Tottenham 3-0 Doncaster Rovers: Goals and Highlights
Summary
September 24, 2025: Tottenham Hotspur beat League One side Doncaster Rovers 3-0 in the EFL Carabao Cup third round at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Under Thomas Frank, Spurs won with ease, having 54.7% possession and taking advantage of Doncaster’s mistakes.
Joao Palhinha’s overhead kick got the ball rolling, while Doncaster, managed by Grant McCann, showed spirit but didn’t have the quality to trouble them, going out of the competition after a good run. Spurs’ 16-year-old Luca Williams-Barnett made his debut, a bright moment for the academy.
Goals
Tottenham scored in the 14th minute when Joao Palhinha scored an overhead kick, pouncing on a poor punch by Ian Lawlor from a Xavi Simons corner. Three minutes later, in the 17th minute, Jay McGrath turned a low cross from Wilson Odobert into his own net, doubling the lead. Brennan Johnson sealed the win in stoppage time (90+3rd minute), finishing one-on-one after a through ball from Lucas Bergvall, a clean sweep.
Player of the Match
Joao Palhinha was Player of the Match for his overhead kick and midfield dominance. The Portuguese international’s goal and 88% pass accuracy showed how important he is to Tottenham’s cup run.
Match Highlights
Doncaster started well, with Owen Bailey’s first-time volley hitting the post in the 39th minute, their best chance. Spurs struggled in the second half, having less possession than their lower-league opponents, but Doncaster’s lack of quality in the final third cost them.
A late Lucas Bergvall tap-in was ruled out for offside and Luca Williams-Barnett’s debut almost brought a goal, assisting Destiny Udogie in a move that sparked debate. Thomas Frank made seven changes from the weekend, keeping Spurs’ momentum going into the next game, while Doncaster focus on their League One push.
