Tottenham Held by Roma After Late Hummels Leveller

Date: 29 November 2024 - 22:36

News ID: ۱۳۴۱۲۴

LONDON (AFP) - Veteran
defender Mats Hummels snatched a late equalizer for Claudio Ranieri’s Roma to frustrate Tottenham in the Europa League.
The 35-year-old Germany international, playing his first European match since the Champions League final in July, gave away a penalty in the fifth minute but made amends in stoppage time, tapping in Angelino’s whipped cross.
Spurs had been the superior side for much of the match after Son Heung-min turned in the penalty that Hummels gave away, who was slow to a loose ball in the box and brought down young midfielder Pape Matar Sarr.
Brennan Johnson also struck a good first-time finish after a Dejan Kulusevski cutback after defender Evan N’Dicka had equalized.
Stephan El Shaarawy also struck an excellent volley which was ruled out by VAR for offside.
But Spurs should have extended their lead further in the first half as Johnson had a shot cleared off the line, Dominic Solanke saw a shot saved, Son blazed over a rebound after the in-form Kulusevski hit the post.
The match felt comfortable for Spurs, who could have built a bigger lead, but a flurry of second half efforts from Roma, including former Manchester City wing-back Angelino hitting a first-time volley onto the bar, were warnings.
Porro also struck the woodwork with a second half free-kick and Solanke hit the post, but Roma had two more goals ruled out for offside calls on Artem Dovbyk and Manu Kone.
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou also had limited options, making four changes from his side which impressed with a 4-0 away win at Manchester City on Saturday, amid a spate of injuries.
His substitutes in Yves Bissouma, Timo Werner, James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall came late, and couldn’t stem the relentless Italian pressure.
Spurs are ninth in the Europa League phase standings, outside of the top eight that avoid a play-off match, with matches against Rangers, Hoffenheim and Elfsborg to come.
Roma, meanwhile, impressed in a chaotic season where they are on their third manager. Former Leicester and Chelsea manager Ranieri, 73, came out of retirement to manage his boyhood club for the third time.