‘Impregnable, sumptuous’ – Italian press goes crazy over 7/10 Tottenham player after what he did v Roma

Tottenham Hotspur endured a frustrating evening as they conceded a late equalizer to AS Roma in their 2-2 Europa League draw on Thursday night.

Despite dominating large stretches of the game, their inability to capitalize on key opportunities in front of goal ultimately left them with only a single point. It was another reminder of the fine margins that can determine results at the highest level of European competition.

The match began with promise for Spurs, who quickly seized control. Son Heung-min converted a penalty within the first five minutes, giving the home side an early lead.

The opportunity came after a defensive error from Mats Hummels, whose foul gifted Tottenham a perfect start. Not long after, Brennan Johnson continued his impressive form by doubling the advantage.

His goal capped off a well-constructed move, as the Spurs offense exploited gaps in Roma’s defense. By halftime, the scoreline reflected Tottenham’s attacking intent and dominance, as they carried a 2-1 lead into the break.

The second half saw relentless action but no shortage of frustration for the home side. Tottenham created a flurry of chances to extend their lead, but a combination of near misses and last-ditch defending kept them from finding the net.

Johnson came agonizingly close again, only for his effort to be cleared off the line. Pedro Porro, Dominik Solanke, and Dejan Kulusevski also tested Roma’s defense with promising attempts, but the finishing touch remained elusive.

As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Tottenham paid the price for their missed opportunities. Mats Hummels, determined to make amends for his earlier mistake, rose to the occasion with a crucial header that secured a point for the Italian side. The goal silenced the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and left the home team reflecting on what might have been.

Kulusevski’s performance, however, was a significant highlight. The Swedish winger has continued to shine this season, and his display against Roma drew praise from multiple quarters.

Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport described him as “impregnable” and highlighted his “sumptuous” assist in the build-up to one of Tottenham’s goals. The renowned publication awarded him a commendable 7/10 rating, recognizing his ability to create opportunities and trouble opposition defenses.

The draw leaves Spurs in ninth place in the Europa League league phase standings, a precarious position as the group stage nears its conclusion. To avoid the complications of a play-off match, they will need to win their remaining fixtures against Rangers, Hoffenheim, and Elfsborg. These games represent an opportunity for Tottenham to regain momentum and solidify their position in the knockout stages.

Kulusevski’s form has been a vital factor for Tottenham this season. His contributions for both club and country underline his growing influence on the pitch. With two goals and seven assists across all competitions, the winger has demonstrated his ability to create and finish chances.

Yet, there remains room for improvement, particularly in terms of consistency in his end product. Postecoglou will undoubtedly look to the talented Swede to maintain his current level and push further as the season progresses.

The Europa League clash followed an emphatic 4-0 victory over Manchester City in the Premier League, a result that showcased the team’s potential. That performance was a statement of intent from Spurs, highlighting their ability to compete with the best in the league. As they prepare for a crucial match against Fulham, maintaining that level of intensity and execution will be key to building on their momentum.

Tottenham currently sit just three points behind Arsenal and Chelsea in the Premier League standings. The congested nature of the table offers them a realistic shot at breaking into the top four, provided they can sustain their current form.

A combination of attacking flair and defensive solidity will be necessary as the team navigates a busy schedule that includes domestic and European commitments.

While the draw against Roma was a setback, it also offered valuable lessons for Postecoglou and his players. The manager’s high-pressing, attack-minded philosophy has brought a new energy to the side, but ensuring composure in critical moments remains an area for growth. Defensive lapses and missed opportunities in front of goal can prove costly, as this game demonstrated.

Looking ahead, Tottenham will aim to tighten up defensively while continuing to leverage the creativity and dynamism of players like Kulusevski, Johnson, and Son. The ability to convert dominance into decisive victories will be pivotal as they compete on multiple fronts. The next few weeks present a critical juncture in their season, with the potential to cement their position as genuine contenders both domestically and in Europe.

Ultimately, the draw against Roma is a reminder of the challenges and opportunities that come with competing at this level. For Tottenham, it is not only about earning results but also about building a team capable of sustaining success.

With Postecoglou at the helm and players like Kulusevski stepping up, the foundation is in place for a strong finish to the season. The task now is to turn promise into achievement, one game at a time.