Inter 4-3 Tottenham: What Just Happened and What Does It Mean?
Yesterday’s Champions League showdown at Inter Milan did not go according to plan for Spurs. The North London side was outclassed from the onset and dealt a seemingly fatal blow within the first 15 minutes of the game.
A four-goal and one-man deficit at half meant it was all but over for Redknapp and company…or at least, so it seemed.
An outrageous hat trick and plenty of drama later, the outcome was the same on paper. However, the feeling in Spurs’ camp was worlds apart.
How It Happened
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A second minute goal is a bad start. A converted penalty and straight red to your keeper moments later makes it disastrous. And another goal before the 15 minute mark? Unheard of. This might have been the most calamitous start to a Champions League match ever for a side with such high hopes, and Spurs were certainly reeling.
Crouch missed a point blank header that could have boosted Redknapp’s spirits midway through the half, and when Eto’o (who converted the penalty earlier) found the net again minutes thereafter at 4-0, the game was over. But I suppose nobody told Gareth Bale.
How It Happened, Part Two
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The in-demand youngster scored early in second half on an unlikely run, outpacing his defender over half the field and rocketing a shot home from the left corner of the box. A beautiful shot, it gave Spurs fans at least something to cheer about in the still-disastrous game.
The momentum was short-lived, and as the game wore down, it appeared Tottenham was content with a 4-1 defeat. But with just minutes remaining, Bale struck again—on a carbon copy of his previous goal. Good run, excellent shot, same location, but still 4-2.
Then, in an unbelievable turn, 10-man Spurs struck again mere seconds later. Aaron Lennon (who had been a bright spot all night) set Bale up brilliantly, and the Welshman converted yet again to put panic into Rafa Benitez’s side. Unfortunately for Spurs and impartial fans alike, this would be the final score of the contest—Tottenham’s furious rally had fallen short.
Why It Happened
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From the start, it was apparent that Spurs were ill-prepared on the road. The defense was caught flat-footed on the first goal, which set the tone for the opening misery. Then, when Gomes was fairly red-carded and Eto’o converted his penalty, the game was all but over. Defensive-minded Inter could cruise the rest of the way. But Inter didn’t cruise vs. their 10-man foes, continuing unwavering pressure until the scoreboard read 4-0.
All of this is easy to understand—a top opponent playing on their home pitch, reveling in early momentum and a numbers advantage, is going to score frequently. What happened next is what intrigues me. Why did Tottenham come back?
Was it Young Boys 2.0? Perhaps, but this time, Spurs were facing a much better foe without a full complement of players. Surely a more impressive comeback. Did Inter let off the gas? Likely yes, but that still doesn’t account for such a dramatic turnaround. Lucky breaks in converting chances? Probably not —Tottenham didn’t have many first half chances.
The only valid explanation for the dramatic turnaround has to be the play of Spurs’ young left back. Gareth Bale lifted his teammates on his back, outclassing the Inter defense with ease and giving Tottenham much-needed energy, confidence and pride. That’s the sort of leadership that wins championships. Spurs ought to reject any and all bids for Bale on this performance alone. Just saying.
Causes for Concern
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There was plenty to be worried about in this one:
1) More early struggles on the road. After the Young Boys debacle, you'd think Spurs had put this behind them. I guess not.
2) Poor finishing. If Crouch heads home in the first half, Tottenham might have trailed by only two at the break. And as we saw, that would have been a manageable deficit.
3) Defensive clearances. Spurs couldn't buy a clearance for much of the match, and Inter's best opportunities stemmed from Tottenham's inability to vacate the penalty area. The injury woes on defense have been well documented, but if Spurs are to contend, they'll have to do better in the future.
Reasons for Optimism
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After the first half, there were no reasons to be even remotely optimistic. There were several from the second:
1) Gareth Bale.
2) Gareth Bale again.
3) Gareth Bale AGAIN. Seriously, a 10-man second-half hat trick at Inter Milan? If Spurs can keep Bale, he will be the future of this team. Then again, he was already getting a ton of attention—this is only going to amplify it. What a performance, though! I imagine this will live in Tottenham lore for some time despire the result.
4) Team resilience. Spurs could have quit after the red card and penalty. They could have quit after the third goal. Maybe they were crazy not to quit after the fourth. But the way Redknapp's side bounced back speaks volumes to how far he's brought them. The "never-quit" attitude must be Tottenham's greatest strength in the Champions League.
What It Means
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Going into the match, Spurs knew they were underdogs. Without Van der Vaart and on the road, getting a tie was the primary objective. And while the loss hurts, the group's other result helps matters drastically. Because Twente and Werder Bremen drew 1-1, Tottenham still maintains a good position in the League table. Spurs have four points through three games (with the two hardest fixtures behind them) and sit comfortably in second place. That would be enough to advance, which is all that matters at this point.
The loss isn't a killer, and the attitude displayed gives Spurs fans all the hope in the world. Just please, please don't sell Bale in January.
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