Tottenham Hotspur demonstrated once again that they are no longer a team to be taken lightly in early-season cup matches.
In the past, a League One side like Doncaster Rovers making the trip to North London might have promised a classic “banana skin” moment for Spurs. Not this time.
Under Thomas Frank, Tottenham have grown into a serious, trophy-hungry squad, and they made sure their dominance was felt from the first whistle.
Palhinha Sparks Early Advantage
Just 14 minutes in, makeshift centre-back Palhinha turned a header into an exquisite overhead kick to put Spurs ahead.
Doncaster’s misfortune continued three minutes later when Jay McGrath inadvertently bundled the ball into his own net.
With two goals in quick succession, the game was largely settled before halftime, though Tottenham still had plenty of attacking threats left to explore.
Spurs Keep the Pressure On
Even after Lucas Bergvall’s late stoppage-time goal was disallowed, Tottenham made sure of their victory with Brennan Johnson slotting home a spectacular counter-attack in the final seconds.
Despite the scoreline, Spurs could have easily extended their lead further.
Mathys Tels missed twice from close range, Rodrigo Bentancur narrowly headed wide, Achie Gray saw a low shot saved, and substitute Richarlison couldn’t quite connect with a well-placed cross.
Doncaster Fight Back in Patches
Doncaster Rovers weren’t completely out of it. Manager Grant McCann made nine changes from the weekend, which may have limited their cohesion, but his team showed flashes of resistance in the second half.
Toyosi Olusanya headed a free kick wide, Owen Bailey unleashed a scissor kick that Antonin Kinsky brilliantly tipped away, and Glenn Middleton rattled the side netting with a late free-kick that had the stadium holding its breath.
The 3,860 travelling Doncaster fans brought energy and passion, singing their hearts out across the 170-mile journey.
Their team’s determination and Yorkshire grit were on display, even if the gulf in class was ultimately too great.
Match Overview
Spurs lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Kinsky in goal, Palhinha at centre-back, and Johnson and Odobert leading the attack.
Doncaster countered in a 4-2-3-1 system, featuring Olusanya, Middleton, and skipper Owen Bailey trying to create chances.
Despite moments of promise, Doncaster couldn’t breach Spurs’ defence and left North London empty-handed.
Final Score: Tottenham 3-0 Doncaster Rovers
Scorers: Palhinha 14, McGrath OG 17, Johnson 90+4
Referee: Andrew Madley
Attendance: Not disclosed
Thomas Frank’s Spurs Continue the Trophy Hunt
With this confident victory, Tottenham send a clear message: silverware ambitions are very much alive.
Frank’s squad showed composure, tactical discipline, and attacking flair, leaving little doubt about their capability to dominate both domestic cups and European competitions this season.
For Doncaster, it’s back to League One reality, but their fans can still take pride in the effort and spirit displayed against the Premier League heavyweights.