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    When is the Carabao Cup draw? Date, TV channel and FREE live stream as 16 clubs enter the hat for the fourth round

    THE third round of the Carabao Cup concludes this week as attention turns to Wednesday’s huge draw.Last week, Manchester United smashed League One promotion hopefuls Barnsley 7-0 at Old Trafford to secure their spot in the hat.Liverpool are the reigning Carabao Cup championsCredit: AlamyArsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester City were unable to play their third-round fixtures last week due to their Champions League commitments – meaning their respective Carabao Cup campaigns get underway this week.The unique scheduling of the competition stems from the increase in Champions League and Europe League fixtures this season – that have been scheduled during the same period.When is the Carabao Cup fourth-round draw?The Carabao Cup fourth-round draw will take place on Wednesday, September 25.The draw will begin following the conclusion of Liverpool vs West Ham United.It will likely get underway at around 10.15pm BST.What TV channel is the Carabao Cup fourth-round draw on and can it be live streamed FREE?The Carabao Cup fourth-round draw will be shown live on Sky Sports Football/Sky Sports Main Event.Subscribers can live stream the draw via the NOW/Sky Sports app.Fear not if you don’t have a Sky Sports subscription, as you can watch the draw for free via the official Sky Sports Football YouTube channel.Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to keep up to date with all the action.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhen will Carabao Cup fourth-round ties take place?The Carabao Cup fourth-round ties will take place the week commencing Monday, October 28.Fixtures will likely be on Tuesday, October 29 and Wednesday, October 30.Carabao Cup third-round scheduleTuesday, September 17Stoke 1-1 Fleetwood (2-1 PENS)Most read in FootballBlackpool 0-1 Sheffield WednesdayBrentford 3-1 Leyton Orient Everton 1-1 Southampton (5-6 PENS)Preston 1-1 Fulham (16-15 PENS)QPR 1-2 Crystal PalaceManchester United 7-0 BarnsleyWednesday, September 18Brighton 3-2 WolvesCoventry 1-2 TottenhamTuesday, September 24Postponed – AFC Wimbledon vs Newcastle United, 7.45pm (Sky Sports+)Chelsea vs Barrow, 7.45pm (Sky Sports+)Manchester City vs Watford, 7.45pm (Sky Sports+)Walsall vs Leicester City, 7.45pm (Sky Sports+)Wycombe Wanderers vs Aston Villa, 8pm (Sky Sports Football)Wednesday, September 25READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal vs Bolton Wanderers, 7.45pm (Sky Sports+)Liverpool vs West Ham United, 8pm (Sky Sports Football) More

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    AFC Wimbledon set to cancel all home matches for 19 days after stadium flooded and pitch left with sinkhole

    AFC WIMBLEDON will not play at home for at least another 19 days after severe flooding hit their stadium.The League Two side were going to face Newcastle in South West London tomorrow in the third round of the Carabao Cup.A huge sinkhole has formed in the corner of the pitchCredit: ReutersThe torrential rain has destroyed the surfaceCredit: ReutersOutside the ground is also floodedBut a huge downpour overnight saw their pitch destroyed and a sinkhole form in the corner.An area behind the stands where fans would usually congregate is also completely underwater.Wimbledon will now play Newcastle at St James’ Park tomorrow night after the EFL granted a venue swap.But the Dons’ next match at home to Accrington Stanley on Saturday is in danger of becoming postponed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club confirmed they are “trying to find a solution – although there is no possibility that this can be at our stadium.”Should the match be called off, Wimbledon will have two games at Plough Lane to rearrange as they were going to play Crewe tomorrow if not for their progression in the cup.They are next set to be on their home turf against Carlisle on October 12.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDiscussing the further impacts of the storm, the statement read: “Staff encountered significant flooding of the ground level of the stadium, affecting our offices, the shop and museum, reception areas, lifts, and tunnel area, as well as all concourse areas at ground level.Most read in EFL”This afternoon, several independent contractors have visited the site and conducted surface level investigations.  Etihad Stadium appears to suffer LEAK during Man City vs Arsenal as Man Utd fans say ‘happens to the best of us'”More investigations are required in the coming days in order to plan for repair works to the pitch as a priority, and we are in regular contact with our insurers.”We have overcome many setbacks by working together and this one will be no different. “We genuinely appreciate all the messages of support and offers from volunteers and members to help us fix the damage.  “We ask for some patience whilst we complete our investigations and formulate our plans before getting to work. “We will advise further what supporters can do to help us soon; thank you.” More

