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Champions League Live Reaction: Tottenham v AS Monaco

By Ryan Wrenn

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: A general view inside the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and AS Monaco FC at Wembley Stadium on September 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Matt Lewis - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: A general view inside the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and AS Monaco FC at Wembley Stadium on September 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Matt Lewis - The FA/The FA via Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 14: Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur skips past Jemerson of AS Monaco during the UEFA Champions League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and AS Monaco FC at Wembley Stadium on September 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 14: Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur skips past Jemerson of AS Monaco during the UEFA Champions League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and AS Monaco FC at Wembley Stadium on September 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

Halftime: Tottenham 1 – 2 Monaco

Toby Alderweireld’s first goal of the season right at the death of the half does little to improve what came before.

Despite getting the better of the chances over the opening stages of the match, a mistake by Lamela in the 15th minute allowed Bernardo Silva to retrieve the ball in a dangerous area and slot it past Hugo Lloris to take the lead.

Monaco, emboldened by their goal against the run of play, were better able to bottle up Tottenham’s attacks thereafter. Eriksen looked particularly vulnerable, with most of Tottenham’s most dangerous balls coming from Alli in much deeper positions.

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None of this is particularly surprising. Jardim’s created a well-disciplined Monaco side built to withstand the prolonged sieges of a team like Paris Saint-Germain, their primary rival in Ligue 1. Their talents at containing their own area are understandable considerable.

What is shocking is how inept Tottenham have looked — on both ends of the ball. Monaco’s second goal wasn’t the direct result of a Tottenham mistake exactly, but it was the kind of goal we have rarely seemed conceded by this team since the beginning of past season. The cross that led to the goal was given up easily, and Lemar was able to control then convert with relative ease.

Alderweireld’s goal is certainly encouraging, but without some serious changes from Tottenham this isn’t going to be a Monaco side that wilts away. Pochettino needs to pin back the full-backs, maybe push Eriksen over to the left and find a way through.

To that end, it appears as if Mousa Dembélé will be making his season debut, coming on for Son.

Next: Final Thoughts

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