Match Threads Spurs vs Ajax - Match Thread - Semi-final 1st leg

[Led's Zeppelin]

Can't see Vertonghen back for the away leg. How long do symptoms of concussion usually last? Or does it vary?

I think they said it wasn’t concussion.

 

[SirHarryHotspur]

A disappointing result last night but far too much criticism of a depleted team and transfer policy. I know Ajax are not Barca but a team that have knocked out Juve & Real plus two draws with Bayern have to be respected. Some clubs have spent millions on transfers and still can't get it right, extract from Man U v Barca first leg from Sky.

"United responded well to the early setback, halting Barca's dominance on the ball, but their cause was undermined by a toothless attacking display which failed to yield a single shot on target in the Champions League for the first time since 2005. "

 

[daryl hannah]

Let’s put this into context. Our biggest top level European game since 84 against a side, let’s be honest, everyone was desperate to draw in the QF let alone SF and our team peppered with supposed elite players puts in a performance like that...... GUTTED!

What is it with this team that when it matters most it shrinks? I said a few months ago to a mate that, ‘I’m beginning to hate this team. Hate the fact they were good enough to win a trophy but lacked the balls to do so’. Last night is exactly the reason why so.

If I’m honest come the summer I couldn’t care less if the lot of them leave bar Kane, Winks, Son & Alli (if he focuses fully on football). Sick to death of seeing the rest of them continually let us down. It’s one thing for Eriksen to say after the game ‘We made Ajax look better than they are’ yet then do nothing during the game to change it.

From the first few minutes it was clear our players weren’t ‘up’ for it yet continued in their casual laboured way. Only the introduction of Sissoko changed the attitude of some. Why? This is the biggest club game ever for most of this side, probably ever for the likes of Trippier, and they perform like that ?????

MP isn’t blameless either. Starting with 3 CB against a false 9, wtf is that all about? We were getting overrun after a few minutes, so clear to see, yet he done nothing to change it. We then deservedly go a goal down, make the change then. Have the balls to admit you’ve made a mistake and make the sub. Bring on Sissoko/Dier for Sanchez but again he does nothing. Instead he moves Rose to midfield with Jan at LB ?

The injury to Jan forced his hand and possibly the tie for us. We improved slightly after that and ended up with only a narrow defeat. Ajax really should have buried us last night, the fact we’re still in this is a minor miracle.

Can we go through? YES

Will we go through? Perform like we have of late then no chance. We need the away performance of the season for us next week to progress. I just don’t see it coming from this present squad of players as ultimately when it matters most they let us down ?

I agree that barring Kane, Son, Winks, Sissoko, Verts, Gazza, one or two others, I can't wait for a squad refresh.

But I thought we played well last night second half, and I thought Ajax played very well defensively - which was obviously their intention.

 

[wrd]

I agree that barring Kane, Son, Winks, Sissoko, Verts, Gazza, one or two others, I can't wait for a squad refresh.

But I thought we played well last night second half, and I thought Ajax played very well defensively - which was obviously their intention.

De Ligt was fucking everywhere, outstanding performance.

 

[guiltyparty]

What a dreadful game, was so disappointed. I know we're on our arse at the mo with players, but I thought the standard of both teams, bar Ajax's great 20-minute start, was so poor. Never seen a Champions League semi where the ball was kicked out of play so much. Hope the 2nd leg is as exciting as it should be as so far this tie hasn't really turned up.

 

[Deleted member 27995]

What a dreadful game, was so disappointed. I know we're on our arse at the mo with players, but I thought the standard of both teams, bar Ajax's great 20-minute start, was so poor. Never seen a Champions League semi where the ball was kicked out of play so much. Hope the 2nd leg is as exciting as it should be as so far this tie hasn't really turned up.

Over looked a fair amount, IMO. That's all it was, that and one hit post. We live in a generation of hot takes and hyperbole.

 

[hughy]

He's not concussed

I think they said it wasn’t concussion.

Ahh fair enough. I haven't really heard anything in the aftermath, it just looked concerning that he had to be helped down the tunnel after nearly collapsing on the touchline. Well that's better news than I expected.

 

[Ndombers]

I'd gladly take the money for Eriksen this summer and reinvest. Hugely disappointing last night. Should never be mentioned in the same breath as real club legends like VDV and Bale

 

[shelfboy68]

Let’s put this into context. Our biggest top level European game since 84 against a side, let’s be honest, everyone was desperate to draw in the QF let alone SF and our team peppered with supposed elite players puts in a performance like that...... GUTTED!

What is it with this team that when it matters most it shrinks? I said a few months ago to a mate that, ‘I’m beginning to hate this team. Hate the fact they were good enough to win a trophy but lacked the balls to do so’. Last night is exactly the reason why so.

If I’m honest come the summer I couldn’t care less if the lot of them leave bar Kane, Winks, Son & Alli (if he focuses fully on football). Sick to death of seeing the rest of them continually let us down. It’s one thing for Eriksen to say after the game ‘We made Ajax look better than they are’ yet then do nothing during the game to change it.

From the first few minutes it was clear our players weren’t ‘up’ for it yet continued in their casual laboured way. Only the introduction of Sissoko changed the attitude of some. Why? This is the biggest club game ever for most of this side, probably ever for the likes of Trippier, and they perform like that ?????