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    EFL clash POSTPONED as Carabao Cup tie is sensationally moved to Premier League stadium after sinkhole found in pitch

    LEAGUE Two outfit AFC Wimbledon have had their second postponement of the day after suffering shocking damage to their pitch.The Dons announced the change in schedule on Monday afternoon following “extensive flooding” at Plough Lane.The flooding has seen Wimbledon’s match with Crewe postponed after switching their Carabao Cup game to Newcastle’s stadiumCredit: PAWimbledon have announced a change for two fixtures following ‘extensive’ flooding at Plough LaneCredit: GettyThe club were due to face Newcastle in the third round of the Carabao Cup tomorrow evening.However, damage to the pitch – including the creation of a sinkhole – caused by the flooding has seen the venue for the match switched to Newcastle’s St James’ Park on October 1.This has had a knock-on effect of seeing the previously scheduled match between Wimbledon and Crewe on the same date postponed.A Wimbledon statement, posted as a follow up to their original announcement about the Newcastle game’s postponement, said: “Our Carabao Cup fixture against Newcastle United has been rearranged – to be held at St James’ Park, Newcastle, on Tuesday 1st October, kick off 7.45pm.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We will confirm ticket arrangements as soon as possible (including refund process for the original fixture), and we are actively working with local travel companies on coach travel for our supporters wishing to travel as we recognise this will be extremely difficult for supporters looking to travel to support the Dons for this hugely anticipated fixture.”Furthermore, our upcoming home EFL League Two match vs Crewe Alexandra, scheduled for 1 October, has been postponed. “Tickets purchased for this fixture will remain valid, with more details to follow in due course.”We will advise on arrangements for this Saturday’s scheduled match v Accrington Stanley as soon as possible.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe heavy rain also caused damage around the stadium.Wimbledon’s game against Accrington is due to play out this Saturday, but could face a postponement of its own if the damage to the turf is too severe to fix in time.Football teams that controversially changed their badgeWimbledon beat MK Dons 3-0 in their last fixture at Plough Lane.They currently sit fifth in the League Two table. More

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    Premier League club’s Carabao Cup clash POSTPONED over flooding as stadium appears to have ‘SINKHOLE’ in pitch

    NEWCASTLE’S Carabao Cup clash with AFC Wimbledon tomorrow night has been postponed.Heavy rain has caused flooding around the outside of the ground while there is also damage to the pitch at Plough Lane.The sinkhole on the pitch at the Cherry Red Records StadiumCredit: PADrone footage shows how bad the damage isCredit: PAA sinkhole appeared to emerge in the pitchCredit: XThere was severe flooding outside the Cherry Red Record StadiumCredit: XStorms have swept across the country over the past 24 hours but The Cherry Red Records Stadium has been hit hard by the wet weather.A clip has surfaced on social media appearing to show a huge sinkhole on one corner of the pitch.It then shows the refreshment area behind the stand completely underwater, making it virtually impossible that the match will go ahead as planned.Newcastle manager Eddie Howe was due to speak to the media at 9am this morning ahead of the game.However, his pre-match press conference was called off, and now the match has been postponed.It remains unclear on when the game will be rearranged for, but the Dons look set to face a huge fixture headache if the damage is as bad as first feared.Johnnie Jackson’s side were due to host Accrington Stanley on Saturday in League Two before welcoming Crewe there next Tuesday.The two clubs are currently locked in talks with EFL chiefs to try and work out a date in the already jam-packed schedule.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe when and where still needs to be determined, but the game must be decided before the fourth-round ties start on the week commencing October 28.Both Newcastle and Wimbledon will be in the hat for the last-16 draw on Wednesday.Anthony Gordon leaves Newcastle training in never-before-seen £190,000 car as fans say ‘looks like an armoured vehicle’It has been over 24 years since Newcastle took on Wimbledon.The last meeting was during Sir Bobby Robson’s era when the Dons triumphed 2-0.The news will be a frustrating blow to Howe as he looked to instantly bounce back from Saturday’s loss at Fulham.The Magpies were beaten 3-1 at Craven Cottage in their first defeat of the season thanks to goals from Raul Jimenez, Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson while Harvey Barnes responded for the visitors. More

