Pundit reveals Mourinho-Vertonghen conversation that was key to Super Jan’s winner

Tottenham Hotspur pulled off one of their great escapes under Jose Mourinho yesterday in the Premier League, defeating Wolves 2-1 away from home.

Spurs took the lead early on through a superb solo Lucas Moura goal, as the winger beat multiple Wolves defenders before rippling the top corner of the net.

Eric Dier later missed a golden chance to make it 2-0 after Dele Alli found him in the box just six yards from goal.

Wolves eventually pulled level via a Traore strike from range, something that had been coming as Nuno Santo’s team had largely controlled the game.

However, Spurs were able to soak up the Wolves pressure and possession, limiting the clear-cut chances, before pulling off a smash and grab at the death.

Jan Vertonghen went up for a corner and managed to hear Eriksen’s cross home from the penalty spot in superb fashion.

Jermaine Jenas believes this stemmed from a chat with Jose Mourinho (BBC 1 – Match of the Day – 15/12/2019 at 10:40 pm): “[Wolves boss] Nuno [Espirito Santo] is talking about vital moments and staying switched on in those moments. That vital moment came in the last minute of the game, when it went for a corner.

“You can highlight Adama Traore, who had just been off the field with a shoulder injury, and he is about to come onto the pitch.

“But have a look at the conversation between Jose [Mourinho] and Jan [Vertonghen], who is right next to him. Jan [Vertonghen] is saying ‘shall I go’ and I think Jose [Mourinho] says ‘you might as well go, they have got everyone back in’.

“Jan [Vertonghen] is very clever, but I have highlighted Adama Traore for a reason, because he is not switched on, he is not on his toes.

“Traore is walking out of the box and look what happens, right in his spot, Jan Vertonghen pops up and sticks it in the bottom corner.”

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