Sarr emerged with honours on his Champions League debut, but Spurs have work to do to progress
Conte could feel the encouragement of a controlled performance from his team for much of the game thereafter. It did not seem as if they had too much to fear from Milan, who have struggled on the domestic front since the turn of the year. And yet it could have been worse for Spurs when Milan blew two massive chances towards the end.
Their mission was to create something more up to date and it was hampered by a selection crisis – a clutch of serious injuries plus Pierre-Emile Højbjerg’s suspension.It was about adapting, digging in, especially in midfield where there was always going to be a focus on Oliver Skipp and Pape Matar Sarr, who had started together only once before – in the FA Cup against League One Portsmouth.
The sold-out stadium was a picture; the atmosphere pulsating. “Non Ti Ho Tradito,” read one of the banners before kick-off. “I have never cheated on you.” There were various other messages proclaiming the collective love for the Rossoneri. It was Valentine’s Day, Milan-style. Skipp grew into the game, having settled himself with a thunderous tackle on Leão. His passing was neat and tidy. Spurs would flicker on a couple of whipped Son Heung-min free-kick deliveries in the first-half and there was the sense before half-time that Stefano Pioli’s newly minted back three could be caught out if the final pass was right. That said, the interval came without Spurs having created a proper chance.
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