Preview:
Are you counting down the games to the final or the days we finally say goodbye to Ange?
Fixture:
Thursday 1st May, 20:00
Tottenham Hotspur Vs Bodø / Glimt
UEFA Europa League – Semi-finals (First Leg)
Available On:
UK – TNT Sports 2
IRE – Premier Sports 2
Result: 3-1 (Tottenham Win 1st leg)
B. Johnson (1′)
J. Maddison (34′)
D. Solanke (61′ pen)
U. Saltnes (83′)
Match Report:
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I think we can say 3-1 is a pretty good score in the first leg of a semi-final and of course it was nice of our boys to give them that traditional late goal so they don’t go home empty handed. We are the team that just keeps on giving lol.
I could go two ways with this report, on one side I want to be positive as we are just one game away from a European final, but at the same time we cannot ignore the reality of where we are this season. All we can do is just enjoy the moment I guess, we’ve probably earned it this season!
So on the positive side, we started brightly and a goal in the first minute set the mood nicely. Richarlison did well to set up the goal with Johnson becoming a master of the six yard box. I still think Johnson is wasted on the wing as he cannot dribble or beat a man, never mind cross a ball but he does know how to find the net and every team needs a goal scorer.
The second goal was even better and not for the first time this season we saw a lovely direct ball from Porro and with just a couple of touches Mads had the keeper beaten. It was a great long ball over and Mads made it look easy, it’s a shame we haven’t seen this sort of play in the Premiership.
The penalty may have been a little fortunate but Solanke put it away with confidence which meant after 61 minutes all we had to do was not throw it away. Now for most teams this would have been pretty simple just to shut up shop but of course we know better when it comes to Spurs lol. It only took one lapse of concentration and with their first shot on target (from 3 shots in the game) they found themselves a life line.
Some people have said that the introduction of 3 players in the second half upset the rhythm of the game and whilst that may be the case it’s certainly no excuse for the defence to switch off, especially as the changes were forwards!
Besides the late goal conceded the only other negative that must be mentioned are the fresh injury concerns which now includes Maddison and Bergvall. It’s a good job Kulusevski has returned because we might just need him.
All in all the team looked good, they were composed and in control with even Bissouma having an acceptable performance. But I am reluctant to get carried away with the performance as we must remember the opposition, let us see if we can continue this into the next game on Sunday versus West Ham. Or will they take the weekend off again?
Next Thursday is the 2nd leg of course so that will no doubt be the priority. At the end of the 1st leg the Bodo manager and their fans looked pretty happy about the result, they know what’s to come back on their artificial pitch in the Arctic circle. We cannot afford to be complacent!
Entertainment value: 7/10
It was a good performance but I’m not getting carried away considering the level of opponent.
Standout Players: Richarlison & Maddison
Richarlison had a positive impact in the first half and gave us something on that left side that Sonny doesn’t. Maddison not only came up with a nice goal but he is essential to that midfield with overall distribution.
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