Tottenham Hotspur suffered a second defeat at their brand new stadium when they lost 1-0 to Ajax Amsterdam in the first leg of our Champions League semi-final.
Van de Beek’s effort in the 15th minute found the net and puts the Dutch club in a great position before the second leg in Amsterdam next week.
Here’s how we rated the Lilywhites’ performance against the Dutch side:
Hugo Lloris – 6
Made a couple of very important saves that still keep Tottenham in the fight for the Champions League final in Madrid on the first of June. Had a few uncertain moments, especially in the early stages of the game when he served a ball for an Ajax player just outside the box. Couldn’t keep out Van de Beek’s close-range effort. Had nothing to say when the ball hit the post after Neres’ strike.
Kieran Trippier – 5
Made few attempts to cross the ball into the box, but most of them did not provide any offensive threat. His crosses were off without reaching any Tottenham players in the penalty area. Overall, he defended quite well, however, he did play Van de Beek onside for the game’s only goal. He was replaced by Foyth with 10 minutes to go.
Davinson Sanchez – 3
Made a huge defensive error when he gave the ball away to an Ajax player after a sloppy pass, which presented the visitors with a break on goal. Thankfully for him, Danny Rose was there to save him. He did not contribute much to the game.
Toby Alderweireld – 6
Solid performance in defence. Made a few important clearances, albeit making one mistake when his loose header gave Ajax an opportunity to break. Clashed heads with Jan Vertonghen, although unlike his team-mate he was not forced to go off.
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Jan Vertonghen – 7
Fans didn’t get much of seeing him play. He was forced to go off in 35th minute after a nasty looking head clash with Alderweireld. Looked solid in defence. Received a standing ovation when he was coming off.
Danny Rose – 7
Fought very hard throughout the game. Made a very important tackle to bail Davinson Sanchez out of a sticky situation. Contributed offensively on the left flank as usual. Should have gotten tighter to Van de Beek for Ajax opener.
Victor Wanyama – 3
He will not be looking back fondly at the evening. Gave the ball away multiple times. His passing was off and way too slow when going forward.
Christian Eriksen – 3
Was missing throughout the game. Had no control of the midfield and was afraid to shoot at his former club’s goal. His passing was off, and his crosses provided no threat what so ever. Not good enough from the Danish star.
Dele – 4
Did not contribute much in the first-half. Struggled to play deeper in midfield, but was moved further upfield in the second-half. Had a couple of dangerous shots in the second half but did not manage to find the net.
Lucas Moura – 6
Tried to make an impact offensively by running at Ajax defenders. His pace provided some opportunities, but he was unable to link up with Fernando Llorente to create anything more dangerous. He kept fighting until the end, but there was no end product from the Brazilian.
Fernando Llorente – 4
Had a couple of chances in the game. Headed wide from Trippier’s free kick in the second period. His movement was way too slow and predictable for Ajax defenders. Managed to flick the ball on a few times, but there was no one there to take it further.
Subs
Moussa Sissoko – 8.5
Came on for Jan Vertonghen in 35th minute instantly having an impact on the game. Provided a driving force in midfield, which Spurs lacked before his introduction. His shot flashed just wide of the post before the break.
Ben Davies – N/A
Was given ten minutes from Pochettino. Came on for Danny Rose to provide some fresh legs on the left flank.
Juan Foyth – N/A
Made a great tackle after coming on. Looked composed in the time given to him.
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