Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou says their heads can be broken after beating Tamworth at half-time after extra time in the FA Cup third round.
The fifth-placed Lambs have the chance to become only the third non-league team in the Premier League era to beat top-flight opposition, with Spurs falling behind only to a 101st-minute goalless draw from previously struggling Nathan Tsikuna. He scored two goals in a 3-0 win..
“I go into every football game with a sense of dread, knowing that I could slip up because of the challenges,” Postecoglou told ITV Sport after avoiding the embarrassment of a team in 96th place below Tottenham Hotspur in the football pyramid.
“We had some challenges but for the most part the boys kept their heads and handled it well. It's so easy to lose your head on a day like this. You'll realize the consequences if things don't go your way.”
Djed Spence's football 🔥
Kulusevski's finish 😮💨Tottenham Hotspur have finally produced the top quality to put the game to bed. #ITV football | #FACup pic.twitter.com/1aNMGR7noj
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) January 12 2025
Tamworth and 'tough to score.
Spurs became the team in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final first leg win over Liverpool on Wednesday, but the 16th-placed side in the National League found it more difficult at the 4,000-capacity Lamb Ground.
“It's a game of football,” replied Postecoglou when asked about the noticeable difference in his side's performance level over the four days.
“It's difficult to score goals no matter who you're playing against. It will always be a matter of calm and stability.
“We stayed calm and we could see they were tired, so we gave them more space to play. As far as I know, we can go to the next level, that's the goal.”
“As far as I know, we're aiming to get to the next level.”
Talking to Ange Postecoglou. @GabrielClarke05 About his sides #FACup Played against Tamworth in the third round.#ITV football pic.twitter.com/jRXyxupPhc
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) January 12 2025
FA Cup third round: Over Spurs.
Postecoglou's torrid start to the season has seen him struggle to find creative inspiration as James Maddison looks for a real threat ahead of the game.
Teammates Thomas McGlinchey and Jordan Cullinane-Liburd had a succession of close-range chances shortly before normal time, but home keeper Jas Singh saved a penalty.
“We are proud of ourselves”
Haydn Hollis with a magnificent Tamworth performance and a reflection of that skill 😮💨#ITV football | #FACup | @GabrielClarke05 pic.twitter.com/pIQQ8kYZ9v
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) January 12 2025
Dominic Solanke was among the players who came on for Spurs at the start of the second half. Dejan Kullevski and Son Heung-min joined the England strikers in extra time.
Spurs would find themselves, with Kulusevski's clinical strike and a towering effort from inside the box blocked by Brennan Johnson. Fourth round Opponents at 5pm GMT on Sunday.