Tottenham Hotspur was left to rue a host of missed opportunities as a stoppage-time goal from Mats Hummels secured a dramatic 2-2 draw for Roma in their Europa League clash. Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou voiced his frustration over his team’s inability to secure the win, despite dominating for large periods and creating numerous chances. The result leaves Tottenham in a strong position in their group but highlights their ongoing struggles in front of goal.
Postecoglou Critical of Spurs’ Finishing
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou did not hide his disappointment following the final whistle. “Frustrated with the way the game ended, obviously. We should have killed it off a lot earlier,” he stated, pointing to his team’s lack of efficiency in the final third.
The statistics tell a story of dominance without reward. Tottenham managed a total of 24 shots on goal but repeatedly failed to find the decisive touch. The woodwork proved to be Roma’s best friend on the night, denying key efforts from several players.
- Dejan Kulusevski saw a powerful shot rebound off the crossbar.
- Pedro Porro was unlucky as his long-range effort struck the post.
- Dominic Solanke also hit the frame of the goal in the second half.
Despite the frustrating outcome, Postecoglou acknowledged the team’s overall progress in the competition. “We’re in a strong position and that’s the main thing,” he added, looking at the bigger picture.
An End-to-End European Thriller
The match was a rollercoaster from start to finish. Spurs took an early lead when Son Heung-Min coolly converted a penalty, sending the home fans into a frenzy.
However, Roma responded well, and their persistence paid off when Evan Ndicka rose highest to head in an equalizer from a corner. Tottenham fought back and regained the lead through Brennan Johnson, who finished off a swift attacking move initiated by a precise cross from Dejan Kulusevski. Just as it seemed Spurs had done enough to claim all three points, veteran defender Mats Hummels found the net in stoppage time to snatch a draw for the visitors.
| Player | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| Son Heung-Min | 1 | 0 |
| Evan Ndicka | 1 | 0 |
| Brennan Johnson | 1 | 1 |
| Mats Hummels | 1 | 0 |
Ranieri Praises Roma’s Fighting Spirit
Roma’s head coach, Claudio Ranieri, was full of praise for his team’s resilience. “Today we pulled off a very good performance,” he said, clearly proud of the fight his players showed. The Italian side has been struggling domestically, sitting 12th in Serie A, making their performance on the European stage even more impressive.
Ranieri, who came out of retirement to take the job, is currently in his third head coaching role this season. He admitted he had hoped not to get a call from Roma or Cagliari, as it would mean they were in trouble, but he has embraced the challenge.
Looking Ahead to Crucial Fixtures
Both teams now turn their attention to their next European encounters. Tottenham will travel to face Rangers on December 12, a match where improving their finishing will be a top priority. Meanwhile, Roma returns to the Stadio Olimpico to host Braga, hoping to build on their spirited draw.
Postecoglou remains committed to his attacking philosophy, believing it is what entertains the fans. However, to secure their spot at the top of the group, Spurs will need to find the clinical edge that was missing against Roma.
