UEFA Champions League
Inter Stun Spurs With Two Late Goals
Two late goals earned Inter a win on their Champions League return against Tottenham at San Siro.
Tottenham appeared on course to end their losing streak when Christian Eriksen’s deflected shot looped over Samir Handanovic in the Inter goal. Spurs looked comfortable and in control while Inter struggled to create any clear cut chances.
The Nearazzuri struggled to get star striker Mauro Icardi into the game. However, when he finally did have a shot on target with just four minutes remaining, it was well worth the wait.
A cross from Kwadwo Asamoah fell to Icardi outside the box. He volleyed the ball first time past Michel Vorm in the Tottenham goal.
It was a fantastic finish from the Argentine and will be one of the best goals you will see in this weeks Champions League games.
Inter piled forward late on in the search to find a winner, which came two minutes into stoppage time.
A corner was headed on by Stefan de Vrij, he picked out Mathias Vecino who guided the ball into the corner of the net to seal all three points for Inter.
Tottenham will be wondering how they lost this game having looked in complete control in the second half.
They will be left ruining a miss from Harry Kane in the first half. The English striker was played through on goal by a brilliant pass from Christian Eriksen.
Kane took a fantastic first touch and went round the Inter goalkeeper but he couldn’t sort his feet out and the chance was gone.
Spurs defensive frailties at set pieces cost them once again and is something they have to sort out if they want to progress in Europe.
Inter Return To The Big Time
Incredibly this was Inter’s first Champions League group game in seven years.
The last time these two sides met Inter were the reigning champions of Europe, while Spurs were embarking on their first Champions League campaign.
Since then both clubs have gone on opposite trajectories. Spurs are now Champions League regulars while this Inter side were the newcomers.
This was an unlikely victory for Inter who at times struggled to create any clear cut chances.
Mauro Icardi was basically non-existent until he produced a wonder volley with just four minutes remaining.
They were impressive in the first half pressuring Spurs high up the pitch.
But they tired as the game progressed and looked like they were running out of ideas.
Icardi’s volley re-energized the San Siro and Inter’s late pressure told as Vecino’s header gave them a famous win.
Given Inter’s start to the season, this is the sort of victory that will give them fantastic confidence and could kick start their campaign.
Pochettino Under Pressure
For the first time under Mauricio Pochettino Tottenham have lost three games in a row.
The pressure is firmly on the Argentine now but he will be wondering how they lost this game.
After a nervous start Tottenham were the better side forcing Handanovic into a number of fine saves.
However, their inability to defend at set-pieces cost them once again. Serge Aurier was caught ball watching for Inter’s winning goal.
To fail to defend two headers inside your own box at this level is unforgivable.
There will be big questions asked as to why Pochettino rested Toby Alderweireld and Kieran Tripper, both of whom didn’t travel.
Yes both had long World Cup campaigns, but why rest them for such an important game in their Champions League group?
Also, in the first half against Inter they looked very uncomfortable playing out from the back.
Time and again Spurs gave the ball away and were careless in possession. This is something they simply can’t afford against Barcelona in two weeks time.
Should Kane Be Rested?
Pochettino will have to look at whether to give Harry Kane a rest. He missed a golden opportunity in the first half.
When he rounded the goalkeeper you would have bet on him finding the net. However, he couldn’t get the ball out of his feet and ran the ball out of play.
It was a chance last season he would have buried. Kane might not admit it but he does look jaded and could do with a rest.
For the first time in his Spurs managerial career, Pochettino has a number of questions that need to be answered.
They could and probably should have won this game but couldn’t see the game out.
That will worry Pochettino the most.
Tottenham will look to get back to winning ways away to Brighton. While Inter face Sampdoria away in Serie A.
Photo credit to PJB PRO via Flickr
