Tottenham Hotspur secured qualification to the knockout stages with a fine performance against Borussia Dortmund, with goals coming for Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.
The North Londoners held onto their 3 point lead at the top of Group H with a comeback victory against Peter Bosz’s men. As things stand, Spurs have 13 points from 5 games, and Real Madrid are behind them with 10 points from 5 games.
The next game against APOEL Nicosia at home is but a mere formality, as Spurs have already qualified for the knockout stages. But Pochettino may likely want to secure top spot on the group with a win at Wembley, to make it all the more sweeter.
In a relatively quiet first half, the visitors found themselves trailing after 31 minutes after Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang finished from close range. The score was 1:0 at half time, but Pochettino’s half-time talk seemed to have done the trick as Spurs came out with a lot more vigour after the break.
A mere 4 minutes after the restart, Harry Kane had half a chance to score and he took it in superb fashion, slotting it into Roman Burki’s bottom right corner. Spurs kept threatening, not without response and they kept growing into the game.
Some back and forth later, Son Heung-min was set up wonderfully by Dele Alli and the Korean curled it into the top corner from 15 yards yard, scoring what would essentially be the winner.
Hugo Lloris: 6/10
Could have maybe done better for the first goal, but besides that he wasn’t too troubled on the night. Recovered well and was good in the air.
Serge Aurier: 7/10
Aurier had a fine day at the office and put in a good shift. It was a hard working display from the Ivorian, one of his better matches in Spurs shirt this season. However, he did play Aubameyang onside for the opening goal of the game.
Davinson Sanchez: 8/10
Yet another fine display from the Columbian center-back who is slowly becoming an integral part of Pochettino’s first team. A very assured, composed performance and he never looked to be overawed by the threat of Dortmund’s attack.
Jan Vertonghen: 8/10
Could have done better to stop Aubameyang from scoring the opener. Besides that, it was a strong performance from the Belgian. Made a number of key interceptions and distributed well, becoming the games third most prolific passer. Even created a chance for Son with a fine pass.
Danny Rose: 7/10
Would’ve had 2 assists to his name had Eriksen applied the finishing touches on the 2 opportunities the Englishman created for him. Wasn’t afraid to take players on and it was a solid overall display, one that will do his confidence a tremendous amount of good.
Eric Dier: 7/10
Nearly scored in the first half. That was his only major attacking contribution, otherwise defended very well on the right side of a back 3 and was a good aerial presence. However, his attempted long balls were a let down.
Harry Winks: 8/10
Arguably Pochettino’s best player on the night. The 21-year-old put in a classy performance, which exuded a maturity and calm well beyond his years. His side’s and the game’s most prolific passer, he was intelligent in possession and distribution and his position was almost always on point.
Christian Eriksen: 7/10
Wasn’t his worst performance in a Spurs’ shirt, but it wasn’t one to look back fondly on. A quiet game, and took some time to get going. Had a good opportunity which he failed to take in the first half. Tried to dictate the game and did so reasonably well.
Dele Alli: 8/10
Set up both of his side’s goals with fine assists, which included beating two men on the touchline to set up Son. Produced a valuable defensive header on the other end in the first half. A good game overall for the young Englishman as he continues to find his rhythm this season.
Son Heung-min: 8/10
The Korean was Spurs’ most lively attacker on the night and had a number of chances at goal. His pace and runs at the Borussia defence caused them problems all night. Took his goal wonderfully and that takes his tally up to 8 goals in 10 careers appearances against Dortmund.
Harry Kane: 7/10
The Englishman couldn’t impose himself on the game too much in the first half and it was a rather quiet first 45 minutes. Looked much more lively in the second half. Brought his side back in the game with a superb finish, but besides that looked a little fatigued.
