The first leg of this round of sixteen tie was fairly uneventful after a 7th minute Brahim Diaz winner. Spurs have work to do in the second leg, but a one goal deficit is not a disaster.
Tottenham dreamed of games in the Champions League knockout stages after earning qualification last May, and this game at the San Siro was a glorious way to start the knockout stages.
However, there was a negative feeling heading into this game after a crushing 4-1 defeat to Leicester on Saturday. Not just this, but it has seemed to derail for Spurs since that 1-0 home win against Manchester City.
After the long-term injuries to Hugo Lloris and Yves Bissouma, Uruguayan midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in the 4-1 defeat. The midfielder had been one of Conte's key men this season and his injury, which will not see him feature again this season, will undoubtedly bruise the team.
Also for this game, Spurs' only other senior midfielder who was not injured, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was suspended for this showdown at San Siro. This meant that Antonio Conte was forced to start a midfield duo of 20-year-old Pape Sarr and 22-year-old Oliver Skipp.
The excitement for this game was somewhat dimmed due to these factors, but Spurs were not too bad with all that was said or done. The main issue the team suffered was the lack of attacking quality, which is somewhat surprising based on the lack of issues in that area.
The goal conceded was a sloppy one. Romero was dunked on by Hernandez, which sent the wing-back through. Forster made two superb saves, but received no help from Dier or Lenglet, and Brahim Diaz bundled it in. The game could have been vastly different without this.
Dejan Kulusevski particularly has been frustrating to watch recently. Typically, the Swede is very effective and intelligent on the ball but it seems he has lost his powers recently. Whether it is a lack of motivation or fatigue, Spurs will want an improvement from one of their only attacking outlets.
Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son rarely had a moment where they were facing the Milan goal. The opposition defenders stepped out and man-marked the duo which nulled their ability. Milan's defence was particularly good last night,
Emerson Royal was once again impressive. AC Milan evidently target their play to the left hand side where Theo Hernandez and star man Rafael Leao are, and the Brazilian dealt with the pair the best he could have.
The players who are receiving the credit, and rightfully so, are the midfield pair. The pressure on Sarr and Skipp at the San Siro was monumental, but both were fantastic. The term 'mature head on young shoulders' reflects their game, where they made great passes, were driving forward and minimising mistakes.
Pape Sarr was particularly the standout, and my Man of the Match. The Senegalese midfielder looks to have so much potential. He has that raw ability and fantastic physique (which reminds me of Yaya Toure). Hopefully he can maintain his place and take a chance to improve while Bentancur is injured.
Overall, Spurs will be content with the defeat. There is work to do at the Spurs Stadium, but undoubtedly the fans will be roaring on the team to reach the quarter-finals.
Comentários