Cristian Romero superb, Mathys Tel flops – Tottenham ratings in win vs Frankfurt
Cristian Romero was a rock at the back as Tottenham squeaked through to the semi-final of the Europa League with a win over Eintracht Frankfurt.
Ange Postecoglou lives to fight another day. With his job seemingly defined now by Tottenham’s Europa League campaign, the win against Frankfurt may prove vital for the Australian.
Following a tense opening to the match, with more missiles thrown by the crowd than shots at goal, James Maddison broke through and looked to head past Brazilian goalkeeper Kaua Santos.
However, the Englishman was clattered into, and after a typically lengthy VAR delay, a penalty was awarded. After Postecoglou himself singled out Dominic Solanke to take it, the ex-Bournemouth striker scored the opener for Spurs.
Following a second half of relentless pressure from the Germans, Tottenham prevailed progressing through to the semi-final of the Europa League full.
Ange Postecoglou breathes a sigh of relief
Guglielmo Vicario – 8
You shall not pass. Vicario’s absence earlier in the season was the catalyst for Spurs falling apart; the Italian was in imperious form against the Germans, keeping a well-deserved clean sheet.
Pedro Porro – 8
Creator-in-chief. The Spaniard is one of the world’s best offensive fullbacks, his raking long-range passes gave the Germans all kinds of problems, wonderful performance.
Cristian Romero – 9 – Player-of-the-Match
Staunch. Composed. Imperious. In the ferocious cauldron created by Frankfurt fans, Romero seemed primed for one of his infamous outbursts, but the former Atlanta man kept a level head and was the best player on the pitch.
Micky van de Ven return makes the difference for Tottenham
Micky van de Ven – 8
Welcome back. Van de Ven was rested at the weekend with tonight’s match in mind, and it proved to be a fantastic decision, with the Dutch defender hoovering up any loose ball that came in his direction.
Destiny Udogie – 8
Udogie faces an uncertain future with Tottenham, but on tonight’s showing, Tottenham would be bonkers to let him go. Up-and-down like a yo-yo, the Italian’s quality on the ball makes his teammates’ life so much easier.
Lucas Bergvall – 7
Bergvall has struggled in Europe this season, and whilst he had little opportunity to get involved offensively, the Swedish midfielder showed composure beyond his years with his defensive work.
Rodrigo Bentancur – 6
This season hasn’t been the easiest for Bentancur, and whilst he didn’t play brilliantly against Frankfurt, he did enough, and that’s what matters.
James Maddison earns Tottenham decisive penalty
James Maddison (off for Kulusevski 45′) – 8
Brilliantly brave. It’s not often you can say that about the prima donnas that grace modern football pitches, but Maddison knew he was going to be wiped out by Kaua and took the hit anyway, earning his side a penalty, before having to be removed a few minutes later due to the clash.
Brennan Johnson (off for Danso 85′) – 6
Johnson has been Tottenham’s standout player this season, and whilst he offered little going forward, his work rate can never be called into question.
Dominic Solanke – 8
The coolest head prevailed. The Deutsche Bank Park was one of the most hostile environments many of these players will play in, but when called upon by his manager, Solanke made no mistake.
Mathys Tel (off for Sarr 79′) – 4
Absent. Tel joined Tottenham in the winter transfer window, but has failed to impress during his time in North London. The story was much the same on his return to Germany, being hooked off the penalty in the first half, and hooked off the pitch in the 79th minute.
Substitutes
Dejan Kulusevski (on for Maddison 45′) – 6
Called upon to replace the injured Maddison, the Swede struggled to get involved, but that didn’t stop him from working relentlessly for his side.
Pape Sarr (on for Tel 79′) – 6
With control of the match slipping through Tottenham’s fingers, Sarr was introduced to give add an extra body in the midfield battle.
Kevin Danso (on for Johnson 85′) – 6
In his short cameo on the pitch, Danso’s presence helped Spurs cling on for victory.