Tottenham Crash Out Of The UCL

Two goals against the run of play within three minutes midway through the second half handed Juventus a 2-1 win — 4-3 on aggregate — to help the Italian champions past Tottenham and into the last eight of the Champions League on Wednesday.

In the end Tottenham’s profligacy in front of goal — combined with a little naivety, as they lost concentration at a crucial time — cost them dearly, as Juventus scored twice on the break. Spurs pressed hard for the equaliser that would take the game into extra-time and came close in the dying minutes when a Harry Kane header hit the woodwork. By then it was too little, too late.

5 — Mauricio Pochettino must take the lion’s share of the blame for this defeat. He didn’t appear to have an effective game plan for the second half and was far too slow to react to the Juventus substitutions and change in formation. Also, with Spurs needing to score for a second time to stay in the tie, Pochettino delayed making changes of his own. Hugo Llorente was only given 10 minutes and Lucas Moura, whose pace and direct running could have made a difference, was left on the bench.

GK Hugo Lloris, 6 — Though he could do little to prevent either Juventus goal, Lloris looked uncharacteristically nervy throughout. His distribution was poor and his anxiety transmitted itself to the back four.

DF Kieran Trippier, 7 — With Serge Aurier suspended, Trippier was deservedly recalled to the right-back slot and Spurs looked all the stronger for his presence. After a nervous start in which he gave the ball away, Trippier grew in confidence and it was his cross from which Son Heung-min scored. Faded somewhat in the second half.

DF Davinson Sanchez, 7 — For most of the game Sanchez looked to have the Italian offence in his pocket, allowing them to win little in the air or on the ground. But he was caught out of position for Juventus’ second goal — a lapse of concentration he and the team will regret.

DF Jan Vertonghen, 7 — Was extremely fortunate not to give away a penalty early on when his reckless challenge went unpunished. Thereafter he tightened up his game and the Juve offensive line were forced to feed on scraps down his flank.

DF Ben Davies, 7 — Came into the game more in the second half as Spurs directed much of their attacking play down the left flank. Put in a number of telling crosses, including the one from which Kane hit the woodwork, but couldn’t find the one to pry open the Juve defence.

MF Eric Dier, 7 — Back in his preferred position of defensive midfielder ahead of the back four. Started slightly edgy, twice giving the ball away in his own half, but grew in confidence as the game progressed. Was sacrificed late on as Spurs went in search of an equaliser.

MF Mousa Dembele, 8 — Once again, the Belgium international completely bossed the Juve midfield. Whenever he was in possession the Italians struggled to get the ball off him and he was at the heart of most of Spurs’ best moves in both halves. Got frustrated towards the end and committed a couple of needless fouls that allowed Juve to wind down the clock..

MF Christian Eriksen, 7 — Content to lie deep for much of the game and was too passive for long periods. When he did spark into life, Juve were always on the back foot and some of his passes were breathtaking. Spurs wanted a little more from Eriksen than he gave.

MF Son Heung-min, 8 — Yet again, Spurs’ man of the match. Gave the Italian defence a torrid time throughout and a less lenient referee might have sent off Andrea Barzagli for repeated fouls and stamping. Scored the opening goal with a scuffed shot, but could — and perhaps should — have added to his tally with clear chances in either half.

MF Dele Alli, 6 — Made a few direct runs in the first half and produced some nice flicks. But he allowed himself to get riled by a defence intent on fouling him in the second half and consequently became a more peripheral figure.

FW Harry Kane, 7 — Had two good chances at either end of the game, neither of which he could take. The first he fired into the side netting, the second he headed against the post. Otherwise he was closely marked by a defence that had the strength and experience to outmuscle him and was forced to feed off scraps.