Tottenham Hotspur failed to secure their maiden UEFA Champions League crown, after slumping to a highly disappointing 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the final.
The game started in the worst way possible for the Lilywhites as Moussa Sissoko’s unnecessary handball was penalised, with Mohamed Salah scoring Liverpool’s opener from a penalty. That goal turned out to be the main difference between the two sides for the large parts of the game as both the teams looked to create opportunities. It turned out to be a cagey affair in midfield.
However, Tottenham were by far the better side in the second half, creating a plethora of chances. But, most of their efforts on goal were denied by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson. And as Mauricio Pochettino’s men continued to push forward, Liverpool took advantage of their sloppy defending to double their lead and seal the tie through Divock Origi just three minutes before time.
Here is how Pochettino’s men have fared in their Champions League defeat to Liverpool this evening.
Hugo Lloris 6.5
The Frenchman saved three penalties this season. But, he was helpless in stopping Mohamed Salah’s convincing spot kick as Liverpool scored the opener inside the first two minutes. Didn’t have much to do afterwards but should have helped neutralise the Liverpool counter-attacks by getting off his line.
Kieran Trippier 5
Struggled to make his mark on the proceedings as Liverpool overwhelmed the right-flank with their left-sided overload. Trippier’s lack of defensive solidity paved the way for the Reds to dominate the game early on. The English international also failed to play the ball out from the back or to provide any dangerous crosses into the box.
Toby Alderweireld 7
Should have done much better in clearing the set-piece that resulted in Liverpool’s second goal of the evening. But, the Belgian was decent in neutralising many of the opposition attackers, after conceding an early goal.
Jan Vertonghen 7
Vertonghen, too, did an excellent job of preventing Liverpool from extending their lead, especially after Salah’s early penalty. The veteran defender made a lot of clearances and was also good in the air.
Danny Rose 7.5
Provided much more threat going forward when compared to Trippier. The English international looked dangerous at times with his offensive forays down the flanks, notably winning a free-kick late in the game. Also seemed rather comfortable with the ball.
Moussa Sissoko 4
Struggled to influence the game and lost the ball way too often, after initially being culpable for conceding the early penalty. It was undoubtedly a terrible evening for the Frenchman, who made way for Eric Dier during the final phase of the game.
Harry Winks 5
Winks’ combination with Sissoko was just awful. Their lack of understanding prevented Tottenham from getting a firm grip in midfield, and the youngster was also ineffective with his forward balls.
Christian Eriksen 5.5
Failed to provide any sort of creativity in the final third as he was often overwhelmed by the Liverpool midfielders. The Dane was also quite ineffective from set-pieces. He delivered only one key pass and managed 52 touches on the ball, most of which came in the second half.
Dele Alli 5
Alli was perhaps the most ineffective Tottenham attacker this evening. The England international looked menacing with the ball. But, his decision making in the final third was horrendous while he also lost possession at crucial moments. Not the best of matches for the talented playmaker.
Heung-Min Son 7
Son was definitely the liveliest Tottenham attacker, despite accumulating a few sloppy touches as well as providing some untidy passes in the final third. The South Korean international looked very promising with the ball at his feet and often looked to take on opposing defenders. However, he should have made better use of his chances.
Harry Kane 6
A quiet game by his lofty standards as the English superstar was completely outclassed by the imposing Virgil van Dijk for extensive periods of the game. Indeed, Kane found it challenging to meet the crosses due to some excellent marking and aerial prowess from the Dutchman.
One could argue that Kane may not have been fully fit to start in such a high-octane encounter.
Substitutes
Lucas Moura 6.5
Should have been brought on much earlier as the Brazilian replaced Winks in the 66th minute. He offered much more pace in the final third but didn’t have that much of an impact overall.
Eric Dier N/A
A 74th-minute replacement for Sissoko, who tried to keep things tidy in midfield as Tottenham pushed for the equaliser.
Fernando Llorente N/A
Replaced the ineffective Alli in the 82nd minute.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