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    Arsenal could be forced to start fourth-choice goalkeeper Jack Porter, 16, in Carabao Cup after Raya injury scare

    ARSENAL could be forced to start 16-year-old keeper Jack Porter in their Carabao Cup clash against Bolton on Wednesday.Mikel Arteta’s men conceded a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser at Manchester City on Sunday as they suffered late heartbreak in a 2-2 draw having played more than half the game with 10 men.Jack Porter, 16, could start for Arsenal in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday nightCredit: RexDavid Raya received treatment during the Manchester City clash and left the stadium with a limpCredit: GettySpaniard Raya, 29, continued his fine form with a number of important saves in the second period as the champions searched for a way through.But the Gunners shot-stopper left fans concerned at one stage when he went down unchallenged before a goal kick.The Arsenal medical staff rushed on to treat him and he was able to finish the match.However, The Mail released a video on social media showing Raya limping past reporters after the game as he left the stadium.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe former Brentford man looked in some discomfort and also appeared to have a bandage on his right knee.Raya’s injury concern could prove to be a worrying one for Arteta ahead of their trip to League One Bolton in midweek.That is because Arsenal’s No2 Neto is cup-tied and cannot play in the competition having started for Bournemouth in their second-round defeat to West Ham before he completed his transfer to North London.Third-choice Tommy Setford also appears to be sideline with a fitness issue having not been named in the squad since the international break.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSInstead, Porter, 16, was on the bench for Arsenal’s goalless draw with Atalanta in the Champions League.Despite his age, circumstances could dictate he make his debut against Bolton due to the various problems with Arsenal’s other three keepers.Furious Pep Guardiola lashes out and kicks chair with Man City stars fuming at Arsenal’s stunning equaliserPorter has played six games for Arsenal’s U18s and one for the U21s.He has also featured four times for England’s U16 side. More

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    Tottenham cult hero explains why Ange Postecoglou can end trophy hoodoo despite Coventry slog

