TOTTENHAM 1-0 VILLARREAL: Spurs got their return to the Champions League off to a winning start after a goalkeeper howler earned them all three points against the La Liga side
As Champions League debuts go, it was a good introduction for Thomas Frank. The Tottenham boss had never managed at this level before but is making himself feel very much at home in his new surroundings.
It does feel like a fresh start and a new era for Spurs with a new manager, impressive new players and a new-look hierarchy sat up in the directors’ box.
Tottenham eased past decent Spanish opposition to get this season’s campaign off to a winning start even if they got some luck along the way with a comical own goal.
Villarreal keeper Luiz Junior’s dreadful fourth minute howler gifted Tottenham the win and, while there was plenty of room for improvement, they got the job done.
In truth, it was all a bit low key. It was quite comfortable for Tottenham. The new Champions League format means two extra games in the league phase which is all very nice but reduces any sense of jeopardy.
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The loudest the home fans got all night was when they booed Villarreal substitute Thomas Partey when he came out to warm up and then came on in the second half. The former Arsenal midfielder is due to appear in court in London on Wednesday on rape and sexual assault charges.
The 54,755 crowd was below capacity, not least because season ticket holders had to buy their seats for this game and Villarreal did not even bring 1,000 fans.
Mind you, the little Spanish town only has a population of just over 50,000 and so the football club has punched above its weight for years.
Tottenham’s new-look hierarchy – non-executive chair Peter Charrington, chief executive Vinai Venkatesham plus Viv and Charles from the Lewis family – watched on from the directors’ box.
Even the opening – and decisive – goal was a bit underwhelming. Lucas Bergvall swung over a cross from the right, Villarreal keeper Luiz Junior blocked it but allowed it to squirm into his own net.
It was a shocking mistake. But it went a long way to settling any Tottenham nerves on their return to Europe’s top stage.
Frank is already making such a good impression at Tottenham and it is very noticeable how he regularly changes his midfield three to suit the opposition.
This time it was Bergvall, Rodrigo Bentancur and the hugely impressive Pape Matar Sarr who has gone from being a bit part player to midfield kingpin this season.
That is a huge tribute to Frank’s coaching and man management which is also working nicely for Mohammed Kudus who was regarded as something of a luxury player at West Ham whereas now he works tirelessly up and down the wing.
Villarreal did at least get a foothold back in the game. Former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe had a decent game set up Tajon Buchanan who should have scored but steered wide.
Tottenham’s Holland winger Xavi Simons was lucky not to get a second yellow card for a trip on Pepe and, to rub salt into the wounds, Villarreal coach Marcelino was booked for his protests.
There was even time for a late run out for Spurs new boy Randal Kolo Muani who came on for his debut.
Spurs did have a late scare when Micky van de Ven fouled Georges Mikautadze who fell into the box and the VAR check backed up the referee’s instinct to give a free kick rather than a penalty. Pepe’s free kick flew just wide and Tottenham’s win was safe.
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