Tottenham Hotspur reached the semi-finals of the League Cup with a 3-1 win over second-tier side Stoke City thanks to goals from Gareth Bale, Ben Davies and Harry Kane.
Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane. Photo: Photosport
On the sort of freezing night that Stoke's stadium became famous for when in the Premier League, Spurs boss Jose Mourinho paid the now-Championship team the compliment of fielding a strong side from the off including goal-machine Kane.
Chasing a first major trophy since winning the League Cup in 2008, the Premier League team totally dominated the first half at the Bet365 stadium, taking a deserved lead when Gareth Bale flicked in a cute 22nd minute header from a Harry Winks cross.
Stoke brought scowls to Mourinho's face in the second half with a shock equaliser by Jordan Thompson, who beat Hugo Lloris from close after Jacob Brown's pass in the 53rd minute.
Tottenham restored their lead with a fine low shot from outside the area by Ben Davies in the 70th minute - before Kane, inevitably - blasted into the top of the net from close range in the 81st minute.
Spurs join Brentford and Manchester City in the League Cup semi-finals
Everton or Manchester United will complete the semi-final line-up later on Thursday, after which the draw for the next phase will be made.
Seven-time winners and current holders Manchester City progressed with a 4-1 hammering of Arsenal on Tuesday after underdogs Brentford booked their first major semi-final with a 1-0 win over Newcastle.
Spurs were top of the Premier League earlier this month but they have dropped to sixth after collecting only a point from their last three matches.
Mourinho, who considers the League Cup as a great opportunity for silverware, has won it four times with other clubs.
-Reuters