    TOTTENHAM legend Gus Poyet believes Ange Postecoglou can win the Carabao Cup and end Spurs’ miserable trophyless run.The North Londoners haven’t won any silverware since 2008 when they lifted the League Cup after beating Chelsea 2-1 in the final.Gus Poyet believes Ange Postecoglou can win the Carabao CupCredit: GettyPoyet claimed Tottenham can turn things around despite a poor showing with CoventryCredit: EPATottenham haven’t won a trophy in 16 years and almost got eliminated by the Championship sideCredit: RexPostecoglou’s side didn’t convince that this streak will be coming to an end this season after a poor showing at Coventry in the Carabao Cup that saw them barely snatching a late 2-1 victory on Wednesday.The Aussie tactician issued a defiant statement last week when he insisted that he “always” wins silverware in his second year in charge of any team.Poyet loved the Tottenham manager’s confidence after years of predecessors compromising for a top-four spot and he believes his former club finally has a winner in the dugout.The Chelsea legend told SunSport on behalf of William Hill when asked if Postecoglou can win the Carabao Cup: “Yes, I think it Is the first time in many, many years that we’ve seen a coach saying, ‘I’m gonna win something’. Read More on Football”Before that it was always qualifying for the Champions League. So why not?”I mean, about the performances or about how the team plays, it’s difficult to make an opinion. “You know, the coaches, we’re looking for a different thing but at the end of the day you have to win football games.”Your identity is very important because that way you have consistency. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”But in cup games, you need to win. I mean, I don’t remember anyone saying, ‘Yeah, we won the cup but we really played bad’.”So nobody will remember how they played at Coventry if they win the Carabao Cup. Ange Postecoglou appears to promise Tottenham fans a trophy THIS SEASON in feisty interview after Arsenal loss, X Sky Sports PL”So it’s a matter of getting through and winning the final. I don’t remember anyone complaining about winning in a final playing badly.”Poyet, though, understands that it won’t be easy for Tottenham to best other cup favourites, such as Manchester City, Liverpool and rivals Arsenal.The ex-Brighton boss believes Spurs could do with a bit of luck in the draw but also insists Postecoglou will have to find consistency to finally end those 16 years of hurt following a poor start in the Prem.Poyet said: “There’s two different situations in here. One is the draw. You need to be lucky. The other situation, I think it’s always more or less the same.”I don’t think there’s too much difference to Spurs from this year and last year, [Dominic] Solanke maybe, the striker [is the only difference]. You need to start scoring. “I think the situation now with Spurs is more about consistency. Everybody wants consistency, one that will help win football games constantly, every weekend, big derbies, all those situations.”Poyet maintains strong belief in Postecoglou and advised Tottenham chiefs to back him.But the ex-Sunderland boss also urged the players to step up for the 59-year-old head coach.Poyet added: “I’m always in the situation of, let’s wait, give the coach a chance and let’s wait. And then the players, they need to do their jobs. “[Managers] Are part of the staff to try to help the players to go and win for them. But the ones that play are the players. “I believed in this when I was a player. I needed to play. I needed to perform. I needed to read the game. I needed to take the decisions. I needed to do the right thing. “If I got one chance I needed to score that one. Not next week. So I really believed that when I was a player and I didn’t change.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Now I’m a coach. Now, the more we help them, the more we clarify things or convene things, the team plays better and wins football games. “So I think now every single Spurs player knows clearly his role. So now they need to do it.” More

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    Transfer recommendations ahead of Gameweek 5 – Manchester United assets promise short-terms gains

