Tottenham survived a late onslaught to come home with a 0-0 draw from Bayer Leverkusen, and Mauricio Pochettino described the point as a good one. Last night’s contest was intense and pulsating, and you will go a long way to find a better goalless draw.
Both teams went hell for leather in search of the win, with Spurs having the better of the first half before Roger Schmidt’s rallied in the second period. Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris pulled of some excellent saves and though Pochettino’s side rode their luck, they were worth a point on the balance of the 90 minutes.
Two of Spurs’ final three group games are at ‘home’; the returns against Leverkusen and CSKA Moscow, and while qualification remains in the balance it is very much in their hands. Speaking after the game Pochettino said:
“I am not disappointed. After the game, I think it is a good point for us.
“It was a very tough game. In the first half we deserved more and in the second they got better. I am pleased with the point.
“In the second half I think they played better than us and started to dominate the game. We need to be positive – it is in our hands to go through to the next round.”
Monaco grabbed a late equaliser in Moscow last night, meaning Spurs are only one point from top spot in the group. The task ahead of them now is to prove there is no jinx or handicap attached to playing their home games at Wembley. Six points from their remaining games there will take them to the magical figure of 10 points, which is usually good enough to see you into the knockout stages. That said, topping the group should be their aim as this can sometimes ensure an easier draw in the next round. However, with two groups containing Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid, there is the possibility of tough draw regardless.
Elsewhere, there is another injury concern for Spurs after left back Danny Rose left the BayArena last night in a protective boot. Rose played the full 90 minutes, but was spotted by Evening Standard reporter Simon Johnson limping out of the ground after the game. Rose said he was okay, but it is another fitness concern for Spurs who have had plenty of bodies on the treatment table already this season. Under Pochettino’s tutelage, Rose has established himself as a regular for club and country so the club will be hopeful this issue is not too serious.
Finally, in other injury news, Toby Alderweireld is also set to miss Spurs’ league trip to Bournemouth on Saturday lunchtime as he recovers from an awkward fall at West Brom. The injury is not thought to be too serious. With the first north London derby of the season looming on November 6th Pochettino will not want his best centre half out for that game. Eric Dier slotted in quite capably against Leverkusen, but the Belgium international has been outstanding since his move to White Hart Lane.
Featured image: All rights reserved by Ai Kagou