Postecoglou defends cup selection as second-string Spurs crash out

LONDON — Ange Postecoglou defended his team selection after suffering his first defeat as Tottenham Hotspur boss as Fulham won 5-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the English League Cup second round on Tuesday.

Postecoglou had masterminded an encouraging start to his first season in charge of Tottenham, with successive Premier League wins against Manchester United and Bournemouth following a draw against Brentford.

But the former Celtic boss paid the price for making nine changes to his starting lineup at Craven Cottage.

Postecoglou handed a full debut to Manor Solomon, while Giovani Lo Celso and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg started despite speculation over their futures.

Fulham boss Marco Silva made six changes to his Cottagers team, but it was Tottenham's second string who struggled.

Micky van de Ven's 19th-minute own goal gave Fulham the lead as the defender turned Tom Cairney's cross past goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

Tottenham took advantage of a curious incident that left Fulham down to 10 men to equalize in the 56th minute.

A problem with Kenny Tete's boot meant the Fulham defender had to sprint down the tunnel to find a replacement in the dressing room.

Moments later, Ivan Perisic whipped in a cross from the position Tete would have been defending and Richarlison headed home from an acute angle.

But Tottenham was unable to find a winner and in the shootout Davinson Sanchez's effort was saved by Marek Rodak before Tete, now with boots on both feet, fired home the decisive kick.

Currently enduring a trophy drought that stretches back to 2008, Tottenham already has one less competition in which to end that barren run this term.

Postecoglou had introduced stars James Maddison and Son Heungmin in the second half, but defended his decision to pick fringe players for his starting XI.

"How am I going to find out about my players? It doesn't mean the cup, or any game, isn't a priority for us," the Australian said.

"We are very much at the discovery stage and we need to give the players the opportunity.

"We are going to need these guys if we get disruptions along the way with injuries."

'Absolutely incredible'

Fourth-tier Salford City, co-owned by former Manchester United stars David Beckham, Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, beat Leeds United 9-8 on penalties after a 1-1 draw with the Championship club.

"Absolutely incredible. I would have never imagined this game to go so far, never mind go to penalties and to win. Such a big night for all these Salford fans," Neville said.

Hoping for a reunion with his old club in the third round, Neville added: "Us lads as owners, we love Man United and we love this club as well.

"To have the opportunity to play them is the special night that we want."

Luton Town beat fourth-tier Gillingham 3-2 at Kenilworth Road to win for the first time this season.

After losing to Brighton and Chelsea in its first two Premier League games, Jacob Brown, Alfie Doughty and Cauley Woodrow scored for Luton, who is playing in the top flight for the first time in 31 years.

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola earned his first win in English soccer as Ryan Christie's last-gasp goal clinched a 3-2 victory at second-tier Swansea City.

The Spaniard had overseen a draw with West Ham and defeats by Tottenham and Liverpool in his first three league games.

Brentford needed a 3-0 penalty shootout victory to advance after a 1-1 draw at fourth-tier Newport County.

Crystal Palace fought back from 2-0 down to win 4-2 at second-tier Plymouth Argyle thanks to Jean-Philippe Mateta's hat-trick.

AFP