Spurs On Brink Of Reaching Europa League Final: Tottenham Vs Bodo/Glimt Player Ratings

Spurs raced into an early lead and rarely looked back as they built up a solid advantage heading into next week’s return leg

Tottenham Hotspur will fancy their chances of reaching the Europa League final after beating Norwegian underdogs Bodo/Glimt 3-1 in the first leg of their last-four tie on Thursday night.

Ange Postecoglou eased some of the pressure on himself after guiding his team to victory on a memorable evening in north London, with Spurs now likely to face Manchester United in an all-English showdown later this month after the Red Devils smashed Athletic Club in Bilbao.

With not even a minute on the clock, Tottenham went in front. Yves Bissouma won the ball back high up the pitch, which allowed Pedro Porro to cross to the back post, where Richarlison nodded it back across for Brennan Johnson to poach home.

The hosts doubled their advantage shortly before the break, with Bodo/Glimt undone by one straight ball over the top. Porro picked out the run of James Maddison, who brought it down neatly and swept in.

On the hour mark, Spurs were awarded a penalty after a VAR check, with Fredrik Sjovold judged to have fouled Cristian Romero with a kick to the calf when challenging for a lose ball. Dominic Solanke, the hero of the quarter-final triumph over Eintracht Frankfurt, stepped up and rolled the ball into the bottom corner with a stutter-step.

Bodo/Glimt managed to pull one back with under 10 minutes remaining. Some exquisite trickery from Ulrik Saltnes allowed him to get a yard of separation from Rodrigo Bentancur, and his effort bobbled up past Guglielmo Vicario into the net.

Tottenham kept their visitors from advancing and further reducing the deficit as they held on to ensure they head to Norway next Thursday with a two-goal cushion.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Guglielmo Vicario (6/10):

Didn’t have too much to do between the sticks, while his side’s more direct approach meant he wasn’t utilised as often in build up either.

Pedro Porro (8/10):

Tottenham’s starting lineup set itself up for Porro’s more preferred method of pumping balls long and playing with more directness. Logically, he had a hand in Spurs’ first two goals, firstly providing the cross for Richarlison to nod back to Johnson, and then setting Maddison away with a pass over the top.

Cristian Romero (7/10):

Put aside some questionable performances of late to deliver when it mattered. A rock at the back and his bravery won Spurs a penalty in the other box.

Micky van de Ven (6/10):

Tried to diversify his game with a series of long balls over the backline as opposed to dribbling out from the back.

Destiny Udogie (6/10):

Nearly gave away a penalty when clumsily defending a high ball in the first half. Did well to use his pace to get out of tight corners.

• AFPMidfieldYves Bissouma (8/10):Eyebrows were raised when the maligned Bissouma was named as a starter, but he repaid Postecoglou’s faith immediately by charging high and winning possession back leading to the first-minute opener.Rodrigo Bentancur (6/10):Swept up well alongside Bissouma, even if he was a bit more careless in possession than his midfield partner. Completely sold by Saltnes for Bodo/Glimt’s late goal.James Maddison (9/10):Tottenham needed a statement performance from their man man in midfield and boy did they get one. Dictated play superbly before popping up with a well-taken goal himself. Subbed for Kulusevski after sustaining a knock.

• Getty Images SportAttackBrennan Johnson (8/10):The right man in the right place at the right time again, with this one clocked at only 37 seconds. Up to 17 goals for the season now, more than he registered in the last two seasons combined.Dominic Solanke (8/10):Another selfless performance leading the line, pressing and harrying Bodo/Glimt’s backline at every possible opportunity. Rewarded for these efforts with a goal from the penalty spot. Taken off for Odobert after picking up a knock.Richarlison (7/10):Fought for every ball in his 45 minutes on the pitch, most notably winning the header which assisted Johnson for the opener.
• Getty Images SportSubs & ManagerMathys Tel (6/10):Came on at half-time for Richarlison. Showed flashes of pace without ever getting too involved.Dejan Kulusevski (6/10):Replaced Maddison. Didn’t have quite the same impact in possession.Wilson Odobert (5/10):On for Solanke. Lacked composure despite his previous positive excursions in Europe.Ange Postecoglou (8/10):Credit where it’s due to Postecoglou, who made some bold calls with his lineup but they paid dividend.