Spurs may have started with a strong lead, but they could not hold onto it against AS Roma, leaving manager Ange Postecoglou disappointed after their failure to seal the deal in Thursday’s Europa League clash.
Spurs welcomed AS Roma to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, fully aware of the Italian side’s dismal form. Roma had not tasted victory since the final day of October, enduring a winless November that left them vulnerable and desperate for a result.
Tottenham, on the other hand, approached the game on the back of a mixed run of form. After two disappointing losses to Ipswich Town and Galatasaray, they secured a resounding 4-0 victory against Manchester City the previous weekend.
The home side entered the clash as clear favourites, buoyed by their talismanic captain Heung-min Son, who converted a fifth-minute penalty to put Spurs ahead.
Despite their early lead, Spurs found themselves pegged back when Paulo Dybala’s inch-perfect cross was met by Evan Ndicka to level the score.
The hosts responded quickly, with Dejan Kulusevski setting up Brennan Johnson for a composed finish, restoring Tottenham’s lead before half-time.
However, the story of the second half would unfold differently, with Roma gradually asserting their control and Spurs struggling to capitalise on their chances.
At the end of the game, the Lilywhites accumulated an xG of 3.61 which shows that at the barest minimum, they should have scored at least three goals which will have been enough to kill the game off.
Speaking after the match, Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou reflected on his side’s inability to see out the game.
He told football.london: “We should have killed it off in the second half and at 2-1 you’re always keeping them in the game. Disappointed we didn’t see out the game but we’re still in a decent position.”
The game saw Spurs fail to convert several golden opportunities, with Solanke, Son, and Kulusevski all coming close but lacking the clinical edge required.
Roma capitalised on Spurs’ hesitancy, equalising through Hummels after Angelino’s low cross eluded Tottenham’s defence.
Fraser Forster’s heroics in goal, including a breathtaking save to deny Mancini, were not enough to secure the win.
Despite the disappointment of Thursday night, Spurs remain well-positioned in the Europa League. They currently sit ninth in the league phase, three points off top spot and level with eighth. This tightly contested group means that Tottenham’s destiny is still firmly in their hands.
As the competition progresses, Tottenham will need to sharpen their focus in crucial moments. If Postecoglou’s men can strike the right balance between flair and composure, they will be well-placed to advance in the Europa League and keep their European ambitions alive.
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