That was a very decent performance. I can understand if the players feel that we were a little unlucky not to win it. Their keeper made some good saves and the woodwork helped him out when he was beaten. I thought that we edged the first half and was a bit worried about how we might come out. The start of the second half was very good, though. Frankfurt were hanging on badly. People will be wondering why Kaua Santos hasn't played more often. It was nice to see a game allowed to flow by VAR, for once. Much different in Europe. The referee, Szymon Marciniak, is highly rated but he was absolute dogshit. This is the 4th time he's done one of our games and he's been **** throughout. Wants to be Collina but he's more Howard Webb.
Their fans will make it a cauldron for atmosphere as well, we saw how loud a few thousand were tonight, so circa 50k will be a test for our player's mettle to handle. We've definitely got the capability to win the tie, we've had the capability to do so much better this season in general but then I feel like a broken record talking about the poor management that's hindered them so just have to hope it doesn't next week. Zero qualms if we play the kids/ reserves on Sunday to keep everyone fresh.
He was appalling. Trouble was that none of his worst decisions were ones that could be reviewed or reversed by VAR!
I missed the match (eldest daughter's birthday) but it seems that the majority of our chances fell to midfielders and defenders. I've seen some extended highlights. Ange's tactics really don't get the best from our forwards. Sonny and Johnson are too wide and Solanke is often too deep. They should be our main goal threat, but last night, bot so much. Still, at least the team seem to have turned up in the second half, after a poor first, and looked like we really wanted to win, for a nice change. Unfortunately, the ease with which they went through us, on occasions, gives real concern for the return leg. It's more likely than not that we go out, but maybe...just maybe...
Solanke being deep isn't an issue per se, as he often plays as a False 9 to draw defenders out - but that does require the wingers to be cutting in, something they can't do when the FBs are occupying the space they would be cutting into Of course it would work better if we had more reliable runners from midfield
I thought that we played pretty well in the first half, after conceding a stupid opener. Got the equaliser, had more of the ball and chances and were generally in control. The second half performance was definitely up a gear, though.
Like PnP, I didn't think we were bad in the first half (despite the tragic start!). Begvall and Bentancur settled in pretty quickly (the formers energy level is phenomenal). Solanke was tireless, but unfortunately seems to get isolated. Our goal being an exception where Maddison was supporting him. Porro was excellent as an attacking force and Udogie improved as the game went on. The fact that I cannot remember Vicario having anything to stop for 85 minutes says a lot. Unfortunately, I cannot see us overcoming them on their own patch with a baying crowd. But you never know!
Alasdair Gold has picked the team he says needs to start Thursday Vicario; Porro, Romero, Mickey Van, Spence; Bergvall, Bentancur, Maddison; Kulusevski, Solanke, Son So blame him...?
please log in to view this image Thursday 17th April 8pm Europa League Quarter Final 2nd Leg Deutsche Bank Park Son is injured and didn't travel, but Danso has returned to training and is available. Neither side has any suspensions. Lineups for each side's last league game: Spurs: Vicario; Gray, Romero, Davies, Spence; Sarr, Bissouma, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Tel. Subs: Kinsky, Porro, van de Ven, Udogie, Bentancur, Bergvall, Kulusevski, Moore, Richarlison. League form: LDLLWL. Frankfurt: Santos; Kristensen, Tuta, Koch, Theate; Skhiri, Hojlund; Chaibi, Uzun, Bahoya; Ekitike. Subs: Grahl, Brown, Amenda, Nkounkou, Collins, Larsson, Gotze, Wahi, Batshuayi. League form: LLWWLW. Ref: Davide Massa (ITA). VAR: Aleandro Di Paolo (ITA). Back to a one-country team. TV: TNT Sports. How would you like to line up for this one and how do you think we actually will line up?
Son may have been disappointing this season, but as Ange won't pick Moore his replacement is likely to be equally underwhelming - Not sure who is the best option but Tel is the logical option, so why does my head think that Ange will play Richarlison? Vicario, Porro, Udogie, Romero, VDV, Bentancur, Bergvall, Kulu, Johnson, Solanke and Tel
Mad opinion but desperate times call for desperate measures. I'd consider playing Spence further up. Imo he is by far our most threatening option on that flank whenever he plays there.
I approach this game with zero hope. I will be delighted to be proved wrong but I just cannot see it. Too much sun and beers have fried my brain today....
