Sheffield United completely outclassed Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but came away with just a 1-1 draw following some VAR controversy.
Sheffield United were all over a woeful Spurs during the first 45 minutes, as the Lilywhites midfield kept giving away the ball in crucial areas, with Chris Wilder's men creating all the chances.
John Lundstram had the best opportunity of the half, as his shot from the edge of the penalty area smashed off the post. Spurs would have been delighted to go into the break at 0-0.
The second half continued in the same vein. However, completely against the run of play, Spurs broke the deadlock when Son Heung-min's deflected shot made its way past Dean Henderson in goal. This did little to change the momentum of the game, as the onslaught from the Blades continued.
Sheffield United thought they had hit straight back when David McGoldrick tapped home at the far post. But following a VAR check that lasted just under four minutes, the goal was ruled out for offside after Lundstram was absurdly adjudged offside by what looked like a hair's width.
They finally got the goal they fully deserved when George Baldock's cross was seemingly flicked in by Spurs defender Eric Dier - but the wing-back will most certainly be claiming that one after it looked like it was heading on target.
The game finished 1-1, but Sheffield United will undoubtedly be gutted as they should have come away with all three points.
TOTTENHAM
Key Talking Point
Following an impressive midweek performance in the Champions League against Red Star, many fans were hoping that Mauricio Pochettino would stick with Giovani Lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele, who both impressed in Serbia.
To the delight of Spurs fans, the pair were retained, but their impact on the game was non-existent.
Lo Celso and Ndombele both starting? Eriksen benched? We roll #COYS pic.twitter.com/UoyqqSRFsT
— Harry (@EliteYid) November 9, 2019
Spurs were utterly dreadful, and failed to create a thing. Lo Celso and Ndombele tried getting on the ball to orchestrate the game, but little was happening for them in the final third. The Frenchman was even taken off at half time with what looked like an injury.
Pochettino's men were extremely fortunate to come away with a point, and their struggles this season don't seem to be letting up.
Player Ratings
Starting XI: Gazzaniga (7*); Aurier (5), Dier (3), Sanchez (4), Davies (6); Sissoko (5), Ndombele (5); Lo Celso (6), Alli (5), Son (6); Kane (5)
Subs: Winks (6), Foyth (5), Lucas (6)
STAR PLAYER
HT: 0-0
— COYS.com (@COYS_com) November 9, 2019
- Gazzaniga has kept us in the game
- We haven't been able to capitalize on our 65% possession
- Defence seems to switch off at times
- I'm sure our chance will come#COYS #TOTSHU
Gazzaniga>>> Lloris
— Jukebox-T-Caddie (@TumiJuicebox4) November 9, 2019
SHEFFIELD UNITED
Key Talking Point
The fact of the matter is, Sheffield United completely battered Spurs. Wilder will be delighted with the performance of his troops, as they simply outclassed last season's Champions League finalists. If it wasn't for VAR, they'd have be going back to Sheffield with the three points.
Overall though, Wilder will be pleased after another impressive display, and he will be hoping his side can continue this form as the season goes on.
Player Ratings
Starting XI: Henderson (6); Basham (7), Egan (7), O'Connell (6); Baldock (8*), Lundstram (7), Norwood (7), Fleck (7), Stevens (8); McGoldrick (7), Mousset (7).
Subs: Robinson (6), Freeman (N/A).
STAR PLAYER - Baldock was brilliant for Sheffield United, working like a machine up and down the right flank. He did well against Son throughout the whole game, and offered support in attacking positions, illustrated by his goal. Magnificent performance.
38 - George Baldock has scored his first goal in 38 appearances in all competitions for Sheffield United since finding the net against Swansea City in the Championship in August 2018, one year and 97 days ago. Timely.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 9, 2019
George Baldock ❤️⚔️❤️ As I said before. I bloody love Baldock!!! #SUFC #SheffieldUnited #COYRAWW #UTB
— Nicky Clintwood (@mrsclintwood007) November 9, 2019
Looking Ahead
Spurs will head down the road to take on West Ham at the London Stadium after the international break for what is set to be a fiery derby against a struggling Hammers side who were thumped 3-0 by Burnley.
Source: 90min