Four-time FA Cup winner Roy Keane felt Tottenham showed a “lack of quality” as the Premier League side struggled to break down non-league Tamworth in the first half of their third-round tie in the competition.

The part-time National League hosts immediately caused Spurs problems through back-Rei Enoru, whose angled shot was tipped onto the crossbar by FA Cup debutant Antonin Kinski as part of an impressive first period for the Tamworth attacker.

James Maddison had a shot on target for the visitors and tested goalkeeper Jas Singh, but Tamworth were not troubled by any of the other opposition as they denied the 96-place gap between the teams.

A great save from Jas Singh! 🧤

It’s the first time Tottenham have really tested Tamworth in 31 minutes #ITVfootball | #FACup pic.twitter.com/dCtBexUX61

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) January 12, 2025

FA Cup Third Round: Tamworth v Spurs

“It’s a lack of quality,” former Manchester United captain Roy Keane told ITV Sport. “Spurs have got into some of the right areas but good, established players aren’t picking the right passes or over-hitting them. That’s not good enough from Spurs.”

Tottenham started strongly, although England forward Dominic Solanke, South Korean talisman Son Heung-min and Swedish midfielder Dejan Kulusevski were initially benched.

The Lambs have lost their last two matches, are 16th in the fifth tier of English football and have conceded the fifth-most goals in their division.

Arsenal icon Ian Wright calls Tottenham “very useless”. “The way the game is going, I might have started Solanke,” he added. “I want to see Spurs play him and then play him against him.”

Jas Singh rejects Timo Werner!

What a performance @tamworthfcNo goalkeeper has 👏#ITVfootball | #FACup pic.twitter.com/ubP2kP2NCI

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) January 12, 2025

Tamworth vs Tottenham latest

Kick-off was delayed because Singh wanted the distance between the top of his net and the fixed crossbar at the 4,000-capacity Lamb Ground.

The 34-year-old made another good stop to keep out Timo Werner’s shot early in the second half, and then defender Hayden Hollis did well to clear Werner’s header off the line.

Spurs have picked up a point from their last four Premier League games but will be looking for consecutive cup wins after a 1-0 win over Liverpool in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.

5 ⭐️ skills from Hayden Hollis 😍#ITVfootball | #FACup | @tamworthfc pic.twitter.com/cX20517nhI

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) January 12, 2025

Tamworth, who had two shots saved in quick succession at the half after Tom Tonks’ long throw, beat third-tier clubs Huddersfield Town and Burton Albion to reach the third round.

“Not enough comes from Tottenham’s front three,” said former Scotland striker Ally McCoist. “They need more movement on the right from Brennan Johnson, and certainly more from Timo Werner in the middle.”

Extra time and penalties will be used to decide the game if necessary.