Jan Vertonghen’s heroic stoppage time header secures Tottenham win
By Gary Pearson
Tottenham stole all three points at Molineux Stadium after Jan Vertonghen’s heroic stoppage time header gave the away side an unlikely win.
If we’re honest with ourselves, Spurs would have been happy with a single point. Comprehensively outplayed for large portions of the match, the away side struggled to cope with Wolves intensity, pace and intricate passing. To win a match of this nature shows just how far Spurs have come under Jose Mourinho. It doesn’t have to be pretty as long as you get the desired result.
Adama Traore’s rocket cancelled out Lucas Moura’s first half arrow. It looked the match would end in a stalemate. But late drama ensured Tottenham’s 2-1 win, their second away win in three tries under Mourinho.
Paulo Gazzaniga made a vital save off a flicked header when the teams were level, his first monumental game-saving moment since taking over for Hugo Lloris.
Traore was a thorn in Tottenham’s side for the duration of today’s gruelling match. He had the beating of Jan Vertonghen on the left side. Blessed with astonishing pace and power, the Spanish winger showcased his versatile skillset by bashing home a venomous equalizer in the 67th minute.
Spurs, thanks to an 8th minute rocket by Lucas Moura, got off to a dream start with the Brazilian firing the away side ahead in the eight minute. I’m surprised the roof of the net didn’t burst such was the pace Moura struck the ball with.
The script in the first half followed closely what was expected. Tottenham were compact in defence, soaking up relentless Wolves pressure. Unfortunately the away side were never able to gain a foothold. Difficult conditions mixed perfectly with the hostile environment to make life miserable for Mourinho’s men.
Eric Dier was a monster in midfield, blocking numerous shots while helping Jan Vertonghen try cope with Traoré, who caused the Belgian left back fits.
Vertonghen couldn’t keep up with the Spanish winger’s breakneck speed. Toby Alderweireld and Davinson Sanchez held firm, clearing countless headers from danger. Sanchez coughed up possession in an incredibly dangerous area in the first half but was bailed out by his colleagues at the back, whose first half work rate will thrill Jose Mourinho.
It’s never easy to watch Spurs play without the ball for such extended periods, but Mourinho’s side were disciplined, handling the unremitting pressure well. Wolves are a talented outfit whose intricate passing is matched by a high tempo, relentless style of play. It’s easy to see why they hadn’t, before today, been beaten in the top flight in 11 matches.
Tottenham will be elated, after the way proceedings transpired, to escape miserable Wolves with a all three points. Mourinho will also be on Cloud 9 after seeing his team scrap doggedly in the trenches for the duration.
Next. Mourinho's message to Aurier about Twitter directed at entire team. dark
They showed the character and discipline epitomizing champions today and, based on the collective effort, will gain boundless confidence from a hero’s display.