The feverishness of Champions League football commenced with the potential ‘Group of Death’ fixtures – one of those was between Inter Milan and Tottenham Hotspur at San Siro as both the European heavyweights made it to this prestigious event banking on their majestic show the last term in respective domestic leagues. Neither of them, however, managed to hit their best form yet this season and the tie tonight was the fifth meeting between these two outfits in European competitions. Both of them won twice each of the previous four encounters and the outcome this time delivered a dramatic ending when two late goals from the hosts overturned a deficit and saw them snatching the game away from Spurs.
Below are the Spurs players rated in their shocking 2-1 defeat against Inter Milan.
Michel Vorm: 5.5
Injury of Hugo Lloris earned Vorm yet another start between the sticks tonight. The Dutchman, however, was rarely tested until a sublime volley of skipper Mauro Icardi stunned Spurs and earned the hosts an equaliser in the closing minutes of the game. There was more to the misery when Matias Vecino converted a fine header of Stefan de Vrij into goal seconds before the final whistle which sealed all three points for Inter scripting a memorable comeback.
Serge Aurier: 7.5
Aurier was supposed to have a tough time against Ivan Perisic but dealt the battle well overcoming early scares. Rarely made overlap runs as he was mostly confined to defensive duties which saw Luciano Spalletti replacing Ivan Perisic just over an hour mark after failing to dominate from the right-hand side of Spurs’ defensive line.
Davinson Sanchez: 6
Started the game in place of Toby Alderweireld and made some crucial clearances early in the game. Was clumsy at times while tackling but maintained a decent passing accuracy amidst pressure from the opponents.
Jan Vertonghen: 5.5
Was not having the best of his time as he was repeatedly losing his duels and struggled against Radja Nainggolan. Failed to calm down the defensive third which conceded two late goals to suffer a shocking defeat.
Ben Davies: 6.5
The Welshman did a decent job as he looked combative defensively and played some decent link-up football with Son and Lucas Moura later on down the left using the width of the pitch.
Eric Dier: 7
Dier misplaced a few passes and lost a few duels but showed massive agility and work rate in the centre of the pitch. Improved his performance significantly compared to the Liverpool outing. Blasted a follow-up wide to the right seconds before Icardi’s stunning equaliser.
Mousa Dembele: 7.5
Much better display from the Belgian compared to his recent outings. Was dispossessed a few times and mistimed his tackles, but did well to hold the ball and distributed it properly to his teammates. Maintained a pass success of 97% which is indeed commendable in such a tricky away tie.
Christian Eriksen: 8.5
Tried to threaten from set-pieces in the first half but finally broke the deadlock after the break with his second attempt after picking up a deflected delivery from Erik Lamela. Was excellent with his movements and kept the Inter backline on toes whenever he had the ball in his feet.
Erik Lamela: 7
The Argentine scored late against Liverpool after coming on as a substitute and earned a start against the Serie A heavyweights on the road. The winger, however, did not disappoint at all as he played his part in Eriksen’s goal before replaced by Harry Winks with around 20 minutes remaining.
Heung-min Son: 6
The South Korean had some tricky movements and successful dribbles but looked worn out in the second half and was replaced by Lucas Moura just over the hour mark.
Harry Kane: 5
Created a decent opportunity in the first half but blasted it wide. Remained isolated for the remainder of the fixture and was replaced by Danny Rose in the closing seconds.
Substitutes
Lucas Moura: 6
Looked lively and purposeful and created a few chances from the flank.
Harry Winks: 5
Tried to create a few chances upfront from the middle of the park but failed to make an impact despite glimpses of quality.
Danny Rose: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
