Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou said his side could have “lost their head” en route to an extra-time win over Tamworth in the FA Cup third round.
The fifth-tier Lambs had chances to become only the third non-league team ever to defeat top-flight opponents in the Premier League era, only falling behind to a Nathan Cicona own goal in the 101st minute as Spurs toiled before that. He scored two more goals in their 3-0 win.
“You go into every football match with trepidation, knowing that you might get tripped up by challenges,” Postecoglou told ITV Sport after avoiding embarrassment at a team 96 places behind Tottenham in the football pyramid.
“We had some challenges, but for the most part, the boys kept their heads down and handled it well. It's very easy to lose your mind on a day like this, when things don't go your way and you realize the consequences.”
Jed Spence's ball 🔥
The end of Kulusevsky 😮💨Finally, Tottenham produced a moment of quality to put the game to bed #ETVfootball | #FACup pic.twitter.com/1aNMGR7noj
– ITV Football (@itvfootball) January 12, 2025
“It's difficult to score” against Tamworth
Tottenham became the second team this season to beat Liverpool in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final on Wednesday, but the 16th-placed side in the National League proved more difficult at the 4,000-capacity Lamb Ground.
“It's just a game of football,” Postecoglou replied when asked about the apparent difference in performance levels in the space of four days.
“It's hard to score goals, no matter who you're playing against. It's always been about staying calm and persevering.
“We stayed calm and saw that they were tired, which gave us more room to play. As far as I know, we qualified for the next round – and that was the goal.”
“As far as I know we qualified for the next round, that was the goal.”
Angie Postecoglou speaks to @Gabriel Clark05 About its sides #FACup Round 3 performance against Tamworth#ETVfootball pic.twitter.com/jRXyxupPhc
– ITV Football (@itvfootball) January 12, 2025
FA Cup Third Round: Tottenham qualified
Postecoglou's side initially struggled to find creative inspiration, and only James Maddison was a real threat before half-time.
Home goalkeeper Jas Singh made several fine saves, while teammates Thomas McGlinchey and Jordan Cullinan-Liburd had chances from close range in quick succession shortly before the end of normal time.
“We did ourselves proud.”
Hayden Hollis talks about Tamworth's amazing performance and that skill 😮💨#ETVfootball | #FACup | @Gabriel Clark05 pic.twitter.com/pIQQ8kYZ9v
– ITV Football (@itvfootball) January 12, 2025
Dominic Solanke was among the players who came on for Spurs during the second half, while the likes of Dejan Kulusevski and Son Heung-min joined the England striker during extra time.
Kulusevski's decisive strike and Brennan Johnson's shot from inside the penalty area sealed the victory for Tottenham, who will discover his qualities. Fourth round Opponents at around 5pm GMT on Sunday.