MP isn’t blameless either. Starting with 3 CB against a false 9, wtf is that all about? We were getting overrun after a few minutes, so clear to see, yet he done nothing to change it. We then deservedly go a goal down, make the change then. Have the balls to admit you’ve made a mistake and make the sub. Bring on Sissoko/Dier for Sanchez but again he does nothing. Instead he moves Rose to midfield with Jan at LB ?

The injury to Jan forced his hand and possibly the tie for us. We improved slightly after that and ended up with only a narrow defeat. Ajax really should have buried us last night, the fact we’re still in this is a minor miracle.

Can we go through? YES

Will we go through? Perform like we have of late then no chance. We need the away performance of the season for us next week to progress. I just don’t see it coming from this present squad of players as ultimately when it matters most they let us down ?

Difficult to argue against this well said.

 

[sunnydelight786]

I agree that barring Kane, Son, Winks, Sissoko, Verts, Gazza, one or two others, I can't wait for a squad refresh.

But I thought we played well last night second half, and I thought Ajax played very well defensively - which was obviously their intention.

Did we really? A lot of possession with zero intent. That was as comfortable away CL semi final a club could ask for let alone a non elite club like Ajax. Such a gutless performance by our supposed stars. Every single one of them should have a hard look in the mirror this morning bar Rose/Sissoko. Badly let themselves & our club down

 

[EQP]

I'd gladly take the money for Eriksen this summer and reinvest. Hugely disappointing last night. Should never be mentioned in the same breath as real club legends like VDV and Bale

Did you have this same sentiment when he scored the game wining goal against Brighton? If so, please share those posts.

 

[Led's Zeppelin]

Did we really? A lot of possession with zero intent. That was as comfortable away CL semi final a club could ask for let alone a non elite club like Ajax. Such a gutless performance by our supposed stars. Every single one of them should have a hard look in the mirror this morning bar Rose/Sissoko. Badly let themselves & our club down

I think you under-rate Ajax.

 

[Giovanni]

The most dissapointing thing for me was that they were there for the taking second half. They ran out of legs and it was there for us and we couldnt even produce a goal mouth scamble or shot from distance.

Im sure we can score a couple against these. Son and moura up top.

 

[sunnydelight786]

I think you under-rate Ajax.

I really don’t mate as I’ve watched them all through the CL campaign. As great as their victories were against Madrid & Juve they were up against 2 of the most pedestrian sides in European football. What do we go and do from the start....... play slow laboured pedestrian football allowing them to seize the initiative ?‍

 

[Gassin's finest]

I was a wee bit drunk last night, and I'd forgotten I'd shaken Glenn Hoddle's hand!

 

[fortworthspur]

it was depressing. they applied pressure for 15-20 minutes, scored a pretty weak goal and sat back and defended for the rest of the game limiting us to one shot on target. too easy for them.

 

[Giovanni]

I was a wee bit drunk last night, and I'd forgotten I'd shaken Glenn Hoddle's hand!

I sure hope it wasnt his left one! Great ball skills and sticks like glue.

 

[Jemster]

Tactics and formations to one side, this was a home leg of a Champions League semi-final. The premier competition clubs seemingly prioritise above all else given the riches that come with it. One good result here means placing one foot firmly in the final, making history and becoming immortal. Many players dream of playing at the big stage and it doesn’t get much bigger than this. Sure, our recent form in semi-finals over the past 3 seasons or so isn’t impressive, but surely we’ve learnt from that? Surely we know that desire and effort are vital ingredients to see it through. Well, perhaps not.

Yes, I am on board with the argument around being depleted and missing key players. I also accept that players can make mistakes through misplaced passes, but I am having trouble understanding how some can let the occasion pass them by without maximising their efforts. You can make a bad pass, take a bad shot, lose possession, it’s part and parcel but you can’t run badly. Unfortunately, we had too many that seemingly could not rise to the occasion.

Fortunately, Ajax did not put us to the sword which could come back and haunt them. At least now we know that we need to win away so the task is clear. Can we do it? Of course we can, but we need to up our game and put everything we have into it. No half measures and no ghosting. COYS!

 

[Sanj]

thinking back to the game last night, we troubled Ajax with crosses and had 3 good/ very good headed opportunities. Llorente and Toby must least hit the target with their attempts, and should really be scoring. These were probably our best chances.
I thought Llorente also played a lot better in the 2nd half when he started getting the ball forward quicker, and there were times he was bullying both of their centre backs.
Will be interesting to see if Poch tries to build on this in the 2nd leg, starting Llorente (assuming Kane is not fit) or whether he starts son, and saves Llorenet for the last 20-30 mins.

Assuming no Kane or Jan, i think i would like to see us start:

Lloris
Foyth Toby Sanchez Rose
Dier Sissoko
Son Dele Eriksen
llorente

 

[Nebby]

Ajax should be worried. They should be 3-0 up. We were there for the taking in the first thirty minutes. I fancy our chances with Son back in the team. We just need to come through Bournemouth unscathed and with three points in the bag. Confidence will be back, and a 1-0 lead won't look quite so solid. Target Blind and just throw everything at them. They were good, but not that good.