The journey over to Leverkusen from Reading/Slough would fill two blogs. All I will say is that we only just managed to arrive at the Bay Arena (some 30 minutes before kick off). By the time we had ran the gamut of the ticket and security checks, we just about had the time for some curry wurst, chips and a soft drink before the kick off.
We then took our place in the stadium, which was situated in the lower tier of the away end in the safe standing zone. This was in time for us to hear the iconic UCL anthem.
The game started, and the first 20 or so minutes were a cagey affair, with both teams probing to discover any weaknesses in their respective opponent's.
In this first half, where Spurs were attacking the 'home' end, we slowly came into the ascendancy and only:
1. A misplaced header (from Dele),
2. The width of the bar (from a headed Janssen effort) and...
3. A fine save from Leno (the Leverkusen 'keeper), who managed to keep out the acrobatic follow up from Lamela.
...kept the score even (0-0) at the break.
Janssen did have a goal chalked off for offside in this half too.
During the second half, most, if not all of the play occurred in our half, with Hugo again having to be on top form to keep the scores level.
Leverkusen did manage to put the ball in the back of our net, but not before the referee had blown for an infringement on Lloris.
As the final whistle sounded, I distinctly got the impression from within the travelling supporters, that we were slightly more happier with the result than our hosts might have been?
Ratings: Lloris (9) - MoTM. In the second half, it became a case of Leverkusen vs our Hugo. The save against Hernandez was a moment of wonder for all Spurs fans. (This will be a contender for the e-Spurs 'Save of the Season', of that I have no doubt!)
Rose (6) - Worked tirelessly, but Leverkusen worked harder to prevent his forays forward.
Vertonghen (6) - A steady performance from Jan. Pulled off a number a decent interceptions and tackles.
Dier (6) - A few misplaced passes & hesitant at the start, but grew in confidence / stature as the game progressed.
Trippier (6) - A few decent forays forward and some excellent crosses. Increasingly found the opportunities to go forward limited as the game progressed.
Wanyama (7) - Shored up what became an increasingly beleaguered defence in the second half. Mobile and combative throughout.
Lamela (5) - Another needless booking from Erik. Brought out the best in Leno, but the game increasingly passed him by. Made way for Sissoko.
Eriksen (5) - Seemed to lose his creative spark tonight. Often overpowered and bypassed in midfield.
Dele (6) - A few decent touches. Worked tirelessly for the team, but became increasingly isolated as the game progressed.
Son (6) - Desperately wanted to shine on his return to Leverkusen, but like Delle, became more isolated as the game progressed. Started on the wing, moved up top when Janssen made way for Dembele. Son subsequently made way for Onomah at the end of the game.
Janssen (6) - Excellent hold up play and distribution. I can't recall many misplaced passes from Vincent? In the second half, his supply of passes/crosses from his team mates dried up completely. I understand why he had to make way, but maybe we should have changed the system to reopen this supply line, rather than by severing it altogether? Made way for Dembele.
Subs: Dembele (5) - A few wayward passes. It seemed to take him an age to get into the pace of the game.
Sissoko (4) - Really struggled to understand what he contributed to the game?
Onomah (N/R) - His late introduction was more for the clock and his own development.
Tactics - It would appear that we were back to our trusty 4-1-4-1 formation again? This seemed to work in the first half, but as the game progressed, Leverkusen's press became more effective. This lead to Janssen being isolated as Eriksen and Lamela and our fullbacks were forced further back.
From my perspective, none of our changes made any offensive difference to the way we played? Indeed, I would go so far to say that it was more of a case of us not wanting to lose the game, rather than going out to outright win it?
Rather than withdraw Janssen, I would have liked Son to partner our Vincent, as I believe that this would have asked different questions of the Leverkusen defence?
I would also like to know why N'Koudou was not in the squad? Georges-Kevin made a positive contribution to the previous UCL game in Moscow and I think he could have done the same tonight?
Summary - In the overall scheme of things, a hard earned point away in the UCL is often seen as a good result and it keeps our points tally ticking over.
If you look at the predictions of the e-Spurs podcast team, most went for a draw (albeit a scoring one!?) so I guess we should all be happy?
As a fan and self-confessed purist of the game, I would have liked us to have shown greater endeavour going forward. I guess, given injuries to key players, that I am glad that Pochettino was able to select a rapidly maturing young team/formation for tonight's game that got us the point which kept us second in our group!
The return fixture at Wembley is now brilliantly poised. The players must be ready to play this game, not the occasion.
As fans, we will have a crucial part to play as well, as we must make Wembley feel like it's our home.
We then made our way back to the station for the two-train commute back to our hotel. Tomorrow, we have the delights of the autobahn, Belgian roads and the Eurotunnel to look forward to, but as I said at the start, that is completely different story..:
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