Published: 24 September, 2014
By DAN CARRIER at WHITE HART LANE

CAPITAL ONE CUP, THIRD ROUND

SPURS 3, NOTTINGHAM FOREST 1

SPURS survived a Capital One Cup scare tonight (Wednesday) after they took their time to see off a spirited Nottingham Forest team in an exciting tie at White Hart Lane.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino watched his team stutter for the best part of 75 minutes until a double substitution and a switch to a 4-4-2 line up saw them come from a goal down to run out 3-1 winners.

Forest fans at White Hart Lane paid tribute to Brian Clough, who died ten years ago this week

After the game, Pochettino said goal scorer Roberto Soldado had the talent to lead the line alone – but admitted he benefited from the substitution that saw Harry Kane join him up front. He said: “Sometimes the game needs to be played with two strikers but it depends on the moment. Soldado can play alone or with another next to him.”

There were warning signs in the first half that the visitors would not roll over. Forest's Ben Osborn hit the bar on 23 after a brilliant run that saw him stride through three tackles, and for all of Tottenham's early possession, it was the closest the game came to a goal.

In reply, Andros Townsend tried to test Dorus De Vries in the Forest goal with three trademark moves that saw him cut inside from the right, but each time he spun his shots either high or wide.

The opener came on 62. A deflection off Spurs full back Ben Davies gave Forest winger Jamie Paterson space to cross and Jorge Grant was on hand to give Forest the lead.

Soldado celebrates his goal

A double substitution after the Forest goal saw Spurs go with two up front as Kane came on to join Soldado.

On 72, a little piece of magic from substitute Ryan Mason, who had replaced the ineffective Paulinho, saw him step into space on the right and curl an effort home from distance. Three minutes later, Townsend walloped a free kick against the bar and suddenly the home side had confidence. They began to pepper the Forest goalmouth with crosses and shots. On 82, a daisy cutter from Townsend was steered home by Soldado.

The relief around the Lane was immense.

The tie was made certain in the second minute of stoppage time when Kane slipped his marker and tucked a shot beyond the despairing dive of De Vries.

It will be a welcome confidence boost, but Pochettino will be aware that it took a rookie in Mason to get the team level.

Arsenal will be a wholly different prospect on Saturday.