Spurs Online

Category: Europa League

  • Judgment Day

    Judgment Day

    Preview:

    Ange has been on borrowed time for what seems like an eternity, Thursday will be judgment day. And no, he won’t be back 🙂

    Fixture:

    Thursday 17th April, 20:00

    Eintracht Frankfurt Vs Tottenham Hotspur

    UEFA Europa League, Quarter-finals, 2nd Leg

    Available On:

    UK – TNT Sports 3

    IRE – Premier Sports 2

    Result: 0-1 (Agg 1-2)

    D. Solanke (43′ pen)

    Match Report:

    Well, what a night! And I’m not just talking about the Spurs match, the Utd / Lyon match was a 9 goal thriller and Lazio / Bode went all the way to Penalties. But let’s talk about Tottenham. It may have been the quietest game of the night but all we care about is the result.

    Apparently Opta stats gave us a 32% chance of winning that fixture and not too many would have argued against those odds to be fair. But even the bookies can get it wrong from time to time and it’s not the first time we’ve had to go away in the 2nd leg to pull it out of the bag!

    Watching it on TV, a reporter spoke to Solanke after the game and described the result as a typical Ange Postcoglu performance. I have no idea what games that reporter has been watching this season but that was anything but a typical Ange performance. We got a clean sheet for starters, there were less mistakes playing out the back and instead more direct balls played out with a ‘better safe than sorry’ approach.

    It wasn’t the best performance of the season, but what they did was done with composure and unity, never at any point did Spurs look panicked or fazed by the challenge ahead. And let’s be honest, for this Spurs team that was a pretty big challenge, to go away from home and get a result against a team whose 3rd in the Bundesliga. Sure at times we may have rode our luck, but that’s football, you can’t expect to dominate for 90 minutes. In the first leg Frankfurt very much rode their luck too so that evened out in any case.

    The first half I thought we were the more likely team to score although there wasn’t a lot in it, but the timing of the goal changed the course of the evening. Frankfurt looked frustrated, they certainly didn’t look like a team who was 3rd in the league and playing at home. Spurs were getting it right without being over the top, they weren’t trying to play like Brazil, I would even say we were being more like an efficient Germany and it was frustrating the hell out of them!

    In the first leg I was surprised at how much Frankfurt sat back and allowed us to play but I put that down to them scoring early and the fact that they were playing away with the knowledge of having home advantage in the 2nd leg. But the 2nd leg showed a similar type of performance from Frankfurt, they never really tried to press the Spurs defenders and this favoured us enormously. 

    In contrast to most Premiership fixtures, we always appeared to have time on the ball and this did us a favour. Our back four looked as good as they have all season and for the most part we maintained our shape without leaving those ridiculous holes. Sure there were a couple of times where just a single pass managed to expose our defence and Van de Ven did well to rescue those situations.

    But as the game progressed we sat back and made them work for it. Frankfurt struggled to find the answers although had Kristensen been in better form it could have been a different story. Losing Maddison so early in the game (hope he’s made a good recovery) was a concern but the return of Kulusevski is huge for Spurs. We have missed Kulu so much in the last month and as good as Madders is, we look better when we have the two of them.

    As for the goal all credit to the bravery of Madders, I’m sure he knew what was coming but he didnt back out, he took one for the team and there was never any question for me, it was a definite pen. I was a bit nervous when I saw Tel pick up the ball. I know Tel scored his last one but I wasn’t overly convinced by it. But it was Solanke who got the nod and a man who hasn’t scored in god knows how many games was also a worrying thought. Fair play to Solanke, for a man who was suffering a proper goal drought he never showed any nerves and took it like a pro.

    It appeared we got it right on the night and we all knew what it meant. In Anges words, “So, unfortunately for a lot of you, you’re going to have to put up with me for a little bit longer.”

    If we were told we would be playing a Norwegian club in the semis to reach another European final, the truth is we would have snapped at it. Of course, you should never take any team for granted, especially in a European semi final, but the fact is, it’s a good draw! And I will leave it there:) COYS!!!!!

    Entertainment Value: 9 / 10

    Of course I am biased but you can’t beat a European night like that and whilst it may have lacked goals, I was on the edge of my seat all night!

