In a pulsating Europa League encounter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou was left to rue his side’s profligacy in front of goal as they were held to a thrilling 2-2 draw by Italian giants Roma. The result leaves Tottenham ninth in the Europa League table, one spot outside the automatic qualification places for the Round of 16.
The match got off to a frenetic start, with Roma defender Mats Hummels conceding a penalty in the fourth minute, which was coolly dispatched by Spurs’ Son Heung-Min. However, the German international would have the last laugh, popping up in the dying moments to snatch a point for the Giallorossi with a dramatic late equalizer.
Postecoglou Laments Wastefulness
Speaking to reporters after the game, a visibly frustrated Postecoglou did not mince his words when assessing his team’s performance in front of goal. “We should have killed it off a lot earlier,” the Australian tactician lamented.
We should have killed it really off in the first half with the chances we had, and at 2-1 you’re always kind of keeping the opposition in the game.
Ange Postecoglou
Tottenham certainly had their chances, racking up a staggering 24 shots on goal over the course of the 90 minutes. The woodwork denied them on three occasions, with Dejan Kulusevski, Pedro Porro, and Dominic Solanke all seeing efforts cannon back off the frame of the goal.
Postecoglou Defends Attacking Approach
When quizzed on whether he might need to adopt a more pragmatic approach in upcoming fixtures to ensure Spurs secure the results they need to progress, Postecoglou was unequivocal in his response.
Why can’t it just be entertaining? Isn’t that why we all come? Would you really prefer us to kind of sketch out a couple of 0-0 draws and a 1-0 win and we get through?
Ange Postecoglou
The former Celtic boss has quickly become renowned for the attacking brand of football he has implemented since taking the reins in north London, and he clearly has no intention of abandoning those principles any time soon.
Ranieri Happy with Roma Display
For Roma manager Claudio Ranieri, this was a performance that exceeded his expectations. The Italian side have endured a tumultuous campaign to date, sitting 12th in Serie A, and are already on their third head coach of the season following the departures of Daniele De Rossi and Ivan Juric.
Today we pulled off a very good performance. I wasn’t expecting it, especially in the second half. I thought that maybe we could struggle more, but we kept pushing.
Claudio Ranieri
Ranieri, who famously led Leicester City to the Premier League title in 2016, admitted Roma were one of only two clubs who could have persuaded him to come out of retirement, with his hometown team Cagliari being the other.
Tough Europa League Tests Ahead
Both sides face pivotal Europa League clashes in their next outings, with Tottenham traveling to face Rangers on December 12th, while Roma host Braga at the Stadio Olimpico.
For Postecoglou and Spurs, the aim will be to rediscover a ruthless streak in front of goal to ensure they get the results required to secure safe passage through to the knockout stages. If they can ally that with their current entertaining style, the Tottenham faithful may yet have a European run to savor.
