How they rated: Tottenham Hotspur v Sporting
Tottenham drew 1-1 at home against Sporting Clube de Portugal in their penultimate Group D Champions League clash.
A first half goal by former Tottenham youth player Marcus Edwards was eventually cancelled out by Rodrigo Bentancur, before luckless Harry Kane had a late strike ruled out by VAR as the Portuguese giants nervously held out.
The draw, while frustrating, at least avoided a third defeat in a row for the north Londoners who were much improved compared to the weekend loss to Newcastle United.
Here's how we rated Antonio Conte's players:
Hugo Lloris: 6
Question marks over the Tottenham skipper who perhaps could have got a hand to thwart Marcus Edwards' fine goal for Sporting in the 22nd minute. Made a couple of terrific saves from Sporting substitute Flavio Nazinho on the counter attack and Pedro Porro with Spurs exposed.
Matt Doherty: 5
One of six changes made by Conte from Sunday's defeat at home to Newcastle United. Crossing was too wayward just when Tottenham had improved in attacking terms after the break. Replaced by Bryan Gil in 70 minutes.
Pierre Emile-Hojberg: 6
A return to action for the Dane. Too often his forward passing bypassed the midfield and went astray in the first half. Another who improved as the game wore on.
Heung-Min Son: 6
It took 37 minutes for the South Korean to really test Adan, but his right foot shot from an angle was easily thwarted as Sporting looked comfortable with the limited threat provided by the hosts. Fizzed a shot in the 54th minute which was well parried by visiting keeper Antonio Adan.
Harry Kane: 6
Was well policed by Sporting skipper Sebastian Coates in the first half. Not the most incisive game for the England international as frustration took hold with Spurs pressing for an elusive winner. Nevertheless, with Sporting wilting, the hit man was out of luck when his late swoop was ruled out for offside.
Ivan Perisic: 5
Brought in for this big game but failed to cut a dash on the left side of a four man Spurs midfield. The team needed more incision from the Croatian.
Eric Dier: 7
Following a poor performance against Newcastle, the England player improved as the game wore on after the north Londoners made a difficult start. Restricted the threat from the visitors who were content to sit on their single goal lead as events wore on. Flashed no fewer than three headers wide as Tottenham charged late on.
Cristian Romero: 5
The Argentine was mostly anonymous in any forward sense and was one of many in lilywhite who were nervous any time Ruben Amorim’s side drove forward. Struggled against the physicality of a well-drilled Sporting as Tottenham inched forward at times at the start of the second half. Yellow carded for a reckless challenge on Paulinho in the 65th minute.
Lucas Moura: 6
Almost put Spurs ahead early on when he escaped the Sporting defence only to miss his one-on-one opportunity against Adan. Led the second half fightback alongside the rest of his team mates.
Rodrigo Bentancur: 7
Should have done better than to offer a wild schlep from 25 yards with plenty of time to tee up the opportunity early on when Spurs tried to assert themselves. Passing was unnecessarily sloppy on occasion – but redeemed himself by heading home the equaliser with ten minutes to go. Fired over the bar in injury time.
Ben Davies: 5
Was too slow in scenting danger from Edwards, as the Sporting raider had time to zip into space and despatch a fine, low shot to put the Portuguese ahead. Replaced with a few minutes remaining as Conte opted to go for broke.
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