    Standout Players:

    Madders deserves a mention for his bravery but this night was all about the defensive display and Romero and Van de Ven were both outstanding.

  • Its the big one!!!

    Its the big one!!!

    Preview:

    It may be 2 legs but how will this Spurs team handle a top European side? Will they handle the pressure? Do they have the quality?

    Fixture:

    Thursday 10th April, 20:00

    Tottenham Hotspur Vs Eintracht Frankfurt

    UEFA Europa League, Quarter-finals, 1st Leg

    Available On:

    UK – TNT Sports 3

    IRE – Premier Sports 2

    Result: 1-1

    H. Ekitiké (6′)

    Pedro Porro (26′)

    Match Report:

    Quarter final fixtures in Europe bring back memories of that special night against Man City and of course I couldn’t help but dare to dream again!

    That dream was nearly over though as quick as it began when Ekitiké exposed appalling marking in just the 6th minute. In all fairness it was a lovely finish showing calm and composure that you would want to see from your own striker around the box. Vicario didn’t really stand a chance and it looked like Spurs were going to have to do this the hard way.

    I have to say I feared the worst and thought we could be heading for a humiliating evening so I was surprised to see Frankfurt take there step off the gas a little and allow Spurs a chance to regroup. Spurs were growing into the game without being spectacular but the equaliser certainly showed a bit of class. It was a lovely worked goal after some quick feet in the box from Maddison to set up Pedro Porro who somehow manages to flick it towards goal catching the goalie unaware.

    Going in at the break all square felt like a result with Spurs still not finding top gear. But the second half was a different show, whatever was said in the changing room seemed to wake them up and the chances began to flow.

    Bergvall’s shot hit the bar and Bentancur was denied a couple of headers from corners. Romero too pushed forward and it was nice to see Spurs on the front foot looking for that winner. One of the best chances fell to Johnson after good work from Solanke but he was unable to keep his shot down as it flew high over the bar. Van der Ven then looked to have sealed it late on with another header only for the goalie to save again. 

    Incredibly neither team could break the deadlock which means we go into the second leg level on goals and all to play for. It’s setup for another magical night in Europe and the dream goes on 🙂 COYS!

    Entertainment Value: 8 / 10

    I’m being generous again but let’s face it we’ve been starved of entertainment this season so will take what I can get!

    Standout Players: Frankfurt’s goalie Kauã Santos probably deserved man of the match but for Spurs I’m going for Bergvall. He worked hard throughout the game with box to box play and was unfortunate not to score with a fabulous long range effort.

  • This is the end?

    This is the end?

    Preview:

    We have said it before but it feels like another “do or die” game for Ange.

    Fixture:

    Thursday 13th March, 20:00

    Tottenham Hotspur Vs AZ (Agg 0-1)

    UEFA Europa League – Last 16 (second Leg)

    Available On:

    UK TV – TNT Sports 3

    IRE – Premier Sports 2

    Result: 3-1 (Agg 3-2)

    W. Odobert (26′, 74′)

    J. Maddison (48′)

    P. Koopmeiners (63′)

    Match Report:

    I think Ange must have 9 lives or something as once again he survives another must win game. True it was only against 6th placed AZ at the end of the day, not exactly a great achievement, but for this Spurs team any victory feels like a hard fought struggle.

    Despite boasting 60% possession and managing 17 shots, Spurs only had 4 shots on target so it was a relief to see 3 of them go in! With the return of the centre back partnership of Romero and Van de Ven the team looked more balanced at the back with VDV bringing the ball out confidently on multiple occasions. It wasn’t until we saw VDV substituted in the 2nd half did things begin to go a little wayward. Nevertheless we weathered a mini storm from AZ and replied well with that vital 3rd goal.

    For much of the game we dominated in possession without being spectacular and when we did push forward to attack, early chances were either wasted from Sons solo efforts or they hit a red wall with a lack of movement in the final third.

