What a wild rollercoaster! Tottenham's Champions League showdown with Copenhagen saw dramatic twists, from a controversial red card to heroic comebacks – but were the referees the real villains, or did luck play a bigger role than we think?
Dive into Standard Sport's take on the Spurs squad's performances in this edge-of-your-seat European match, where individual brilliance shone through amidst the chaos. We'll break down each player's contribution, rating them on a scale that highlights their impact, and sprinkle in some extra insights to make sense of the game's key moments for fans new to the action-packed world of football.
Starting between the posts, Guglielmo Vicario earned a solid 7. After his standout saves in recent games, this was a more subdued outing for the Italian goalkeeper. He handled the ball confidently when Copenhagen delivered crosses into the box and made four straightforward stops, keeping things steady without needing to pull off miracles.
Pedro Porro stepped up with an impressive 8, showcasing his versatility on the right flank. His clever crossfield passes to the left wing created opportunities, and he set up two golden chances for Richarlison – though frustration boiled over when both were squandered. It's a reminder of how midfield maestros can dictate the flow of play.
Cristian Romero, the defensive rock, also bagged an 8. He was proactive with the ball, threading precise passes that broke lines and found Xavi Simons. Plus, he was quick to cover for teammates' errors, leading by example on the pitch – a captain's role in action.
Now, talking about Micky van de Ven: this Dutch defender was an absolute sensation, rated an 8 for his jaw-dropping solo effort. Picture this – he sprinted almost the entire length of the field in what felt like an instant, scoring a goal worthy of the Puskas Award (think those unforgettable, skillful individual feats that stun fans worldwide). His heroics calmed the nerves in the stadium after Spurs were reduced to ten men. But here's where it gets controversial... Was this the game-changer Tottenham needed, or does it highlight how one player's magic can overshadow team tactics?
Destiny Udogie began brightly with a 7, linking up effectively with Wilson Odobert to make the left side a genuine attacking threat. Understandably, his energy dipped a bit after missing recent matches due to injury, but he added that early spark.
Rodrigo Bentancur was a pressing powerhouse, earning an 8. With Joao Palhinha on the bench, he brought relentless energy despite some recent criticism, winning the ball back aggressively. His composure in possession and improved passing range showed real growth – think of him as the engine room keeping the team ticking.
Pape Matar Sarr started slowly but improved to a 7, finding his rhythm as Spurs adapted to playing with ten players. He embraced the extra workload, becoming more influential in midfield – a classic example of players stepping up when the game demands it.
Brennan Johnson, clinical as always, got a 7 for his finish and ball-carrying ability before that harsh straight red card. He was pushing hard for a regular start against Manchester United, but the dismissal raised eyebrows. And this is the part most people miss: Was the referee's call unfairly strict, potentially costing Spurs dearly in future matches? It's a debate that's sure to divide fans.
Xavi Simons dazzled with an 8 in the first half, exploiting the central space Copenhagen left him and nearly earning three assists. It was unfortunate he had to be substituted after Johnson's red card, but his performance was a highlight reel in itself.
Wilson Odobert shone as Spurs' top left-wing option, also an 8. His direct running made him a constant danger, and he celebrated his well-taken goal by doubling the lead – a boost for young talents breaking into the first team.
Randal Kolo Muani had a mixed 7, squandering two massive chances before halftime but redeeming himself with a touch of class to set up Odobert's goal. He's a tricky forward who keeps defenses guessing, even if consistency is key for strikers.
Moving to the substitutes: Joao Palhinha (on for Simons at 61') grabbed an 8 for his impact, helping solidify the lead and even adding to it with an attacking burst – a short but effective appearance that showcased his versatility.
Richarlison (replacing Kolo Muani at 72') was disappointing with a 4, hitting the bar with a header and then missing a penalty wide. While bad luck might have played a part, top strikers often turn those moments into goals – food for thought on finishing.
Djed Spence (for Udogie at 72') managed a 6, getting some valuable minutes after an injury scare with a couple of promising runs down the left.
Kevin Danso (on for Romero at 72') cruised to a 6 in the final stretch, as Copenhagen posed little threat.
Finally, Dane Scarlett (replacing Odobert at 80') impressed with a 7, winning the penalty he desperately wanted to take himself. His first action of the season was eye-catching, proving he's ready for more opportunities.
So, what do you think? Was the red card on Johnson a turning point that fueled the team's fightback, or an injustice that could haunt Spurs? Do wasted chances like Richarlison's suggest a lack of ruthlessness, or just unlucky bounces? Share your takes in the comments – agree, disagree, or add your own spin on this pulsating match!
