Spurs fans need to appreciate Hugo’s huge day for Tottenham
By Aaron Coe
The final scoreline of 0-4 gives the impression that Tottenham Hotspur crushed Aston Villa, and while Spurs did run roughshod over the Villians, Hugo Lloris saved Spurs.
Some pundits felt like Tottenham Hotspur got lucky in the first half against Villa this past weekend, but the reality is that club captain Lloris stepped up for Spurs. After conceding a goal he probably could have kept out the week prior against Newcastle, Lloris had a statement to make, and he did so in terrific fashion.
Villa registered 14 shots in the first half, with an incredible seven on target. Spurs finished the match with only five shots on target, resulting in four goals as a point of comparison. Even more impressive from Lloris, none of the saves were ordinary, although Lloris regularly makes most of them.
Lloris parries the danger away.
The first three saves Lloris made were similar in that he parried the ball in each instance but never allowed Villa a rebound as the ball went out or to his team. First, Matty Cash hit a long volley at the near post, Lloris got down to his left well, and Ben Davies cleaned up the rebound to avoid any problem.
Whereas Cash’s effort was 30 yards away, Lloris’ second save was at point-blank range. Jacob Ramsey had split defenders Cristian Romero and Emerson Royal as he glided into the box. Ramsey then went with power to try and beat Lloris, who had a solid right hand to push the ball wide and over the bar. It was likely the best save Lloris made all day, and it kept Spurs with the 1-goal lead.
The third save came after a corner was recycled around to John McGinn, who blasted from a distance. Lloris was again up for the challenge and deflected the swerving shot out of harm’s way.