AC Milan Match Thread

Tottenham Hotspur v AC Milan: how the players rated
Jeremy Wilson's verdict on the players' performances at White Hart Lane.


Heurelho Gomes: Caused plenty of nervous moments with some poor kicking and also when he rushed from his goal but was beaten for pace by Pato. Was alert, though, to deny both Ibrahimovic and Robinho. 7/10

Vedran Corluka: His first match since suffering an ankle injury at the San Siro. Lacks pace but a calm head who reads the game well. Also generally excellent in his use of the ball. 7

William Gallas: Brilliantly rescued Tottenham by hooking Robinho’s deflected shot off the line after 25 minutes. Made a series of other important interceptions as Spurs withstood considerable pressure. 8

Michael Dawson: Was tested aerially throughout against Ibrahimovic and was also particularly alert to make an important covering tackle in the opening minutes. A genuine captain’s performance. 8

Benoît Assou-Ekotto: Pinned back as Abate and Pato pressed forward for Milan. Did well to partially block a first-half effort from Robinho and made several other vital clearances during what was a testing evening. 7
Aaron Lennon: Caused huge problems with his pace throughout the first leg but, with Milan dominating possession, was initially starved of service. Improved during the second half and also played his part defensively. 6

Sandro: Selected in the holding role alongside Modric and was again highly influential. Provides Tottenham with a huge physical presence and constantly disrupted the service to Milan’s front three. 8

Luka Modric: Surprisingly dominated in central midfield by Flamini, Boateng and Seedorf. Rarely got on the ball and the game largely passed him by. 5

Steven Pienaar: Again selected on the left of midfield and looked out of position. Provided limited natural width or pace and also failed to drift inside to help a central midfield that was often outnumbered. 5

Rafael Van der Vaart: Tottenham’s most dangerous player as they soaked up considerable first-half pressure. Had one early sight of goal that he put wide with the outside of his foot and then curled a free-kick narrowly over. 6

Peter Crouch: Caused occasional moments of danger when the ball was played to the back post, but struggled to retain possession and wasted one excellent chance at the beginning of the second half. 6

Substitutes

Aside from the final whistle, the loudest cheer of the evening was reserved for the introduction of Gareth Bale. He struggled, though, to get into the game and still seems short of match fitness.

Jermaine Jenas brought some much-needed fresh legs to the midfield while Roman Pavlyuchenko provided some extra mobility in attack.

'Everyone is talking about the need to avoid Barcelona. But those left in this competition will also be privately whispering another team they would be keen not to face.

No-one wants Spurs. No-one wants to face Redknapp'

I lifted this off of one of the reports Vis put up.


If this is not a thing of beauty then I don't know what is.


COYS!!!