Tottenham Hotspur’s Champions League campaign ended in disappointing fashion as they failed to overturn a first-leg deficit against AC Milan in the last 16.
Spurs paid the price for another lethargic start that allowed Milan to settle into their work – a woe complete when defender Cristian Romero was sent off late on after receiving a second yellow card for a wild challenge on Theo Hernandez. Done.
Pierre-Emile Hojbgerg tested AC Milan keeper Mike Mignon with a powerful second-half shot and Harry Kane headed wide, but Spurs failed to mount sustained pressure on the Italian defence.
A late Kane header was superbly kept out by Maignan before Divock Origi struck the post for the visitors as Spurs were well out, their season now resting on a battle for a top-four spot in the Premier League. doing.
Spurs simply not good enough
Spurs fans reacted angrily as their Champions League campaign came to an end and their displeasure after such a disappointing performance was understandable.
The lack of urgency that has marked so much of their season was never more evident than in the first 45 minutes when Spurs played as if they were barely aware they needed to score to keep their ambitions alive. Is.
Manager Antonio Conte returned to the technical area after recovering from gall bladder surgery but that did not spare him the wrath of the Spurs support who were mystified by such a conservative approach.
He was not helped by Romero’s red card for a late, careless tackle on Hernandez, who received a first-half caution for a clumsy challenge to prevent Rafael Lew from being cleared.
Kane almost saved Spurs and sent the game into extra-time with that late header, but for most of the night he lacked goal-scoring and lacked creativity.
What this means for Conte’s long-term future remains to be seen, with growing uncertainty surrounding his position and his contract expiring at the end of the season.
Spurs now have only that top four place to fight for, and on this form you wouldn’t back them to get it. They have floundered for most of this season despite indifferent form but there was no stopping them – and they didn’t deserve it.
Tomori top class for Milan
Faccio Tomori has fallen out of the reckoning for England, but his calm and measured performance was a timely reminder of the qualities he can offer, should manager Gareth Southgate need him.
The 25-year-old former Chelsea defender has matured in Serie A and was a rock in Milan’s defense here – strong in the air, showing impeccable timing with his tackles and calm on the ground.
Spurs rarely put Milan under severe scrutiny, but Tomori was excellent when needed and a key figure as they reached the quarter-finals.
Milan were also well served by keeper Mignon, who was faultless throughout and produced a moment of brilliance to keep out Kane in the closing seconds.
Spurs can have no complaints over both legs, with Milan perhaps surprised by the lack of intensity in front of the home crowd and waiting for an opportunity to roar back.
