Tottenham full-back Djed Spence delivers a promising display against Coventry City in the Carabao Cup

Tottenham Hotspur advanced to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night by edging past Coventry City 2-1.

The Lilywhites were hoping to bounce back from their North London derby defeat and take a step forward towards one of their most practical chances of winning a trophy this season. However, for a while, it looked like Spurs were heading out of the Carabao Cup, especially after Brandon Thomas-Asante’s 63rd-minute opener for the home side.

Then Djed Spence, who came on as a half-time substitute for left-back Destiny Udogie, equalized in the 87th minute before Brennan Johnson won it for Tottenham in stoppage time.

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Ange Postecoglou threw Djed Spence into the mix after the break and he seized the opportunity with both hands. He made a difference on the left with his energy, endeavour and work rate, looking to stretch the Coventry defence.

The 24-year-old was very useful with the ball at his feet on the night making 26/28 accurate passes and keeping up an impressive 93 per cent completion rate. He had 42 touches, made two tackles and two clearances. The former England youth international also chipped in with a key pass and won 4/8 duels in what was an overall solid 45 minutes. (Courtesy: SofaScore)

However, Spence’s most crucial contribution on the night came through his equalising goal. James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski played a smart one-two before the latter held up the ball and knocked it into the path of the sprinting Spence, who poked home past Coventry goalkeeper Ben Wilson.

It was an accomplished display, one which certainly would leave the Spurs fans thinking why the English full-back cannot play in the Europa League in the months ahead. It was encouraging to see Spence put in an impressive shift in the cup competition after being barely used across Tottenham’s four Premier League games thus far.

Due to his versatility to operate at both full-back positions, the £25,000-per-week star is expected to act as a deputy for Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie this season. He certainly offers more depth in that crucial position.

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After huffing and puffing into the Carabao Cup fourth round, Spurs will next be in action against Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday. Spence is likely to start on the bench again but he will know he’s done enough to give Ange Postecoglou some selection headache.