Tottenham needed two goals in the final 10 minutes to spare their blushes as they defeated Bulgarian outfit Lokomotiv Plovdiv in the Europa League second qualifying round.
Jose Mourinho’s side looked to be heading out of the competition at the first hurdle, but Harry Kane scored from the penalty spot before Tanguy Ndombele struck from close-range to earn Spurs a 2-1 victory.
Here’s how we rated the players on the day:
Hugo Lloris, 6 – Helpless with a goal and besides a crucial flying save at 1-0, he was a mere spectator.
Matt Doherty, 5 – Not been a great start to his Tottenham career. His end product must improve.
Davinson Sanchez, 5 – Got the wrong side of the attacker for Plovdiv’s goal, which came moments after he conceded the corner which led to it.
Eric Dier, 6 – Did what he needed to do, although some of his long-range passing was questionable.
Ben Davies, 4 – Not difficult to see why Mourinho is desperate to sign another left-back. Not at the races all night and fluffed a great chance to give Spurs a first-half lead, but somehow missed from two-yards out.
Moussa Sissoko, 4 – Offered very little before he was replaced by Ndombele on the hour mark.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, 5 – Another below par performance from the Dane, who was sloppy in possession and caught on the ball far too often.
Giovani Lo Celso, 6 – Tottenham’s best starter. Kept trying to make things happen and had a big hand in the winner – and will surely now start against Southampton.
Steven Bergwijn, 5 – Bright in the early stages, which included a thunderous effort that struck the crossbar. Quiet second-half before he made way.
Heung Min Son 4, – Not himself in recent weeks. Should have put Spurs in front early in the second period, but somehow fired off target from close-range.
Harry Kane, 5 – Fed off scraps for the majority, but wonderfully tucked away his first goal of the season from the penalty spot and almost doubled his tally minutes later but saw his header fantastically saved.
Substitutes:
Tanguy Ndombele, 8 – Could turn out to be a big moment for the Frenchman, who was really bright after his introduction and capped a fine cameo with the winner in the 85th minute – his first goal since February.
Lucas Moura, N/A – Missed an open goal at 1-1, but made up for it by providing the assist for Ndombele’s goal.
Erik Lamela, N/A – Almost made it 3-1 late on, but his curling effort from saved.
Spurs players need to step up and wear their shirts with pride, otherwise they will be on the out, Mourhino sets very high standards. They need to prove themselves on the field by grinding out positive results COYS
Tanguy and Lamela provided the spark necessary in this team. A solid but dull first half otherwise.