    However whilst we may have been fortunate with the opening goal which rebounded off Son to Solanke, the 2nd and 3rd goals certainly had more class with the 3rd goal in particular starting at the back and finishing with an easy tap in from Odobert. Son, when he was able to resist the temptation to wastefully shoot, was actually involved in all 3 goals and Solanke too played a great part in 2 goals with a lovely flick on (yes I believe he meant it) for Odobert’s winning goal.

    All in all it was a job well done, we’re in the Quarters!

    Entertainment Value: 7/10

    Standout Players: Van de Ven gives us another dimension at the back and Bergvall is developing every week, but we shouldn’t get carried away with him just yet.

  • All the Eggs are in!

    All the Eggs are in!

    Fixture:

    Thursday 6th March, 17:45

    AZ Vs Tottenham Hotspur

    UEFA Europa League – Last 16

    Available On:

    UK TV – TNT Sports 3

    IRE – Premier Sports 2

    beIN Sports English 2

    Result: 1-0 (AZ Win)

    L. Bergvall (18′ og)

    Match Report:

    So great news on the return of Van de Ven, Romero and Solanke who all traveled with the team and were on the bench. Of course in typical Spurs fashion though in came 3 players and out went the 1 player Kulu, who ironically is injured after being given a rest against Man City. He’s out til April so that worked well. I’m guessing players are now being over rested?

    So with the bulk of players having returned from injury it is fair to say we no longer want to hear the injury and fatigue excuses. After 2 seasons of rebuilding it is time for this team to walk the walk!

    So it began….

    After 15 minutes of play I was beginning to wonder if Spurs would join AZ and make a game of it. 3 minutes later AZ go 1 nil up from a corner via a slice from Bergvall into his own net that he will not be forgetting for a while:)

    Clearly against there wishes Spurs now had a game on there hands and would need to find second gear or at least get out of reverse. Unfortunately the rest of the half passed with very little to get excited about if you’re a Spurs fan. There was a few comical moments however with an hilarious training ground freekick that went as well as it probably had all week they had rehearsed it. 

    And Bergvall seemed to have put on 2 left footed boots for this match with the ball going the opposite way it was meant to on several occasions as his brain and feet were about as in sync as the rest of the teams passing abilities to find one another. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a Bergvall fan but sometimes it’s just not your day!

    At half time Ange made a change bringing on Odobert in place of Tel, with Son moving into the middle.  Playing Son as centre forward hardly gives me confidence but if Odobert could show the glimpses of form he did against Man City it really couldn’t be any worse than the first half display, could it?

    Despite my naive Spurs optimism it didn’t get much better. The midfield continued to be non existent and the defence was simply all over the place. The front line lacked any real threat and after an hour of play I was looking at the bench wondering who can change this around, even if Ange wasn’t.

    Danso and Udogie both looked tired and couldn’t cope with the pace of the game, which made me wonder just how many of our players were struggling to overcome there jet lag from the long trip over the channel. I like Maddison but he was having no impact in this technical game of pong. I’m guessing Mads is more of a Donkey Kong fan! His time was up in this game.

    70 minutes in, 1 nil down and Ange decides maybe he needs to make some changes. By this point I’m not even thinking of us rescuing a draw and a 1 nil defeat would be the best we can hope for from this pathetic display. On came Porro, Solanke and Sarr, at least we had a striker on the pitch, that should help us?

    With ten minutes remaining Spurs were passing the ball sideways across the back line making sure we didn’t slip up and give away this 1 nil defeat, although Danso was doing his best to help AZ double there lead. Someone needs to buy that guy a new pair of boots with studs that work, either that or teach him how to run without falling over. I’m sure I’ve seen a useful guide in a toddlers book for this.

    With the clock ticking I couldn’t recall a single decent chance for Spurs the entire game. And it wasn’t going to be as Solanke hobbles off the pitch after just 20 minutes with another injury, this team is cursed I’m sure! Solanke is done for the day and that pretty much sums up Spurs day, a complete anti climax!

    Each week I think we have produced our worst performance of the season but all credit to Ange, he manages to outdo himself game after game. 8 days they had to prepare for this 6th placed team in Eredivisie. Remarkable!

    Are you not entertained? No mate!

  • A bunch of Elfs!

    A bunch of Elfs!

