Son Heung-min's poignant return to Tottenham Hotspur he served for a decade was overshadowed by a match that was devoid of competitive edge. Extracting meaningful insights from this new Champions League format before the knockout stages arrive remains a difficult task.
This fixture was largely a non-event in terms of a genuine contest, rendering it a error to assume Tottenham have transformed into a unstoppable machine on their home turf. They faced a limited challenge from Slavia Prague and did not have to exert themselves fully to claim the result.
Slavia Prague, coming into the match winless from their first six group stage games, offered minimal danger. The Czech Republic champions gave away a bizarre own goal in the first half before yielding two debatable penalties after the half-time break.
"I was pleased we continued the momentum from the weekend victory," Frank remarked. "This side is coming together more and more."
In spite of the uneven nature, Frank is right to focus on signs of progress after a difficult start to his tenure in North London. He will not mind by the approximately 15,000 unsold tickets at the club's home ground.
The thin attendance in the upper tiers perhaps reflected a lack of anticipation about the opposition's quality, despite a tremendous ovation welcomed Son Heung-min during his official farewell ceremony before kick-off.
The goal came from Son who scored the historic goal at this arena after the club's move in 2019. Although his influence waned last campaign, he will forever be remembered as a Tottenham icon. His presence undoubtedly lifted the mood, although the current group of stars also contributed.
The opening goal arrived in the first half when Cristian Romero flicked on a Spanish full-back corner, resulting in Slavia's David Zima sending a strange own goal past his own keeper.
Mohammed Kudus made it 2-0 from the spot-kick early into the second period, after Youssoupha Sanyang was adjudged to have fouled Porro.
With the result secure, Spurs were able to ease off. Xavi Simons then capped off the evening by earning and scoring a another penalty in the latter stages.
In summary, it was a professional performance from Spurs against inferior opposition. The mood around the club has shifted, and the pressure on the coach has temporarily eased.
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