Heung-Min Son shines for Spurs and Llorente gets off the mark.
Heung-Min Son shone bright, and Fernando Llorente finally got off the mark for Tottenham in a convincing 3-0 win against Apoel Nicosia at Wembley.
The young Korean star somewhat stole the thunder from teammate Fernando Llorente and his first goal for Spurs. With a sterling performance in a comfortable 3-0 win over visitors Apoel Nicosia at Wembley, Son aguably had one of his best games for the North Londoners. He caused them constant problems backed up by Dele Alli finally netting in the 38th minute.
The two players hooked up to make some impressive moves with Llorente assisting as well as netting his own. It was undoubtedly his best showing as previous time on the pitch has been less than impressive.
Heung-Min Son blazes through
Heung-Min Son constantly pressed finding space with Dele Alli showing more of his prowess than of late, and a calm disposition, if still a little off his pace.
In the final game of Champions League Group H, a younger Spurs netted three goals, and kept a clean sheet. An encouraging display from the younger and fringe players.
It was a game that Tottenham didn’t need to win, but never looked like dropping a point despite fielding the likes of Georges-Kevin N’Koudou in a much altered line up.
Llorente finally breaks goal deadlock
Newcomer Fernando Llorente netted his first goal much to his own, fans, and club’s relief, little of his attributes have been seen thus far. In the absence of Harry Kane, he helped prove that Spurs have a strike force in addition to the England goal ace.
George N’Koudou also bagged his first European goal, making it a showpiece of emerging players, and those usually benched.
New signing 19-year old defender Juan Foyth also pulled on the shirt for his first Champions League outing. Whilst showing a few nerves on one or two challenges, he put in a decent shift, gaining confidence through the game.
Young Harry Winks mirrored his superb away performance against the Cypriot side. Showing solid midfield leadership and trademark composure, in the absence of Mousa Dembele and Christian Eriksen.
Moussa Sissoko impressed playing around Winks where needed, finding space. Once troubled Sissoko has continued to grow in confidence and gain the trust of the Spurs following.
Apathetic Apoel
The Cypriot visitors did little to trouble the Spurs defence. Serge Aurier tainted his performance with a reckless and dangerous tackle. He was lucky the yellow card given wasn’t red. Yet another showing of the petulant streak that could land him in hot water. A move that Mauricio Pochettino must be less than happy with.
Davinson Sanchez put in his usual stalwart performance holding the line, giving little for Michael Vorm to think about around his area. Showing again his almost unnatural maturity after recovering from an earlier error.
When the match kicked off, Apoel could have bagged a Europa League place by claiming points from the North Londoners. However, as the goals went in at Wembley, and Dortmund failed against Real Madrid, their European campaign was over. There was barely a fight as Tottenham dominated posession.
Borussia Dortmund bagged a consolation Europa League place with only two points despite the loss to Real Madrid. Becoming the first team to do so.
A delighted Georges-Kevin N’Koudou finished off the tie with his first European goal, aided by a deflection. The last ten minutes saw an appearance from Kyle Walker-Peters. Showing the fans and club, that the squad is tougher and deeper than has been speculated.
Sixteen points from ‘The Group of Death’
Clear group winners of the so-called ‘Group of Death’ Spurs can now concentrate on Premier League proceedings, where they have points to gain, after less than impressive results.
Mauricio Pochettino, speaking to BT Sport when asked of the performance in a game that Spurs didn’t need to win, and thoughts on Heung-Min Son and his younger players he said;
“Yes, I am happy, it was a good performance. It’s always difficult to play when the job is already done, you’re thinking about the next stage of the competition. But to finishing in a good way was fantastic for us. Some players that don’t get to play every week, had the possibility to play, and show their quality. I am so happy with all of their performances. To finish with sixteen points, more than any other team in the Champions League is a fantastic achievement.”
No thorn in the side from Rose
When asked what happened between himself and Danny Rose on the touchline as he was taken off, he dismissed any suggestion of an altercation. He told BT Sport: “Danny Rose has a big cut on his head, which needed stitching. So naturally he was disappointed. That is it.”
Just to dispel supposed-supporters of our club looking to try find something out of nothing, here’s Pochettino with Rose. #COYS#THFC #UCLpic.twitter.com/GrmC4mngeW
— Last Word On Spurs? (@LastWordOnSpurs) December 6, 2017
Pochettino was then pressed on Tottenham’s recent poor League results. Reminding him of the 18 point gap between themselves and leaders Manchester City. The always unflappable Pochettino replied:
”Thank you for remembering. I think it’s always good you remember the bad things. Of course about this the boys are not happy. But now we’re talking about the Champions League. Now yes, we are focusing on the Premier League, looking for top four places. Tonight though, we’re so happy that we finished first in the group. We have sixteen points, more than any other Champions’ League Team. Tomorrow, we’ll think about the Premier League.”
Great night, very happy for the win and for my first goal with spurs ⚽️ Thank’s for the support #UCL #COYS #THFC #TopOfTheGroup pic.twitter.com/sIpnKKFyPV
— Fernando Llorente (@llorentefer19) December 6, 2017
Spurs host Stoke at Wembley on Saturday in the Premier League Kick Off 3.00p.m
