Thomas Frank was happy with the control that Tottenham showed in the first half of their 3-0 win over Doncaster Rovers in the third round of the EFL Cup.
Spurs scored twice in three first half minutes during a strong start, with Joao Palhinha-Net with a beautiful overhead shovel before Jay Mcgrath turned into his own net.
Brennan Johnson then added some shine to the score deep in the stop time and Spurs will be confronted in the next round in the next round in St James’ Park.
Tottenham is now advanced from 18 of their last 19 EFL Cup tires against parties of a lower division, with the only exception in 2019-2020 (beaten on penalties by Colchester United).
Spurs finished the game with 1.6 expected goals and generated 0.8 in a first half that saw them try 14 of their 18 shots.
“First and foremost, happy with the victory, happy with the clean leaf and happy that we are through to the next round. That was the goal,” Frank said.
“I think the first half was good. Checked the game, created opportunities we wanted and needed. I think we could have scored more goals in the first half.
“I have some big opportunities for Mathys Tel, Rodri [Bentancur] And a few other situations that were dangerous.
“The second half was more incoherent. I think we throw the ball away too easily. The pressure was not great, but also praise to Doncaster. They came very brave, very good to stretch us.
“So if the pressure is not perfect, they can make it difficult, so they praise them too.”
Tel was brought in against Doncaster from the start, making him his fourth start of the season since he joined Spurs at a permanent deal from Bayern Munich.
He led two shots in the competition (worth 0.2 xg) and tried the second most duels (10) and air duels (six) among his teammates, after Kevin Danso.
Although he did not come to the score sheet, Frank was impressed by Tel’s performance, although he is hopeful that the 20-year-old can find his scoring touch soon.
“I don’t think he has a bad run, if I’m honest. He played striker to West Ham, which I think he was doing very well,” Frank said about Tel.
“Worked very hard for him to arrive in the right areas, which I think he did. In terms of performance, that was a step higher.
“Then we can look at the end product to score the goal, but the performance to arrive in the box, I was very happy with. Just close to Brennan’s first ball, ready for the cut.
“He came in the second half in two other good situations and had a nice shot. I think it was a step higher in terms of execution.”
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