The first fifteen minutes of this encounter were rather cagey and timid, as both teams attempted to settle into their customary pattern of play. Tottenham opted to control possession, with the reintroduction of Christian Eriksen and Moussa Dembele from the start a huge influence on the side’s tactics for the evening. In contrast, PSV were content to sit 10 yards ahead of their penalty area, adopting a more counter-attacking style for the match.
Neither side were in total control of the game for the entirety of the first period, as Spurs persisted in probing the hosts’ defence, in the hope of creating gaps for the creative Eriksen and Moura to exploit.
Meanwhile PSV always looked dangerous on the counter; causing havoc with Lozano and Malen running at the heart of the ‘Spurs’ back line, drawing fouls almost at will, and as such creating dangerous set piece opportunities for their side.
The first real chance of the match fell to Tottenham talisman Harry Kane. The forward pounced on a lose clearance from a Tottenham corner, and was unfortunate to see his shot on the half turn blocked at the last by a combination of PSV keeper Zoet and his central defenders.
October 24, 2018
The match resumed its earlier pattern of ball retention from ‘Spurs’ and high pressing from PSV, but once more, no clear cut chances were to be created as the clock hit the thirty minute mark. And then, as if stung into life by the imminent arrival of the interval, PSV struck.
More high pressing from the Dutch side’s forward line led to an error in possession by the visitors. Striker Lozano pounced, nicking the ball from centre-half Alderweireld and breaking through on goal.
The defender made a great recovery run, but, unfortunately for the Belgian and his Tottenham teammates, his last-ditch tackle only helped Lozano’s low drive loop over the head of Lloris in goal. The hosts had taken the lead.
Encouragingly, Tottenham reacted well to going behind; resuming their effective passing play and making in roads through the tiring PSV defence.
A corner seemed to have presented the visitors with what they had been searching for; a goal. However Davinson Sanchez’ low drive was ruled out (rather confusingly) for offside.
Replays showed that although striker Kane was offside, he was not interfering with play, and so it was concluded that another infringement must have been made elsewhere.
October 24, 2018
Again Spurs came back fighting, as they were determined to get themselves back into a match that they had enjoyed a fair share of control from. A few half chances came but ‘Spurs’ were unable to force an equaliser.
That was until Eriksen received the ball on the edge of the hosts penalty area. The Dane set Trippier running to the by-line with an excellent through ball into the right hand channel.
Trippier picked out Moura in the middle, and the Brazilian slammed his effort into the net. Spurs finally had their equaliser, and a very well worked goal it was too!
The end of the first period was frantic, as both sides looked to grab the lead before the interval. Yet it was not to be, as the sides would head into the interval level.
October 24, 2018
The second half started in contrasting fashion to the first. Tottenham came onto the field looking like they had a point to prove, asserting their play onto hosts PSV immediately, in an attempt to force themselves into the lead.
PSV remained dangerous on the counter, with Tottenham centre-half Alderweireld looking shaky against the sudden threat of Lozano or Malen breaking towards him.
Nevertheless, PSV were struggling to break out, as 'Spurs' were relentless in their pursuit for the lead.
Finally, just before the hour mark, a Christian Eriksen cross to the far post was attacked well by striker Harry Kane. The England man nodded his side into a well deserved lead.
October 24, 2018
In spite of the constant threat of PSV on the counter, Tottenham looked composed and assured throughout the second period; never once looking like they would concede; even Alderweireld regained his composure to ressurrect his own personal performance.
Yet, unfortunately for 'Spurs', they could not find a third goal to kill off their opponents. Efforts from Son and Kane forced Zoet into two smart saves to keep his side in the contest, before Erik Lamela was unlucky to see his own drive hit the crossbar.
These misses would prove costly for the Premier League side, as a Hugo Lloris error would give the hosts the opening that they had so desperately hoped for.
Once again, Lozano's pressing caused chaos in the Tottenham midfield, the Mexican nicking the ball and beginning to charge at the Tottenham box. This time, he was already advanced of Alderweireld and so goalkeeper Lloris sought to take evasive action in order to rescue his side.
Sadly for Lloris and 'Spurs', his action was to completely wipe the legs out from under Lozano. The Frenchman recieved a straight red card, Tottenham were down to 10 men, and faced 10 minutes plus stoppage time of PSV pressure.
October 24, 2018
Replacement keeper Vorm came onto the field to immediate action, and produced an excellent low save to prevent the hosts scoring almost straight after their player deficit was confirmed.
However the reprieve was not to last long, as the game became stretched, with both teams sensing that they could score the next goal.
It would be PSV who would score the killer goal. Tottenham gave a wide free kick away mid way through their own half, which presented PSV with a chance to load the visitors box. And so they did.
Pereiro whipped a wicked left foot cross into the box, which caused a mini series of pinball between the two frantic sets of players. The ball then bounced infront of PSV captain De Jong, who hooked the ball high into the Tottenham net.
Heart break for 'Spurs' who had been much improved as well as the far superior side in the second half.
The final stages of the contest were manic, as both sides looked to take all three points for themselves. However, it was not to be, as the teams would have to make do with a share of the spoils from a fascinating 90 minutes of Champions League action.
October 24, 2018