After surviving some scares late on against Tamworth, Tottenham Hotspur and Ange Postecoglou eventually progressed to the next round of the FA Cup.

Tottenham went dangerously close to going 1-0 behind in the dying moments of the 90 minutes, with Spurs’ defenders just about doing enough to earn extra-time.

Then, when the likes of Dejan Kulusevski were introduced, Spurs’ quality was too much for their National League opposition, who may still feel aggrieved by the rule change that denied them a replay in north London.

Either way, Tottenham will certainly need to improve against Aston Villa when they meet in the fourth round.

Villa rivalled Spurs for the final Champions League spot last season, and it could be time for Postecoglou’s side to enact some revenge.

Andy Peaks pleased with Ange Postecoglou’s ‘respectful’ approach

But with a focus on Sunday’s victory, Tamworth manager Andy Peaks had some positive words to say about Tottenham following their 3-0 win against his side in extra time.

Peaks admitted that he was ‘so proud’ of his side, and then praised Spurs for their ‘respectful’ approach to the tie, something Postecoglou was determined to encourage.

Speaking to ITV Sport, Peaks said: “Disappointed because we were that close to causing a massive upset, but equally be massively proud.

“Everyone put a shift in and when you look at the team we were up against, it was unbelievable from our boys – I am so proud of them.

“We had chances, the keeper made saves but what was brilliant is we were in the game right till the end.

“We knew it was going to be tough. I wanted people to see what we were about, and I think we have done that.

“I wanted to come here and talk to you guys and be proud of what I have seen – I am immensely proud.

“To get a home draw was better. The chance we had to level it was them coming here. They have been so respectful and to bring a team like that says a lot – I cannot knock them.”

Tottenham still need to improve against Arsenal

Of course, Spurs only deserve so much praise for navigating their way past Tamworth, especially given that they required extra-time to do so.

Postecoglou may need to drop one Tottenham player when his side face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.

Arsenal will be determined to improve on their recent cup defeats, and will perhaps see Spurs’ visit as the perfect opportunity to do so.

Like Arsenal, Tottenham will still be without several players for the North London derby.

But there’s still justification for Postecoglou to make key changes, with the likes of Lucas Bergvall pushing to start.