    Fixture…

    Thursday 30th January, 20:00

    Tottenham Hotspur Vs Elfsborg

    UEFA Europa League – League Stage

    Available On…

    UK TV – TNT Sports 2

    IRE – Premier Sports 2

    More Info…

    connect@spursonline.net

    Result: 3-0 (Tottenham Win)

    D. Scarlett (70′)

    D. Ajayi (84′)

    M. Moore (90’+4)

    Match Report…

    The biggest news of the night should have been the confirmation of Van de Vens return but that was soon to be overshadowed. Young Mikey Moore was also given another start alongside Richarlison and Son up front. 

    Spurs started brightly and Sonny showed plenty of trickery, beating his man on more than one occasion to get to the bar line and make the cross. Both Richarlison and Van de Ven had half chances with headers but it was Moore and Sarr who had the best chances of the half, forcing good saves from the goalkeeper.

    Davies, playing on the left side this evening enjoyed the freedom of the inverted full back role to push forward and join the strike force on several occasions, leaving me to wonder what he could have done with that role in his younger days. But for all Tottenhams possession it was a deadlock at half time and Spurs were going to have to be patient to open the scoring.

    At half time 3 substitutions were made by Spurs which were clearly planned and explains why Sonny was so lively in the first half, with Kulu coming on in his place. On came Dragusin, with 45 minutes deemed enough for Van de Vens return. Also back from injury was Bissouma who replaced Bentancur. Some sensible squad rotation in preparation for what will be another huge game for Spurs on Sunday.

    Spurs started the second half relatively quiet and on the 52nd minute it was Elfsborg who came close to taking a shock lead with an overhead attempt just going over the bar. In all fairness it was probably their first attack on goal in the match. Moments later Porro burst into the box to provide a cross for a diving Bergvall, only to be denied by the goalkeeper once again.

    However on 66 minutes Tottenhams injury problems continued with Dragusin hobbling off after only 20 minutes. Dane Scarlett was brought on with a rare appearance which meant a complete reshuffle with Davies coming into centre back with Gray.

    With a reshaped front line too it was Kulu who provided a wonderful cross and after only 3 minutes on the pitch it was Scarlett would you believe who broke the deadlock in his first game for Spurs this season with a fabulous leaping header.

    In the 80th minute another academy player Ajayi was given an opportunity in place of Richi who had worked hard for the team but never really looked like scoring. It was a night for the super subs because after only 4 minutes on the pitch Ajayi dribbled the ball forward towards the box and made a superb one two with Scarlett before striking it into the bottom corner like it was just another kick about at the park! What a debut and what a moment for the 19 year old.

    If you thought that was special young Mikey Moore, determined not to be left out of the limelight made a solo effort from something out of the books of Messi, dribbling the ball forward from near half way line into the box and slotting it home effortlessly. That’s 3 academy players all scoring their first goals for Spurs and just what the fans wanted to see.

    At 17 years and 172 days old, Moore has become the youngest English player to score in a major men’s European competition, breaking Jimmy Greaves’ record (17 years 245 days), set in October 1957. For Moore, that’s now 2 assists and 1 goal this month, not a bad return after a lengthy layout.

    The final score was 3 nil and it was a professional performance with Tottenham controlling the game from start to finish. It might have only been Elfsborg but after such a poor result against Leicester it was good to see them bounce back. It also meant a guaranteed qualification spot in the Europa League.

    It was a great result with a positive attitude from the players and the return of some injured players was excellent news too. But it was the young academy players who stole the show and will be giving the fans a buzz all the way home. Maybe there is hope yet!

    COYS!!

  • Hoffenheim huge for Spurs

    Hoffenheim huge for Spurs

    Fixture…

    Thursday 23rd January, 17.45

    Hoffenheim Vs Tottenham Hotspur

    UEFA Europa League – League Stage

    Available On…

    UK TV – TNT Sports 2

    IRE – Premier Sports 1

    Bein Sports English 1

    More Info…

    connect@spursonline.net

    Result: 2-3 (Tottenham Win)

    J. Maddison (3′)

    Son Heung-Min (22′, 77′)

    A. Stach (68′)

    D. Mokwa (88′)

    Match Report…

    With 14 players missing either through injury or being unavailable for selection it meant more changes to the Spurs lineup. In came Richarlison but out went injured Solanke and Johnson. In came Bentancur but out went injured Bissouma and Sarr. In came Davies to help strengthen the back (in theory) but out was injured Spence and our fourth choice goalkeeper Austin was also to get another rare start. 

