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Thomas Frank was delighted with the control that Tottenham showed in the first half of their 3-0 win over Doncaster Rovers in the EFL Cup third round.
Spurs scored twice in three first-half minutes during a strong start, with Joao Palhinha netting with a stunning overhead kick before Jay McGrath turned into his own net.
Brennan Johnson then added some gloss to the scoreline deep in stoppage time, and Spurs will face holders Newcastle United in the next round at St James’ Park.
Tottenham have now progressed from 18 of their last 19 EFL Cup ties against sides from a lower division, with the only exception coming in 2019-20 (beaten on penalties by Colchester United).
Spurs finished the match with 1.6 expected goals, generating 0.8 in a first half that saw them attempt 14 of their 18 shots.
“First and foremost, happy with the win, happy with the clean sheet and happy that we are through to the next round. That was the aim,” Frank said.
“I think the first half was good. Controlled the game, created chances that we wanted and needed. I think we could have scored more goals in the first half, actually.
“Got some big opportunities to Mathys Tel, Rodri [Bentancur] and a few other situations that were dangerous.
“Second half was more disjointed. I think we threw the ball away too easily. The pressure was not top but also praise to Doncaster. They came very brave, very good to stretch us.
“So, if the pressure is not perfect, they could made it difficult, so praise to them as well.”
Tel was brought in from the start against Doncaster, making his fourth start of the season since joining Spurs on a permanent deal from Bayern Munich.
He managed two shots in the match (worth 0.2 xG) and attempted the second-most duels (10) and aerial duels (six) among his team-mates, after Kevin Danso.
Despite him not getting on the scoresheet, Frank was impressed with Tel’s performance, though he is hopeful 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 against West Ham, which I think he did quite well,” Frank said of 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 up.
“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 with the first ball from Brennan, ready for the cutback.
“Second half, he got in there on two other good situations and had a nice shot. I think it was a step up in terms of performance.”
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