Tottenham could have “lost their heads” en route to beating Tamworth after extra time in the FA Cup third round, manager Ange Postecoglou has said.
The fifth-tier Lambs had chances to become only the third non-league side to beat top-flight opposition in the Premier League era, falling behind only to Nathan Tshikuna’s poor own goal in the 101st minute as Spurs struggled before scoring twice more before the end.
“You go into every football game with anxiety, knowing you could make a mistake because of the challenge,” Postecoglou told ITV Sport after avoiding the embarrassment of a team 96 places below Tottenham in the football pyramid.
“We had some challenges, but for the most part the guys were composed and handled it well. It’s very easy to lose your head on a day like this, when things don’t go your way and you realize the consequences.”
Santa Spence’s ball 🔥
Kulusevski’s finish 😮💨Tottenham finally produced a moment of supreme quality to put the game to bed #ITVFootball | #FACup pic.twitter.com/1aNMGR7noj
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) January 12, 2025
‘Tough to score’ against Tamworth
Spurs became the second team this season to beat Liverpool in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final on Wednesday, but the 16th-placed National League side proved more troublesome at the 4,000-capacity Lamb Ground.
“It’s just a game of football,” Postecoglou replied when asked about his side’s apparent difference in performance levels over the four days.
“It’s difficult to score goals, no matter who you play against. It was always about staying calm and persevering.
“We stayed calm and could see that they were tired, which gave us more space to play. As far as I know, we went through to the next round – and that was the goal.”
“As far as I know, we passed to the next round, that was the goal”
Ange Postecoglou talks to @GabrielClarke05 about its sides #FACup third round appearance against Tamworth#ITVFootball pic.twitter.com/jRXyxupPhc
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) January 12, 2025
FA Cup third round: Spurs through
Postecoglou’s strong starting side struggled to find creative inspiration, with only James Maddison looking a real threat before the break.
Home goalkeeper Jas Singh made a couple of fine saves, while teammates Thomas McGlinchey and Jordan Cullinane-Liburd had close-range chances in quick succession just before the end of regulation time.
“We are proud”
Haydn Hollis reflects on Tamworth’s magnificent performance and THAT skill 😮💨#ITVFootball | #FACup | @GabrielClarke05 pic.twitter.com/pIQQ8kYZ9v
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) January 12, 2025
Dominic Solanke was among the players who came on for Spurs during the second half, while the likes of Dejan Kulusevski and Son Heung-min joined the England striker during extra time.
Kulusevski’s clinical strike and Brennan Johnson’s curl from the penalty area sealed victory for Spurs, who will meet their opponents in the fourth round at around 17:00 GMT on Sunday.
