Image Credit: Evening Standard
By Lee Clow
22 October 2019 | Champions League
Tottenham Hotspur finally responded to their recent problems as they put in a five-star performance against Red Star Belgrade winning 5-0 in the Champions League.
Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son both scored two for Tottenham while Erik Lamela also got on the act in what was an impressive performance by the Argentine who was making his 200th appearance for the club.
Going into the game, Tottenham needed a win having only picked up one point from their opening two Champions League fixtures leaving them bottom of Group B. Tottenham also had to wipe the memories of their last game in the competition having been battered by Bayern Munich 2-7 at home.
Tottenham could not have started any better as they found the breakthrough only nine minutes in. From a corner, Harry Kane rose highest and dispatched his header into the back of the net sending the home fans into raptures.
Tottenham’s attackers looked full of energy from the get-go and it was to no surprise that they found their second only seven minutes later. Erik Lamela, who was involved with the first goal, once again played his part when he produced a lovely ball for Son to finish superbly from a tight angle.
Much of the old swagger that had been absent in the 1-1 draw at home to Watford on Saturday had certainly returned from this moment and this allowed the Tottenham players to enjoy themselves.
Tanguy Ndombele and Erik Lamela both had efforts saved well by Milan Borjan as Tottenham continued their pressure throughout the first half.
Spurs’ third finally came right before half time when Ndombele snatched the ball back from Marko Marin and fed in Son who once again finished with expertise. The South Korean’s two goals means he is now the top goal scorer at Tottenham’s new stadium.
Just before the hour mark, Erik Lamela got his deserved goal after he swivelled on Serge Aurier’s cross and fired into the back of the net to give Tottenham their fourth goal. The Argentine’s goal capped off an impressive performance that included two assists on his 200th Tottenham appearance.
Harry Kane wrapped up the game as he scored his second and Tottenham’s fifth of the night. The Tottenham captain was played in excellently by Ndombele before placing his shot into the bottom corner. The goal was met by huge cheers by the Spurs fans who then began singing chants of their heroes.
The result for Spurs will certainly lift the confidence of the players and this going to be vital if they are to get a result against their next opponents, Liverpool, on Sunday. The victory also lifts Tottenham from the bottom of Group B to second spot behind leaders Bayern Munich who have maximum points.
After the game, Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino gave his thoughts on the result, he said: "The pressing was there but not as much as I want. I want more. We'll get there. It's a massive experience for us as a group that has never lived this type of situation before.”
"This type of situation should help us to get stronger. We have three games ahead in Belgrade, Munich and here against Olympiacos. It's in our hands and we're in a better position that last season."
What’s next?
Tottenham have a huge test on Sunday when they face Premier League leaders Liverpool at Anfield. Spurs’ next Champions League fixture is the reserve fixture of tonight’s game as they travel to Belgrade on November 6 where they will be looking for another 3 points to try and secure second place in Group B.
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