Three things we learned from Tottenham’s loss to Bayern
By Gary Pearson
Tottenham were comprehensively dominated last night in Munich, but the match did provide some telling takeaways.
It was always going to be an experimental match. But most of us didn’t think that experiment would go so poorly. Spurs were outplayed in every facet by a stronger, livelier, more creative Munich side.
Jose Mourinho said he wants to face Bayern again in the quarterfinal in a real match, and I’d tend to agree, as leaving Munich with our tales between our legs has left a lingering, rather repugnant taste.
1. Danny Rose’s future at Tottenham looks bleak
Danny Rose, not for the first time this season, was woeful. He looks confused, unable to gain a foothold in the game. Rose, based on his wealth of experience, was supposed to be one of the leaders on the pitch. He couldn’t take care of his own responsibilities, let alone lead others. There’s no way Jose Mourinho will want to extend Rose’s contract. If we weren’t in such a pinch at left back, I don’t think he’d see the light of day again. Unfortunately we still need him until Ben Davies returns. After that, though, Rose should be handed his marching orders.
2. Ryan Sessgnon is ready to play at the top level
Ryan Sessegnon was one of Spurs bright spots last night. He scored his first Tottenham goal, a belter half-volley from close range. His first half performance was excellent, with the youngster showing his pace and drive down the left flank. I’d love to see him employed at left back in a Premier League fixture with other senior players. He’s going to flourish with the likes of Son Heung-Min, Dele Alli, Harry Kane and others helping him along.
3. Christian Eriksen and Giovani Lo Celso can’t play in the same midfield
Like this is a surprise to anyone. It was like watching the blind leading the blind. Or, in this case, the apathetic leading the disoriented. Lo Celso and Eriksen are both basically absent defensively. Munich’s midfield walked circles around the pair, who either don’t want to put a tackle in or are simply unable to. Lo Celso needs to be much higher up the pitch, ensuring he’s not needed defensively. He shouldn’t have played in a match where Spurs were almost guaranteed to play most of it without the ball. In a way he was set up to fail. Lo Celso needs to play against inferior sides, where Spurs carry the lion’s share of possession, not against a side of Munich’s quality. And Eriksen is a lost cause, disinterested, yet again, throughout. Looked like men against boys.