who had success playing through our press throughout, were unable to test Kinský despite a spell of pressure.

Normality was eventually restored amid an entertaining bout, and there was a special moment for 16-year-old Lucá Williams-Barnett late on, as he made his bow for the club off the back of an excellent run at youth level. Then, after Lucas Bergvall had a stoppage-time tap-in ruled out for offside, the impressive Brennan Johnson rounded off proceedings with a third Spurs goal.

Into the fourth round we go!

Tottenham 3-0 Doncaster player ratings

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Antonín Kinský (GK) – 7/10 - That save alone in the first half meant he was deserving of a clean sheet. Always so calm with the ball at his feet.

Pedro Porro (RB) – 6/10 - Much of Doncaster's joy in the second half came down Porro's flank, even if the Spaniard did a decent enough job of ensuring Glenn Middleton was limited to hopeful crossing moments. Booked late on for a dive.

João Palhinha (CB) – 7.5/10 - Not sure whether I'm completely sold on Palhinha in centre-back, but it did the job here. Thought he was more progressive than usual in possession, and his goal was superbly taken.

Kevin Danso (CB) – 8/10 - Struggled a bit early on, but quickly settled down and produced a tidy display. Dominant in the air, and that long throw is such a weapon.

Djed Spence (LB) – 6.5/10 - An up-and-down night for Spence, who defended with the nonchalance of a man who thought his opponent was beneath him. Still, he had few issues when matched-up one-on-one.

Midfielders

Rodrigo Bentancur (CM) – 6.5/10 - Probably needed more from him on the ball when we were builiding up, but mopped up effectively on occasions and got himself out of trouble with some tidy footwork.

Archie Gray (CM) – 8/10 - Was that Archie De Bruyne out there? In a more natural midfield role, the young Englishman shone. His performance was laden with effective bursts through the right half-space, and moments of sumptuous technical work with the ball at his feet.

Xavi Simons (AM) – 7/10 - The orchestrator of some lovely sequences in the first half, taking control of the tie after Spurs took a 2-0 lead. His set-pieces were on the money, too, but a first goal remains elusive.

Forwards

Brennan Johnson (RW) – 8/10 - Capped a fine display with a goal. Johnson was dangerous early, performing with the drive and assurance he so often lacks. Encouraging.

Mathys Tel (ST) – 6/10 - A couple of wild swings and miscommunications clouded what could've been a good display from Tel, who didn't get his goal, but held the ball up effectively in the first half and brought others into play.

Wilson Odobert (LW) – 7.5/10 - The second goal sequence is exactly what you want to see more of from Odobert. The Frenchman was decisive after his directness and excellent footwork created the separation. Quieter in the second half before Frank withdrew him on the hour.

Substitutes

• Richarlison – 5/10
• Lucas Bergvall – 6.5/10
• Destiny Udogie – 6/10
• Lucá Williams-Barnett – N/A

Player of the match: Brennan Johnson