Tottenham narrowly avoided FA Cup humiliation as they overcame National League side Tamworth after extra time to secure a place in the fourth round.
Ange Postecoglou’s team delivered a lackluster performance at the Lamb Ground, relying on an own goal by Tamworth’s Nathan Tshikuna in the 101st minute to break the deadlock. Dejan Kulusevski added a stunning strike, followed by Brennan Johnson curling in a third, after Postecoglou introduced his star attackers to rescue the game.
Tamworth, ranked 96 places below Spurs in the football pyramid, put on a spirited display and came tantalizingly close to one of the FA Cup’s greatest upsets during normal time. Goalkeeper Jas Singh, the hero of their second-round penalty shootout win, made vital saves from James Maddison and Timo Werner, with Haydn Hollis clearing another attempt off the line.
The non-league side pushed Spurs to the brink, with Antonin Kinsky making a critical save from Jordan Cullinane-Liburd in the dying seconds of regular time. However, extra time saw Spurs’ superior fitness and quality shine through, with Kulusevski’s clinical finish providing much-needed relief before Johnson’s late goal added an undeserved gloss to the scoreline.
Tamworth Shine Despite the Defeat
Despite the eventual loss, Tamworth’s heroic performance stole the spotlight. Manager Andy Peaks’ part-time team matched their Premier League opponents for 90 minutes, showcasing incredible defensive organization and courage. Goalkeeper Singh and defender Hollis were outstanding, while striker Beck-Ray Enoru’s tireless display symbolized the team’s grit and determination.
Tamworth even came close to a historic winner late in normal time, with Yves Bissouma blocking Tom McGlinchey’s effort and Cullinane-Liburd missing another key opportunity. The home side’s valiant efforts reminded everyone of the magic of the FA Cup.
Three years ago, Tamworth were competing in the seventh tier of English football. Under Peaks, they have climbed significantly, and this thrilling performance highlighted just how far they have come. While Spurs advanced, it is Tamworth who will be remembered as the real stars of a classic FA Cup encounter.
Postecoglou needs main men to avoid humiliation
Tottenham and manager Postecoglou left Tamworth feeling huge relief rather than any sense of celebration after threatening to become victims of a colossal FA Cup giant-killing act before making their escape in extra time.
Tamworth’s 3G surface undoubtedly made control and passing more difficult – a change from life on the pristine surfaces of the Premier League – but there was no excuse for the laboured, lacklustre and dismal nature of Spurs’ performance for the first 90 minutes.
Spurs were too often second to the ball, nervous at the back and outfought on occasions by a Tamworth side who played so many levels above their National League status.
Timo Werner once against showed he cannot be relied on in front of goal, while the rest of the Spurs side lacked the sense of urgency required for a classic FA Cup test.
One of the big plus points from Spurs and Postecoglou was another confident display from 21-year-old keeper Kinsky in what his second appearance after making his debut in the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg win over Liverpool.
He handled superbly under pressure and, while it is early days, looks a shrewd acquisition.
It showed how poorly Spurs were dealing with Tamworth that Postecoglou needed to call on his big names, even he would surely have preferred to rest Solanke, Son and Kulusevski before Wednesday’s north London derby at Arsenal.
In the end, it was needs must and they made the difference, although it was an own goal in extra time that finally set them on their way from a neatly worked free-kick as Tamworth fatally switched off.
Spurs are in the fourth round – always the object of the exercise on third-round weekend – but the scoreline does not tell the full tale of a very uncomfortable afternoon for the Premier League giants against National League minnows.