Christian Eriksen came off the bench to score a vital winner for Tottenham in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Spurs knew they needed to beat Inter Milan to keep their chances of qualifying for the round of 16 alive, but though they dominated the game it took until Eriksen’s 80th-minute strike to break the deadlock and ease their nerves.
Here’s a look at how the players performed.
STARTING XI
Hugo Lloris 7 – Pulled off a couple of crucial saves to keep Spurs in the game when Inter broke, but also had a couple of shaky moments – as has become his custom this season.
Serge Aurier 7 – Aurier is giving Mauricio Pochettino a welcome problem with his form, as he put in a solid display at right-back yet again. The Spurs manager will have a decision to make when Kieran Trippier returns to fitness.
Toby Alderweireld 7 – Dealt wit the threat of Mauro Icardi well, and pulled off one vital acrobatic clearance late on when Inter could have hit Spurs on the counter.
Jan Vertonghen 7 – Though Juan Foyth was playing well in Vertonghen’s absence, the Belgian’s return to fitness is a welcome boost for Spurs. He missed a glorious chance to score, but was solid in defence throughout.
Ben Davies 7 – Davies was required more in attack than in defence on Wednesday, though he was excellent on both counts as he delivered another assured performance at left-back.
Moussa Sissoko 8 – The Frenchman has finally come into his own after a rough two years. This was another dominant, accomplished performance from Sissoko, who controlled the game for Tottenham.
Harry Winks 7 – Came close to scoring with a thunderous first-half strike that hit the bar. His inexperience showed in the second half as he grew frustrated, but his ball retention and distribution remained excellent.
Lucas Moura 7 – Speaking of welcome problems for Pochettino, having to choose between Moura, Erik Lamela and Son Heung-min is another one. Moura put in another eye-catching performance on Wednesday.
Dele Alli 7 – His touch to assist Eriksen was perfect – quick but composed and measured, and thoughtful; he could have easily tried going for goal himself but spotted the better option. Another excellent display.
Erik Lamela 6 – Lamela was busy while on the pitch, but he was guilty of trying too hard, and at times of overplaying. One of his more frustrating displays.
Harry Kane 8 – On a night where he was starved of service, Kane showed off the other aspects of his game. His hold-up and link-up play was excellent, and the way he worked to win the ball back showed why Spurs fans love him.
SUBSTITUTES
Son Heung-min 6 – It was a surprise that Son didn’t start, but he wasn’t as effective as Pochettino would have hoped after bringing him on.
Christian Eriksen 9 – Even when he’s only on the pitch for 20 minutes, he delivers a virtuoso performance. His first touch as a substitute was a perfectly-delivered free-kick that should have been an assist. Then he scored a great goal.
Eric Dier N/A – Came on late looked to defend Spurs’ hard-earned lead.
