Tamworth 0-3 Tottenham (AET): Player Ratings as Spurs Overcome FA Cup Scare

Tottenham Hotspur endured a tough evening in their FA Cup third-round tie against National League side Tamworth, eventually securing a 3-0 victory after extra time on Sunday.

The game, delayed due to an issue with one of the nets, saw a spirited Tamworth side push Spurs to their limits. Despite being massive underdogs, the non-league team managed to keep the Premier League visitors at bay for 90 minutes. It took an own goal and strikes from Dejan Kulusevski and Brennan Johnson during extra time to book Tottenham’s place in the fourth round.

Match Summary

The pre-match drama saw Tamworth winger Beck-Ray Enoru stepping in to fix the net, which perfectly foreshadowed his energetic display in the early stages. Enoru tested Spurs keeper Antonin Kinsky within minutes, while Tamworth used their physicality and Tommy Tonks’ trademark long throws to unsettle Tottenham.

Spurs, fielding a rotated lineup, struggled to adapt to the sloping astroturf pitch and were often second-best in duels. James Maddison and Yves Bissouma were bright sparks in midfield, but Tottenham’s forwards, particularly Timo Werner, failed to capitalize on the opportunities created.

Tamworth defended valiantly, with goalkeeper Jas Singh making crucial saves and Haydn Hollis denying Werner with a goal-line clearance. As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Spurs were fortunate to avoid a potential upset.

In extra time, Tottenham’s quality finally made the difference. Pedro Porro’s clever free-kick forced an own goal from Nathan Tshikuna, and Kulusevski and Johnson added further goals to secure a hard-fought victory.

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Tottenham Player Ratings (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper & Defenders

• Antonin Kinsky (GK): 7.5/10
  Confident and reliable when called upon. Managed Tamworth’s set-piece threats well.
• Pedro Porro (RB): 8.4/10
  Delivered the crucial free-kick for the opening goal and provided attacking width.
• Radu Dragusin (CB): 7.0/10
  Solid defensively but struggled against Tamworth’s physicality at times.
• Archie Gray (CB): 7.1/10
  Composed under pressure, though occasionally caught out by Tamworth’s intensity.
• Sergio Reguilon (LB): 7.9/10
  A lively presence down the left, contributing both defensively and offensively.

Midfielders

• Yves Bissouma (CM): 8.6/10 ⭐ Player of the Match
  Controlled the midfield and drove Spurs forward with energy and precision. A standout performer.
• Pape Sarr (CM): 7.2/10
  A disciplined display but lacked the creative spark to break Tamworth’s defensive lines.
• James Maddison (CM): 8.1/10
  Spurs’ primary creative outlet. Came close to scoring several times but was denied by the impressive Jas Singh.

Forwards

• Brennan Johnson (RW): 7.9/10
  Scored a well-taken goal in extra time to cap off an industrious display.
• Timo Werner (ST): 7.0/10
  Wasteful in front of goal, missing key opportunities. Struggled to impose himself on the game.
• Mikey Moore (LW): 7.1/10
  Showed flashes of brilliance but lacked consistency in his decision-making.

Substitutes

• Dominic Solanke (68’ for Moore): 5.9/10
  Failed to make an impact after coming on.
• Lucas Bergvall (68’ for Sarr): 6.8/10
  Offered more control in midfield but was unable to unlock Tamworth’s defense.
• Son Heung-min (91’ for Werner): 7.2/10
  Added energy and experience in extra time.
• Dejan Kulusevski (91’ for Maddison): 7.1/10
  Took his goal clinically to help Spurs pull away.
• Djed Spence (91’ for Dragusin): 6.7/10
  Solid defensively during extra time.

Subs not used: Brandon Austin (GK), Alfie Dorrington, Callum Olusesi, Will Lankshear.

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Key Performances

Player of the Match: Yves Bissouma

The Malian midfielder dominated the game with his ball-winning ability and progressive play. His composure in a chaotic match proved crucial.

Tamworth’s Brave Display

Jas Singh was outstanding in goal, while Beck-Ray Enoru and Haydn Hollis also impressed. Tamworth’s efforts will be remembered as a proud moment in the club’s history.