🔗 Share this article Spurs Relieve Strain on Frank as Xavi Simons Seals Comfortable Win Over Slavia Prague The South Korean star's emotional return to Tottenham Hotspur he represented for a ten-year period was somewhat dimmed by a match that was devoid of genuine tension. Finding meaningful conclusions from this new Champions League format before the latter rounds arrive proves a challenging endeavor. This fixture was predominantly a one-sided affair in terms of a genuine contest, making it a error to assume Tottenham have transformed into a formidable force on their own ground. They encountered a limited test from Slavia Prague and did not have to extend themselves fully to claim the three points. An Evening of Limited Opposition Slavia Prague, arriving winless from their first six group stage fixtures, presented minimal threat. The Czech Republic champions conceded a bizarre own-goal early on before surrendering two debatable penalties after the interval. "We were very happy we built on the positive feeling from the Brentford game," Frank remarked. "The team is gelling increasingly." In spite of the uneven scoreline, Frank is right to focus on indicators of improvement after a difficult beginning to his tenure in North London. He will be unconcerned by the close to 15,000 empty seats at the club's home ground. Son's Emotional Return The sparse attendance in the higher stands perhaps reflected a lack of anticipation about the visiting team's caliber, despite a huge roar welcomed Son Heung-min during his official send-off ceremony before kick-off. It was Son who netted the historic goal at this arena after the club's move in 2019. While his influence waned last season, he will forever be revered as a club legend. His presence undoubtedly lifted the mood, although the present group of stars also played their part. Game Overview The opening goal arrived in the 26th minute when the Argentine defender glanced a Pedro Porro set-piece, leading to Slavia's David Zima sending a strange header past his own goalkeeper. Mohammed Kudus made it 2-0 from the penalty spot early into the second period, after a Slavia defender was ruled to have brought down Porro. With the result safe, Spurs could ease off. The Dutch playmaker then completed the scoring by earning and scoring a second penalty later on. Important Points Positive Form: The win built on the recent success against Brentford, relieving the short-term scrutiny on manager Thomas Frank. Xavi Simons' Form: Finding the net once more will boost the young midfielder confidence significantly. Squad Setback: Micky van de Ven's needless booking rules him out for the pivotal next Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund. Overall, it was a professional display from Spurs against limited opposition. The mood around the club has improved, and the heat on the manager has for now eased.
The South Korean star's emotional return to Tottenham Hotspur he represented for a ten-year period was somewhat dimmed by a match that was devoid of genuine tension. Finding meaningful conclusions from this new Champions League format before the latter rounds arrive proves a challenging endeavor. This fixture was predominantly a one-sided affair in terms of a genuine contest, making it a error to assume Tottenham have transformed into a formidable force on their own ground. They encountered a limited test from Slavia Prague and did not have to extend themselves fully to claim the three points. An Evening of Limited Opposition Slavia Prague, arriving winless from their first six group stage fixtures, presented minimal threat. The Czech Republic champions conceded a bizarre own-goal early on before surrendering two debatable penalties after the interval. "We were very happy we built on the positive feeling from the Brentford game," Frank remarked. "The team is gelling increasingly." In spite of the uneven scoreline, Frank is right to focus on indicators of improvement after a difficult beginning to his tenure in North London. He will be unconcerned by the close to 15,000 empty seats at the club's home ground. Son's Emotional Return The sparse attendance in the higher stands perhaps reflected a lack of anticipation about the visiting team's caliber, despite a huge roar welcomed Son Heung-min during his official send-off ceremony before kick-off. It was Son who netted the historic goal at this arena after the club's move in 2019. While his influence waned last season, he will forever be revered as a club legend. His presence undoubtedly lifted the mood, although the present group of stars also played their part. Game Overview The opening goal arrived in the 26th minute when the Argentine defender glanced a Pedro Porro set-piece, leading to Slavia's David Zima sending a strange header past his own goalkeeper. Mohammed Kudus made it 2-0 from the penalty spot early into the second period, after a Slavia defender was ruled to have brought down Porro. With the result safe, Spurs could ease off. The Dutch playmaker then completed the scoring by earning and scoring a second penalty later on. Important Points Positive Form: The win built on the recent success against Brentford, relieving the short-term scrutiny on manager Thomas Frank. Xavi Simons' Form: Finding the net once more will boost the young midfielder confidence significantly. Squad Setback: Micky van de Ven's needless booking rules him out for the pivotal next Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund. Overall, it was a professional display from Spurs against limited opposition. The mood around the club has improved, and the heat on the manager has for now eased.