    It was clearly going to be another big test for this Spurs team and so when Pedro Porro pinpointed a direct ball forward to Maddison after just 3 minutes it was just what the doctor ordered. Maddison did exceptionally well to bring the ball down with a single touch and with his second touch he smashes the ball past the stationary goalie. It was a clinical finish and helped settle those early nerves.

    Just 20 minutes later Maddison became the provider after a break on the counter Mads released Son to go clear on goal with just the goalie to beat. Lacking in confidence Sonny looked to have scuffed his shot wide only for a deflection off a defenders lunge that saw the ball loop over the goalies head. We were 2 nil up and coasting, what could go wrong? The football was smooth and Spurs were playing with real confidence by this point but of course we know a third may always be vital. A wonderful piece of football saw Richarlison get through and just a simple pass across to Maddison was required and we would be looking at a 3 nil lead by half time. It wasn’t to be however with Richi taking far too long to make the pass and 2 nil it remained for half time.

    The second half kicked off and Spurs now find themselves under constant pressure, unable to get hold of the ball for more than a second. However Spurs kept their line and Hoffenheim were resigned to long crosses into the box. Whilst I wouldn’t say Spurs were handling all of these crosses well, for the most part it was better than what we have seen in the past when Spurs throw themselves unnecessarily forward, leaving gaping wide holes at the back. At least in this moment Hoffenheim were going to have to break us down if they wanted to get back into this game.

    Looking at the lineup you would have expected the likes of Mads, Sonny and Bentancur to show their maturity and get hold of the ball and just calm everyone’s nerves. But of course this wasn’t the case with both Mads and Sonny guilty of losing possession needlessly and putting us directly under pressure again. Another cross came in and this time Austin was forced into action, leaping in the air and attempting to punch the ball clear. It was a 50-50 challenge against Hoffenheims forward and in normal time it wasn’t clear from where I was sitting, but the referee had no doubt and pointed to the spot for a penalty. 

    Austin pleaded his innocence to the referee but only VAR could help him now. Looking at the replay in slow motion maybe Austin had a case. The goalie only needed to get a fingertip on that ball before colliding with the forward (with his fist) and we were saved. He did! Hoffenheims player is already stepping up to take the penalty but the referee is going to the TV screen. After seeing the replay in slow motion it was clear for all of us, most importantly the ref, no penalty!

    Maybe this was what we needed, a bit of luck, a bit of a breather and time for the leaders on the pitch to get the team reorganised. Spurs get the ball and go on the attack and despite my screams at the TV for them to just hold onto the ball, we lose possession again and this time there’s a counter on for Hoffenheim. But it’s all fine I tell myself as I count the number of white shirts, surely we have this covered? Hoffenheim break down the left flank, getting to the line with ease and putting in a cross unchallenged. At least 3 white shirts in the box yet Hoffenheims Jurásek slots it home from just a couple of yards out. Incredible, had we learnt nothing?

    At 2-1 we all know it’s going to get very nervy here on. But Hoffenheim fail to apply further pressure when to be honest, they probably have us on the ropes. Instead, Moore who has replaced Richi brings it forward and with a simple pass to Sonny he uses his trademark sidestep before hooking it into the far bottom corner leaving no chance for the goalie. It was a much needed third goal and maybe a sigh of relief for us all.

    Lankshear comes on for Sonny up front who needs to be rested for the weekend’s action. With just 2 minutes of normal time remaining Spurs fall asleep again and Kramarić heads in to make it 3-2. Now we have to just hang on, why do we always do this to ourselves? Thankfully Hoffenheim had little more to give and a vital 3 points in Europe means we now sit in 6th place in the qualification spots. 

    It was a mixed performance but they did what they had to do and as they say, a win is a win! It’s Leicester City next, another relegation fight, lets just hope no more injuries before now and Sunday.

    COYS!