Three Points against Aston Villa but must do Better – Match Summary

It was far from pretty and Spurs were getting plenty of stick from social media at half time but eventually, the 2019/20 campaign got underway with three welcome points. A debut goal from Tanguy Ndombele and a double for Harry Kane claimed the win as a resolute Aston Villa side were finally broken down.

It was an important victory with a trip to Manchester City looming next Saturday but what have we learned as the season began?

Poch Holds his Hands up

mauricio pochettino

Mauricio Pochettino

After the game, manager Mauricio Pochettino admitted that he’d got his tactics wrong during the first half. In the opening period, Spurs pressed but gaps at the back allowed John McGinn to open the scoring after just nine minutes.

Some plans didn’t work. It’s not to blame the players, it’s to blame myself.

Pochettino said in his post-match press conference.

We helped the players play better and create space and chances to win the game.

The second half began more positively and was undoubtedly helped by the entrance of Christian Eriksen. Despite not featuring for the whole game, the Dane was named Man of the Match in the club’s official Twitter poll and after the encounter, the manager acknowledged his influence.

They were very compact. In the second half they played very well. When Christian went on the pitch he was fresh. This quality can help you to achieve your victory.

Sharp Shooter

harry kane

Harry Kane

Harry Kane’s first goals at the new stadium were more than welcome as Villa finally started to crumble in the last ten minutes. Like many of the best strikers, Kane was largely quiet but he stepped forward when it was needed most.

Tanguy Ndombele also grabbed headlines for the calm nature of his 73rd minute equaliser and overall, the new signing looks set for a promising partnership with Moussa Sissoko in the heart of midfield.

More to Come

While Tanguy Ndombele joined an exclusive club of players to score on their debut, we wait for the entrance of fellow new signings Ryan Sessegnon and Giovani Lo Celso. It will, of course, be fascinating to see where these two slot in and whether there will be starting berths for Christian Eriksen and Jan Vertonghen as the month develops. That’s for the near future but for now, a win is a win and the nature of the second half comeback will hopefully give the side some confidence going into that Manchester City game.

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