This was a game in which Frank failed to deliver the second-half sucker punches that were needed to kill off the visitors. That said, Tottenham’s in-game management delivered the right result, in the end. All in all, we were fortunate that Villareal didn’t have more about them.
Our victory was gifted via an early own goal by Villarreal’s goalkeeper Luiz Júnior, who fumbled Bergvall’s cross.
5 Guglielmo Vicario – Thankfully, a quiet night with no significant saves required. One poor pass nearly caused trouble, but he secured a clean sheet. This passing out from the back nonsense has to stop.
6 Porro – A limited attacking impact this evening, and the usual positional headaches abounded. That said, he produced 5 accurate long balls, made a key pass and produced a passing accuracy of 86% which was good, given his forward role.
6 Romero – Showed leadership, though some ambitious long passes led to counterattacks. A 91% passing accuracy was pleasing. The Argentine’s long-ball game needs to be more like it was against West Ham.
6 Micky – Fortunate to avoid a red card for that late challenge on Georges Mikautadzem, which sums up the bulk of the second half, which was all about containment.
5 Destiny – Had a tough time against Pépé, but fresh legs were required.
5 Spence – Had a decent game, but as with many, not an exceptional one.
6 Palhinha – Another much-needed element in Frank’s all too sane in-game management. An 87% passing accuracy.
6 Bergvall didn’t have his most consistent game, but shone early on. Lost possession the longer the game went on.
6 Kudus – By his own standards was found wanting. We got occasional flashes of quality but failed to consistently dominate.
5 Richarlison – Another subpar performance, but he really wasn’t the only one. Involved in the early own goal and pushed (far too hard) for a penalty, but struggled to create clear chances. Worked hard but lacked service.
6 Xavi went the same way as far too many others, a promising first half and a fizzle out of the last 45.
