Roma frustrate Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur 2 - 2 Roma
Veteran defender Mats Hummels rescued a dramatic late equaliser for Claudio Ranieri's Roma, denying Tottenham victory in a tense Europa League clash.
The 35-year-old German, featuring in his first European match since July's Champions League final, endured a rollercoaster evening. He conceded an early penaltyjust five minutes in, bringing down Pape Matar Sarr after reacting slowly to a loose ball in the box. However in stoppage time, Hummels redeemed himself, slotting home Angelino's pinpoint cross to salvage a point for Roma.
Tottenham had been the dominant force for much of the game. Son Heung-min converted the penalty Hummels gave away, while Brennan Johnson added a superb first-time finish following Dejan Kulusevski's cutback. Earlier, defender Evan N'Dicka had drawn Roma level, and Stephan El Shaarawy thought he’d scored with a stunning volley, only for VAR to rule it out for offside.
Despite their control, Spurs failed to capitalise on their first-half chances. Johnson had an effort cleared off the line, Dominic Solanke saw a shot saved, and Son skied a rebound after Kulusevski struck the post.
The second half saw Roma grow into the game, with Angelino rattling the bar with a fierce volley and Spurs' Pedro Porro hitting the woodwork with a free-kick. Solanke also struck the post, while Roma had two more goals disallowed for offside through Artem Dovbyk and Manu Kone.
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Ange Postecoglou’s options were limited due to injuries, with the Spurs boss making four changes from the side that thrashed Manchester City 4-0 at the weekend. Late substitutes Yves Bissouma, Timo Werner, James Maddison, and Lucas Bergvall couldn’t stem Roma’s relentless pressure.
Tottenham sit ninth in the Europa League league phase standings, just outside the top eight that bypass the play-offs. They face crucial matches against Rangers, Hoffenheim, and Elfsborg to secure their progression.
As for Roma, they continue to navigate a turbulent season under Ranieri, their third manager of the campaign. The 73-year-old former Leicester and Chelsea boss, managing his boyhood club for the third time, has seemingly reinvigorated the team with his wealth of experience.
My reaction
This is a result that would have frustrated the manager. We played quite well at times, but maybe the players were a little tired after a busy period for those on international duty a couple of weeks ago.
Nobody likes conceding a last-minute equaliser. It is always annoying. We are still in a good position though. Qualifying from the top 8 is a priority as nobody wants those extra matches in February. Onwards and upwards though. COYS!
