Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur played an epic Champions League quarterfinal second leg match on Wednesday night. The game had goals, drama, and two calls made by VAR. The epic Champions League clash ended in favour of Manchester City, 4-3, but it was Tottenham who won the tie thanks to the away goals rule, 4-4.
In the end, Manchester City’s attempts at a quadruple were ended by Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham. Here are 3 things we learned in their epic Champions League match.
VAR
There are sure to be many Manchester City fans who will complain about VAR in the wake of Wednesday night’s loss. Tottenham striker Fernando Llorente’s goal was allowed while Sergio Aguero’s wasn’t.
But the replay system got both calls right as painful as it was for Manchester City supporters, players, and coaches.
VAR was brought in for these situations and its use should be applauded. The system will be used in the Premier League next season which should make for an exciting season.
Had it been used this year, Manchester City would most likely sit at the top of the table as Liverpool have benefitted from some debatable goals.
Liverpool were fortunate to have a Sadio Mane goal given against West Ham despite an offside in the build-up. Meanwhile, Manchester City were denied a win at Wolverhampton Wanderers due to a wrong goal call.
Mauricio Pochettino may be coach of the season
Mauricio Pochettino’s ability to win games because of his coaching expertise is refreshing. So often, managers such as Jose Mourinho demand pricey transfers to be bought and claim that is the only way to win trophies.
Yet, Pochettino is overachieving with the players he has at his disposal. Once you get past Tottenham’s starting XI, there is a big drop off in quality.
Add in the fact that Spurs have done nothing in the transfer window over the last 18 months, and the results should show he is one of the top managers in the game.
Yes, Tottenham have spent money previously on top talent, but the number of player exits in the last 18 months have overshadowed the ones coming in.
He has also dealt with star player Harry Kane’s injuries and Dele Alli’s poor form this term.
Heung-min Son is more important than Harry Kane
Although Tottenham Hotspur supporters won’t agree, at least publicly, Heung-min Son is more important to the team than Harry Kane.
Son — along with Hugo Lloris — kept Tottenham in the tie. He scored three of Spurs’ four goals over the 180 minutes and deserves the accolades that come his way.
The South Korean is on his way to being his country’s best ever player. That is if he isn’t already.
How does Son compare to Kane this season?
Heung-min Son
- 20 goals in all competitions
- 10 assists in all competitions
- 42 games played in all competitions
- 1 goal every 140 minutes played
Harry Kane
- 24 goals in all competitions
- 6 assists in all competitions
- 39 games played in all competitions
- 1 goal every 136 minutes
Son comes up with timely goals and, unlike Kane, is often fit for longer periods. Had the South Korean not had to miss the start of the Premier League season due to international duty, Spurs may be fighting for the title.