Well, it wasn’t as simple as many would hope, but then again, it’s never really with Tottenham Hotspur.
Ange Postcoglou’s side did their chances of automatically progressing to the next round of the Europa League a world of good with their unnecessarily nervy 3-2 victory over Hoffenheim this evening.
However, in terms of individual performances, it was something of a mixed bag for the visitors.
Tottenham vs Hoffenheim | ||
|---|---|---|
Tottenham | Statistics | Hoffenheim |
56% | Possession | 44% |
2.13 | Expected objectives | 2.12 |
3 | Goals | 2 |
6 | Great chances | 3 |
22 | Total hits | 8 |
6 | Corners | 4 |
541 | Pass | 452 |
26 | Tackles | 16 |
That said, there were two starters who stood out for all the right reasons and can no longer be dropped for the weekend, including son Heung-min.
Son’s performance vs Hoffenheim
So after a few weeks where he signed a contract extension And received a lot of criticism for some rather lackluster displays, his son really stepped up tonight.
The South Korean superstar took over the clock and was a constant threat throughout his time on the pitch, although his most important contributions to the victory were, of course, his two goals.
Now, while there was an element of good fortune with his first goal, in the way it bounced off a Hoffenheim player, his second was every bit his sensational finish.
Additionally, this second strike saved the team from what could have been a disastrous result and another game in which they managed to find a way to drop points.
Unsurprisingly, Alasdair Gold’s football.Londe was suitably impressed By the captain’s performance, giving him an 8/10 match rating and writing that he ‘worked hard’ throughout and was there when his team needed him.
All in all, it was a superb showing from the 32-year-old, although he wasn’t the only one to make a real difference, as James Maddison also impressed.
James Maddison’s performance against Hoffenheim
Yes, the other standout starter for Spurs tonight was undoubtedly Maddison, who hasn’t had too many chances to show what he can do early on in recent weeks.
Like his captain, the former Leicester City star was everywhere in the first half and practically ruled the game at points.
The “world-class” creator, as nicknamed by former professional Dean Saundersgot things going with the opening goal just three minutes into the game, and 19 minutes after that he provided the assist for Son’s first goal.
Unsurprisingly, Gold was also pleased with what he saw from the Englishman, giving it a match rating of 8/10 Also and simply writing that it was a “very good performance from the midfielder”.
Fortunately, the high praise is more than backed up by the 28-year-old’s stats, as in 89 minutes of action he produced a combined expected goal and assist figure of 1.23, took 61 touches, maintained an accuracy of passing rate of 92%, Played three key passes, created a big chance, completed 100% of his long balls, won six ground duels, established two clearances, won three fouls and made one tackle.
Maddison’s game in numbers | |
|---|---|
Minutes | 89′ |
Expected objectives | 0.54 |
Goals | 1 |
Aid planned | 0.69 |
Aids | 1 |
Touch | 61 |
Passing accuracy | 36/39 (92%) |
Key passes | 3 |
Long balls (accurate) | 3 (3) |
Big chances created | 1 |
Plans on target | 1 |
Land duels (won) | 12 (6) |
Mistakes won | 3 |
Clearances | 2 |
Tackles | 1 |
Ultimately, Maddison put in a very impressive performance for Postecoglou tonight, as did his son, and with another must-win game coming up on the weekend, neither player should be removed from the starting lineup, as without them, tonight would have ended in a draw at best.
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