    GAMEWEEK 5 promises to be a pivotal juncture in the Dream Team calendar.Manchester City v Arsenal is the current Premier League equivalent of an unstoppable force against an immovable object and gaffers will be split between those who captain Erling Haaland (£9.1m) and those who feel this is the week to take him on.Ten of the 20 Premier League sides have two fixtures to fulfil this coming Gameweek with eight in Carabao Cup action and two set to start their Europa League campaign.Which brings us neatly onto this week’s transfer recommendations…Roll up, roll up, get your Gameweek 5 transfers suggestionsCredit: Dream TeamMarcus Rashford (£3.8m)What a difference a week makes.Manchester United’s No10 mustered just nine points from his first three outings of the season and looked bereft of confidence but he was at the heart of an incredibly encouraging Gameweek 4 for the Red Devils.Erik ten Hag’s side followed up their 3-0 win over Southampton with a 7-0 thrashing of Barnsley in the Carabao Cup with Rashford contributing three goals and an assist across the two games.Granted, the opposition were favourable but a 32-point return has to be respected – he’ll finish as the Gameweek’s joint-top performer barring something special from an Arsenal player this evening.Rashford’s mega haul means he’s destined for a price increase so gaffers could take a short-term punt on him for one or two Gameweeks and then flip him for a tidy profit.Most read in Dream TeamAnd it’s an opportune time to employ such a tactic with Man United set to take on Crystal Palace and FC Twente.The Carabao Cup games may yield healthy returns but the top teams are expected to rotate their squad amid schedule congestion.Whereas Ten Hag will surely name strong line-ups in both Gameweek 5 fixtures as he’ll want to start the Europa League campaign with a win.All this means Rashford, with confidence renewed, should get at least 120 minutes playing time this coming Gameweek.Only Dwight McNeil (£3.5m) has created more big chances than the 26-year-old at the time of writing.Garnacho is pushing hard for a place in the starting line-upCredit: RexAlejandro Garnacho (£3.6m) also amassed 32 points in Gameweek 4, via three goals and two assists.The Argentine winger ticks a lot of boxes but he’s been limited to an average of 35 minutes per league fixture so far this season, which is a concern.If we knew the 20-year-old would start both games he would be an excellent option but that’s not a guarantee given Ten Hag’s recent team selections – proceed with caution.Dominic Solanke (£4m)First things first, Tottenham don’t look great right now.Following a painful defeat in the North London derby, Ange Postecoglou oversaw a meek performance against Coventry on Wednesday night, though his side did beat the Championship outfit in the end.That being said, we still think Spurs assets are well positioned to provide healthy returns in Gameweek 5 as they too will participate in the opening round of Europa League games.We’re backing Solanke to score his first Spurs goal in Gameweek 5Credit: GettySolanke and company have the luxury of back-to-back home games against Brentford (depleted by injuries) and Qarabag.The ex-Bournemouth striker returned from injury in Gameweek 4 and while he returned just six points from two outings, he’s a tempting option as the focal point of the attack.Admittedly, Spurs have struggled to convert possession into goals but the statistics suggest they will generate plenty of chances against the Bees – only West Ham have faced more shots in the top flight this term.Couple this match-up with a home game against Azerbaijani opposition on Thursday night and there’s a relatively good chance Solanke opens his account in Gameweek 5.The likes of Son Heung-min (£5.2m), Pedro Porro (£4.4m) and James Maddison (£4.3m) are all viable too.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWOllie Watkins (£5.6m)Aston Villa’s main man finally came to the party in Gameweek 4.Watkins scored twice against Everton last Saturday to inspire his side to a comeback victory and provided an assist away to Young Boys in the Champions League on Tuesday night.When all was said done, he added 24 points to his total – only the aforementioned Rashford and Garnacho have earned more points this Gameweek at the time of writing.Looking ahead to Gameweek 5, the Villains are due to host an out-of-form Wolves at Villa Park before travelling to Wycombe for Carabao Cup commitments.Watkins bagged 24 points in Gameweek 4Credit: GettyIt wouldn’t be a surprise if Watkins was rested for the match-up against League One opposition (he was pictured icing his ankle in Switzerland after being substituted) but the impressive forward could feast against Gary O’Neil’s mob – only Everton have conceded more league goals this season.Plus, Watkins is not merely a short-term punt, he’s potentially a set-and-forget asset.Villa are one of just seven teams with two fixtures to fulfil in Gameweek 6 (Ipswich and Bayern Munich).Dominik Szoboszlai (£4.1m)There are several Liverpool assets who should be a higher priority than the Hungary international but given Mohamed Salah (£7.6m), Luis Diaz (£5m) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.9m) are already among the most-popular players in the game, there’s no need to waste time detailing their attributes.Szoboszlai is an affordable differential for gaffers who want a slice of the Reds’ action without breaking the bank.Szoboszlai looked much brighter against Milan in midweekCredit: AFPThe 23-year-old was subdued against Nottingham Forest (as were all his team-mates) but he took Milan for 11 points in midweek.He is expected to continue as the most-advanced midfielder in Arne Slot’s system for the foreseeable future.READ MORE SUN STORIESLiverpool host Bournemouth (league) and West Ham (cup) in Gameweek 5 with Wolves and Bologna to follow in Gameweek 6.Confirm your transfers for Gameweek 5 before Saturday’s 11am deadline.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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    Coventry 1 Tottenham 2: Postecoglou’s second season trophy dream still alive after dramatic late comeback win in cup

