Match Preview: Spurs 1 Sporting Lisbon 1 (we were robbed!)

Match Preview: Spurs 1 Sporting Lisbon 1 (we were robbed!)

Any team in Group D can still qualify for the next competition stage. The Match should have been a done deal; instead, we need to go to France and get a result (a draw or win). However, it is in our hands whether we progress further or not…

We are currently at the top of Group D with 8 pts; Sporting Lisbon and Frankfurt both have 7 points, while Marseille have 6 pts.

We now face a tense night in France against Marseille in our final Champions League group game, next Tuesday, to secure a place in the knockout phase.

We were denied victory in a dramatic finale against Sporting Lisbon, which was plain to see.

We knew victory would guarantee a place in the last 16, but we stagnated for long periods before being denied a last-gasp winner when Harry Kane's strike was ruled out for offside. In the process, Conte was shown a red card in the ensuing chaos.

Our former youngster Marcus Edwards gave Sporting the lead 22nd-minute into the game with a low shot as they punished us for a poor first-half display that brought loud boos from the home crowd.

After the break…

After the break, we were much improved, but we were grateful for a crucial save by Hugo Lloris from Sporting substitute Flavio Nazinho, who also shot wide with the goal at his mercy.

With ten minutes to go, Rodrigo Bentancur rose to head home from a corner. Both sides had opportunities to win.

Kane, the crowd, everybody from Tom, Dick or Janette thought he had snatched it with virtually the last kick; only for VAR to decide otherwise, but it wasn't to be… we were cheated. Now we head to Marseille, knowing defeat will put us at risk of elimination. Yes, I've got my ticket for the Match, and I am ready and waiting (bags packed)… but before that, we have to face Bournemouth in the Premier league.

Sometimes VAR works in your favour; other times, it sticks a cold knife into your gut. This time around, we were left regretting the intervention of VAR that denied us the win, but we must also lament another slow start that allowed Sporting to take control for the first 45 minutes.

Thoughts…

The hostility inside our stadium was reflected in the livid reaction from all of us supporters as we grew frustrated at a series of pointless and misplaced passes allied to an absence of urgency. Then there were the continuous back passes that irritated all.

After the break, things were different. We came to life; applying pressure on Sporting and forcing keeper Antonio Adan into action.

There were some clownish moments from our keeper, Lloris… I think he is getting past his sell-by date. He was rightly criticised for his errors in the home defeat against Newcastle United on Sunday, but he continued where he had left off in our game against Sporting. But also, to be fair, he had made a few excellent saves. Hugo can be a hit-and-miss sometimes, but I think it is time he was put out to pasture.

What next…

Well, we have got ourselves back into the game, had chances to get the three points that would have made the trip to Marseille a formality. Either way, we (Mel and I) had already booked our flight and got our ticket for France, whatever would have happened at our Tottenham stadium. We have a lot of work to do in Marseille, and we must learn the lessons of being punished for leaving it late to kick into gear.

Conte…

The game ended in a commotion, with Conte being sent off after wildly celebrating what he thought was the goal that secured the knockout place when Kane swept home Emerson Royal's knockdown. I thought the sending-off was stupid. The trouble with European matches is that their referees can be temperamental and inconsistent… I suppose, a bit like our referees!!!!

Your thoughts?

Next up, Bournemouth (away)… a game we must win to get back on track.

I thought I should mention…

Before, during and after the game, it was nice to see our Tottenham comrades. It is the Tottenham friends that one makes that make it all worthwhile (and the results). Over the years, I've met many good and loyal supporters (who became friends)… not always treated well by the club… but we stay steadfast and faithful… tonight it was nice to see Ken and his beautiful wife, then is also Beverley, Janet, Kevin, Ian, Colin, Terry and a special thanks to Mel, who brought his friend Mike along to experience our hospitality… Also, thanks to the Tottenham staff; it was nice to see Stepanie (Premium member), who popped around to say hello and give us some information on the French trip. Plus, all the catering staff, security (Sharan, who also popped around to say hello) and many others… Thank you!

COYS!

Glenn