Archie Gray made his full debut for Tottenham Hotspur last night in a game which kept him busy and found him exposed for Coventry City’s only goal. The London side eventually progressed to the next round of the Carabao Cup with a 2-1 win that had seen them remain 1-0 down until the 88th minute.
The Leeds United academy graduate has appeared from the bench for Spurs this season, but Wednesday night’s trip to Coventry in the cup presented him with a first start. The 18-year-old began at right-back with his performance generating fives and sixes from the media’s post-match player ratings.
Football.London awarded him a five and said: “A busy game at right-back and Coventry gave him plenty of problems down that flank with their pace including finding that space behind him for the goal.”
The Standard gave him a six and said: “Comfortable in possession and looked dangerous when he burst inside, while his long passing was brave, but caught up the pitch for the Coventry goal, which came down his flank.”
Meanwhile, 90min gave him a five too, saying: “Given no end of trouble by [Norman] Bassette down that flank.”
After the game, Ange Postecoglou was not asked about Gray directly, but mentioned him in a couple of answers about different players. He said: “Look, it wasn't an easy night for us, as I said, credit to Coventry, but, you know, a lot of guys getting first starts.
“There's some positives in there with Archie and Lucas [Bergvall] and these guys getting some significant game time for us.”
Later, he said: “We already had a couple of injuries and I had some pretty good players on the bench I thought could make an impact, but it doesn't take away from Lucas's performance. He was outstanding tonight.
“They're going to play a lot of football for us and hopefully getting through tonight, whether it's 90 minutes for Archie or 60, 70 for Lucas, will put them in a good space.”