Mark Robins says Tottenham have a truly 'top player' in their ranks that Coventry struggled to deal with last night

Tottenham Hotspur managed to claim victory from the jaws of defeat on Wednesday night as they went through to the fourth round of the League Cup.

Spurs were looking to bounce back from their defeat in the North London derby and, on paper, it seemed a relatively straightforward mission away at Coventry City.

However, as everybody knows, football games aren’t played on paper, and on the pitch, Tottenham were staring down the barrel of defeat right up until the 88th minute.

Djed Spence’s equaliser kept Spurs in the tie, with penalties looming. Then, Brennan Johnson saved the day with his well-taken injury-time winner.

Tottenham Hotspur cult hero Aaron Lennon described Johnson’s winner – and by extension Spurs’ victory – as a ‘smash and grab’, and it’s hard to argue with that.

Mark Robins hails ‘top player’ James Maddison

It was a bittersweet occasion for Tottenham playmaker James Maddison, who hails from Coventry and came through the ranks with the Sky Blues, making 42 appearances for them.

Maddison came off the bench against his boyhood club and gave them a tough time with his movement and passing.

The 27-year-old also played a key role in the equaliser, playing in Dejan Kulusevski, who in turn set up Spence’s crucial goal.

Coventry manager Mark Robins spoke about Tottenham’s strength in depth on the night, touching upon Maddison in the process.

“Let’s face it, they are a top team,” said Robins, via Coventry City’s official YouTube channel.

“And when they make the changes, when they brought Son on, when they brought James Maddison on, when they bring Kulusevski on having already brought on Brennan Johnson and Djed Spence…

“You have got to look at when Maddison comes on. He gets hold of the ball, he allows (his team-mates) to move into positions where he can find them.

“Even then, the chances that they had we snuffed out. We got some good blocks and headers. We defended really well. And then the once chance they get in the box, they just get a toe-end to it.”

Robins then joked: “I can’t take responsibility for (Maddison’s rise) at all!

“He’s a top player and he’s somebody who came through our academy. I think everyone here is proud of him and what he achieved.

“It’s testament to what we do here, but also his quality, his character and his personality have got him to the stage he’s at.”

READ MORE: Ange Postecoglou shares what Brennan Johnson is like in Tottenham training

What has Maddison said about Coventry?

Maddison paid tribute to the club where he came through the ranks with a message on X.

“Home is where the heart is,” he wrote. “I’m so proud and privileged to be a Coventry City academy graduate.

“As I’ve got older I’ve realised how much Coventry actually means to me. My place of birth and my whole childhood into early adult life.

“Was a super special feeling to play in this city again with all my friends and family there (most wanting me to lose!).

“Good luck for the rest of the season and beyond. Forever grateful Coventry City PUSB.”

What next for Tottenham?

Spurs are next in action at 3pm on Saturday afternoon as they host Brentford in the Premier League.