Tottenham cruise to 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Doncaster as Palhinha's overhead kick ignites the spirit

Tottenham moved into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a 3-0 victory over Doncaster Rovers, delivering a performance that underscored their project under manager Thomas Frank and their growing hunger for silverware. Joao Palhinha produced a moment of high-end technique early in the game, arcing a bicycle kick into the net from a Wilson Odobert cross after just 14 minutes, and Doncaster were further undone when Jay McGrath deflected a cross into his own net two minutes later. Tottenham’s lead, however, would prove to be more than enough against a visiting side that travelled from League One and named a heavily rotated lineup.

Tottenham’s starting XI indicated a mix of strength and experimentation. Palhinha, typically a midfield anchor, started at centre-back in a makeshift defensive line alongside Cristian Danso, with Pedro Porro and Marc Spence on the flanks as part of a 4-3-3 setup. Odobert and Brennan Johnson supported the attack with Tel Tsimikas-Daniel? No, there is no such name; the lineup listed Odobert and Johnson in advanced roles, while Richarlison remained on the bench after a stoppage-time cameo in the previous match. Doncaster’s response was tempered by the raft of changes Grant McCann made; nine alterations from the weekend mismatch left the visitors short on cohesion as Tottenham applied steady, probing pressure.

The early breakthrough came in fortuitous fashion for Spurs. Palhinha, deployed in a central role at the back, rose to meet Odobert’s left-flank ball and threaded a looping overhead kick past Lawlor from close range, delivering a moment of notable technique that set the tone for the night. The goal was a signal that, even when fielding a mixed squad, Tottenham could still unlock a stubborn cup rival. Just minutes later, Doncaster were dealt a further blow when McGrath turned Wilson Odobert’s cross into his own net, firmly establishing a two-goal cushion that would narrow any potential nerves for the home side.

The remainder of the first half and early stages of the second saw Tottenham fashion further chances but fall either just short or into the arms of Lawlor. Mathys Tel and Richarlison, among others, went close as the hosts pressed to extend the advantage, while Rodrigo Bentancur sent a header narrowly wide and Achie Gray forced a disciplined save from Doncaster’s goalkeeper. Doncaster, meanwhile, could point to a handful of moments that suggested they could mount a better challenge than the gulf in class suggested by the scoreline. Toyosi Olusanya nodded a free header wide from a cross delivered by Damola Ajayi, who had been allowed to face his parent club for the evening. Skipper Owen Bailey floated a late scissor-kick that drew a spectacular response from Doncaster’s supporters, and Glenn Middleton struck another shot against the side-netting that had many inside the stadium briefly believing it had found the back of the net.

McCann introduced his more established forward options in an attempt to spark a comeback, and Doncaster briefly carried more of a test at the start of the second half as the visitors shifted momentum. Yet the visitors could not find a route past a disciplined Tottenham who, even when aging tactical choices forced the lineup to adjust, continued to move the ball with purpose and intent. The game never felt remotely in doubt for Spurs, even as small alarms persisted in the second period when McCann’s changes steadied his side enough to threaten on the break.

Tottenham sealed the result in stoppage time when Johnson finished off a swift, well-worked counter after a turnover in midfield, adding a third that capped what had been a steady evening for the hosts. The late strike was a reminder that Tottenham, while comfortable, can still calculate precisely when to push for a decisive moment. Bergvall’s potential equalizer in stoppage time, which was ruled out, did not alter the result and did little to alter the tone of the night.

The nature of the tie reflected broader themes for both clubs. Tottenham, the Europa League winners, have long talked about expanding their trophy ambitions, and the Carabao Cup represents a pragmatic route to silverware alongside Premier League and European ambitions. Thomas Frank has repeatedly stressed a desire to win more trophies, and this win reinforced the sense that his squad can rotate while still delivering results against teams from outside the top flight. Palhinha’s display as a defensive leader was a clear reminder of the fluid roles he can occupy, and his overhead-kick goal highlighted his adaptability as well as his willingness to contribute in a central defensive position.

For Doncaster, the night underscored a remarkable journey from the depths of League Two to a sustained challenge in League One, with a supportive following that filled the stadium with a palpable sense of pride. The 3,860 travelling supporters who made the 170-mile trip provided the loudest chorus in the stand, singing in praise of their side’s effort and resilience. They carried the mood of a club that has defied odds and rebuilt itself around a strong sense of community and Yorkshire spirit, even as their cup run ended at the hands of a resource-rich opponent.

In defeat, Doncaster could point to moments that suggested they had not come to merely make up numbers. Olusanya’s header, Ajayi’s dangerous crossing, and Middleton’s late strike effort all demonstrated their willingness to compete and exploit any moment Tottenham might loosen their focus. The performance also served as a reminder that in knockout football, a single moment can alter the mood of a tie, but it did not alter the overall balance of power between the teams.

Tottenham will now focus on maintaining momentum as they progress further in the Carabao Cup and continue their build toward potential domestic and European success. For Doncaster, the experience will be a stepping stone in a season where the club continues to establish itself as a resilient challenger in League One and a test of the mettle for any visitor entering their ground.