Roma's Mats Hummels made up for conceding an early penalty by scoring the late equaliser in a 2-2 draw away to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League this evening.
An early penalty from Son Heung-min and a fine finish from Brennan Johnson either side of Evan Ndicka's equaliser saw Ange Postecoglou's side lead 2-1 at the interval, with Hummels not covering himself in glory for the two Spurs goals, and after many second half chances, it took until injury time for the game's next goal.
After passing up many chances throughout the 90 minutes, Roma eventually took control late on, and their pressure finally told, when Angelino's powerful low cross was diverted in from close range by the veteran German defender.
The Giallorossi once against showed promising signs under returning manager Claudio Ranieri, who was handed another tough test tonight after facing Serie A leaders Napoli at the weekend.
Spurs were guilty of wasting numerous chances throughout, though, including a five-on-two counter attack which resulted in Johnson blazing over hopelessly from inside the area with the scoreline at 2-1.
Stephan El Shaarawy saw his excellent volley ruled out for offside just minutes after Ndicka's equaliser, before Manu Kone and Artem Dovbyk both had the ball in the Spurs net twice in the space of 60 seconds shortly after half time, but the Ukrainian strayed offside on both occasions.
Both sides struck the woodwork more than once in the second half, in a game that maintained a high attacking tempo throughout, after a breathless first half which also saw plenty of chances.
On face value, a draw appears a fair result, but that sees Spurs fall outside of the top eight for the first time this season, failing to capitalise on leaders Lazio's draw with Ludogorets earlier today.
TOTTENHAM VS. ROMA HIGHLIGHTS
Son penalty vs. Roma (5th min, Tottenham 1-0 Roma)
Son Heung-min opens the scoring early for Tottenham from 12 yards 🔥
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 28, 2024
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Hummels dives in recklessly on Pape Matar Sarr with a penalty eventually awarded by VAR and Son steps up to give Spurs an early lead from the spot, sending Mile Svilar the wrong way.
Ndicka goal vs. Tottenham (20th min, Tottenham 1-1 Roma)
Evan Ndicka equalises for Roma against Tottenham 🔥
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 28, 2024
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Following some positive signs, Roma now have a well-deserved equaliser! Dybala's wonderful delivery from a wide set piece is flicked on inadvertently by the shoulder of Ndicka and in off the bar, and the Giallorossi are level in North London.
Johnson goal vs. Roma (34th min, Tottenham 2-1 Roma)
Brennan Johnson puts Tottenham back in the lead 🤍
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 28, 2024
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Hummels is one again at fault, affording too much time and space to Kulusevski on the left, and the Swede is able to cross for Johnson, whose sweeping finish beats Svilar low to his right-hand post.
Hummels goal vs. Roma (90th min, Tottenham 2-2 Roma)
Mats Hummels grabs the equaliser for Roma in injury time 🫣
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 28, 2024
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After penning Spurs in their own half for what has seemed like an eternity, Roma have equalised again! The hosts fail to clear from a corner, and Alexis Saelemaekers finds left-back Angelino, who fizzes a dangerous ball across the area, allowing Hummels to tap in from close range to make amends for his first-half errors.
MAN OF THE MATCH - DEJAN KULUSEVSKI
© Imago
In an excellent night for attacking players on both sides, Roma's Dybala was superb but was sadly forced off at half time, meaning Kulusevski was the standout individual, creating the second goal and being a constant nuisance to the Roma backline, with effective forward passing and direct dribbling that left more than a few players tied up in knots.
TOTTENHAM VS. ROMA MATCH STATS
Possession: Tottenham 50% - 50% Roma
Shots: Tottenham 24 - 18 Roma
Shots on target: Tottenham 9 - 7 Roma
Corners: Tottenham 7 - 6 Roma
Fouls: Tottenham 9 - 9 Roma
WHAT NEXT?
Spurs welcome Fulham to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday in all-London affair, while Ranieri's baptism of fire continues, when they face high-flying Atalanta the following day in Serie A.
Andrew Delaney
