Luis Silva's goal just before half-time was all the hosts needed against a disjointed Spurs side.
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Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur recently recorded a massive triumph against Manchester City. Son Heung-min was the hero for Spurs in the encounter, scoring a fantastic goal to help ensure a stunning win. However, the positive mentality has certainly taken a hit following a defeat against Pacos de Ferreira in the first leg of the Europa Conference League play-off. The Portuguese side enjoys a narrow advantage going into the second leg in north London next Thursday, having pulled off a 1-0 win.
All three new signings Pierluigi Gollini, Cristian Romero and Bryan Gil made their full debuts along with academy graduates Nile John and Dane Scarlett. The lack of chemistry certainly reflected in the rhythm throughout the 90 minutes, with the home side grabbing the only goal of the game just before half-time through Lucas Silva.
While Gill looked particularly lively in the opening exchanges, he couldn’t capitalise on those early moments. The hosts eventually recorded the first shot on target in the 17th minute, with Nuno Santos’ low drive comfortable enough to save for Gollini.
Pacos grew into the game from that point, with Denilson attempting an audacious lob from just inside the Spurs half with 35 minutes done and dusted. However, Gollini gathered but was unable to hold his own for long as the home side took the lead on the stroke of half-time after a swift counter-attack. Nuno Santos picked up the ball and threaded a pass straight through the middle of the Spurs defence for Lucas Silva. Silva timed his run to perfection and strode into the Spurs area, producing a composed finish to score.
Spurs had their chances from that point as captain on the night Ben Davies flicked a header wide from a Harry Winks corner early in the second half. Ryan Sessegnon further tried to make something happen, coming in off the left flank, riding a couple of challenges but lashed his shot high and wide. In the closing stages, Pacos dropped deep whenever Spurs had the ball and made it very difficult for them to find a way through, playing on the counter. Despite enjoying two thirds of the possession on the night, Spurs failed to muster a shot on target and suffered their first defeat under Nuno Espirito Santo.
It will be interesting to see how Tottenham react to this shocking defeat.
However, the game was certainly made memorable following the selection of identical twins Michael and Matthew Craig on the substitutes’ bench, by the English club. This is the first time that’s ever happened in the men’s first team. Born two minutes apart at Barnet Hospital on 16 April, 2003, the 18-year-olds have shone in the Academy set-up over the last few years. They signed their first professional contracts with Spurs towards the end of last season.
Stepping up to the Development Squad this year having played for the Under-18s in 2020/21, they operate as central midfielders. Matthew who was born second and therefore slightly younger, can also play at centre-half.