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU loves high-risk football – but surely even this was a bit much for him.For 88 minutes, the Aussie’s much-changed side stank the place out and looked to be deservedly going out thanks to Brandon Thomas-Asante’s calm finish.Brandon Thomas-Asante scored the opening goal of the gameCredit: RexThe Coventry man’s strike looked to have settled the tieCredit: ReutersDjed Spence levelled late on for the visitorsCredit: RexThe full-back looked to have sent the game to penaltiesCredit: RexThe gamble of making so many switches – EIGHT in total – given the shocking run of seven defeats in 11 games looked to have backfired spectacularly.But then up popped subs Djed Spence and Brennan Johnson to turn the tie on its head and keep Postecoglou’s chances of backing up his “second season” silverware claim alive.Postecoglou had reminded the world in the wake of the North London derby defeat to Arsenal that he “always” wins a trophy in his second season, during a spiky TV interview.He insisted he was merely stating a “fact” during his Tuesday press conference and denied it heaped unnecessary pressure on himself to deliver this term.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the ex-Celtic boss also admitted his bold statements meant he was “fair game” for flak if he could not back up the big talk.The quickest route to doing that is by winning the Carabao Cup this season – which was why it felt a mistake to make so many switches to his line-up.Fraser Forster, in for regular No1 Guglielmo Vicario, looked like a man who had not played in more than a year, which was not a shock as that literally was the case.The former England stopper’s last appearance came in August 2023, at the same stage of this competition as Spurs lost at Fulham on penalties.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBrennan Johnson scored a stoppage-time winner for SpursCredit: GettyIt salvaged a potentially disastrous situation for the Premier League sideCredit: GettyPostecoglou made nine changes that night too but things were going so well in the league, the dissenting voices were few.He would have known his choices here, if they did not come off, would draw far more heat.Arsenal fans react to derby win over Spurs and reveal players who impressed them the mostAnd when Forster fired a poor pass to 18-year-old Lucas Bergvall which allowed the excellent Jack Rudoni to fire off a shot after just 44 seconds, it already looked like he had got it wrong.Forster managed to tip away Rudoni’s effort but the nervy moment was one of many from Spurs’ much-switched backline in possession that would have had Spurs fans having kittens in the first half.Coventry themselves had made seven swaps to the starting XI that drew 1-1 at Watford in the Championship on Saturday.Yet Postecoglou must have worried how little his side threatened Mark Robins’ team, with next to no chances created from the visitors.Dominic Solanke, signed for a league-highest £65million this summer, could barely get a kick.Timo Werner looked horribly out of form, constantly running down blind alleys on the left-hand side and poor in possession.In fact, Bergvall, the blond Swedish teenager with the boyish goodlooks brought in from Djurgarden in July, looked the only player in green who really wanted to get on the ball.Postecoglou was dealt a big blow inside 18 minutes when £30m new-man Wilson Odobert was forced off with what looked to be a hamstring problem.Destiny Udogie’s terrific block to deny Rudoni, coming onto a Jack Bidwell cross with a well-struck, low half-volley, kept it at 0-0 at the break.While young Belgian Norman Bassette forced Forster to tip over after being released by Rudoni’s superb ball over the top, only for a goal-kick to be given, bizarrely.Ange Postecoglou’s hopes of a trophy this season narrowly avoided a major blowCredit: RexSpence came on for Spurs at the break but Postecoglou’s side got worse.Bassette had a shot well saved by Forster, who then flattened his team-mate Radu Dragusin when racing off his line, leaving Ben Davies to put in a goal-saving block when Haji Wright fired towards an open net.It was a close call but even that did not shake Postecoglou’s side out of their slump – and just after the hour they were behind.Bassette found an unmarked Thomas-Asante with a routine, low cross and the forward did the business by firing past the helpless Forster.It looked all over for Spurs but then up popped Spence, out of nowhere, to poke home a leveller with two minutes to go.A few minutes later, Johnson raced onto a through-ball and cleverly dinked it past the goalkeeper to win the game.It ended a difficult period for him personally on a high note, after the Welshman had deactivated his Instagram account after fan abuse following the North London derby.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor his manager, it must have been sheer relief – knowing he had got away with one here.But then again, fortune favours the brave, right, mate? More