EFL Cup roundup: Late double saves Spurs against Coventry in League Cup as Brighton beat Wolves

Brennan Johnson scored a decisive goal in stoppage time, ensuring Tottenham's continued pursuit of the League Cup after second-tier Coventry City posed a significant challenge to their advancement to the last 16 on Wednesday.

Coventry held a 1-0 advantage as the match approached the 87-minute mark and appeared to be the stronger team when substitute Djed Spence found the net to level the score.

Johnson, who entered the match as a substitute for the injured Wilson Odobert after just 17 minutes, struck past Ben Wilson five minutes later, securing a dramatic turnaround.

This outcome provided considerable relief to manager Ange Postecoglou, who had garnered attention prior to the match by claiming that he consistently secured a trophy in his second season at any club, while also fielding a significantly altered lineup.

In another third-round match that evening, Brighton triumphed over Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers with a score of 3-2 on the south coast.

Prior to the late goals, Coventry appeared poised for a well-deserved upset.

Brandon Thomas-Asante put the hosts in front in the 63rd minute, with Tottenham's backup goalkeeper Fraser Forster displaying uncertainty in his first appearance of the season.

Tottenham dominated possession in the first half but failed to register a single shot on target, opting to rest regulars Son Heung-min, James Maddison, and Dejan Kulusevski on the bench.

Jack Rudoni tested Forster in the opening minute, forcing a save, and had another promising chance in the 38th minute, which was thwarted by a crucial block from Destiny Udogie.

In the second half, Tottenham defender Ben Davies prevented a certain goal from Haji Wright following a significant error by Forster, who had rushed out to clear the ball, leaving his goal unprotected.

Kulusevski was substituted in the 74th minute for Timo Werner and provided the assist for Spence's goal, while Son entered the match in the 62nd minute alongside Maddison as Postecoglou sought to inject more creativity into the team.

"It was a challenging match. I commend Coventry; they were exceptional," remarked the Australian, referring to last season's FA Cup semi-finalists. "It was a cup tie, and they truly challenged us. We had to endure, and we managed to do so."

The victory followed two consecutive losses in the league, including a 1-0 defeat at home to Arsenal on Sunday.

"I do not believe there is a simple or rapid solution to reach our goals, and one result does not alter that," Postecoglou remarked when questioned about the importance of the outcome.

"At least towards the end of the match, we demonstrated the spirit that has been lacking in our first four games, which is essential for securing a win.

"We have been missing that crucial edge, and I hope this performance instills some confidence in the players."

At Brighton, Carlos Baleba scored the opening goal for the Seagulls in the 14th minute, followed by Simon Adingra, who netted the second goal in the 31st minute.

Goncalo Guedes reduced the deficit for the visitors with a deflected shot just before halftime, while Ferdi Kadioglu extended the lead to 3-1 in the 84th minute with a rebound.

In stoppage time, Tommy Doyle struck the ball off the underside of the bar, leading to a tense conclusion.

The remaining third-round matches are scheduled for next week, with defending champions Liverpool set to face Premier League rivals West Ham United on September 25th.