Last night was indeed a great result capping a very good and resolute performance by our team.
Take nothing away from Real, they are a fantastic team and definitely a level above us in most ways.
Having said that, to go into their backyard and not buckle under the pressure cooker atmosphere was a testimony to how far we Poch has brought the club in the last two years.
Perhaps some fans will now understand how much effort and hard work has gone into rebuilding the squad by Poch and his team.
But...............................we are not the finished article and last night was just another exam in the team's ongoing education and development.
Whilst this was a superb TEAM effort, certain players deserve a mention especially as some fans seem to question their status and abilities.
Aurier...............................I think he is going to be an incredible player for us, yes he is a little rash at times and it will cost us. However he is learning all the time, is young and still adjusting to his new team mates.
Sanchez, a lot of you were giving him stick on Saturday, forgetting that 72 hours earlier he was playing for Colombia in Lima, so might well have had a bit of jet lag to contend with.
Sanchez is going to be a phenomenal player for us and last night he was exceptionally good. Calm and collected, he looked as though he has been at the club for years!
Sissoko!!! This in my opinion was his best performance since joining us and of course it was long overdue. He looked far more comfortable on the ball, chased and closed down well. If he keeps this up, then I think the original clamour for him to be sold will disappear.
Winks.............................Excellent performance from Harry, looked assured and the big stage did not phase him at all, his pass success rate was 91%.
Dier, thought he was again another outstanding player for us last night. Does not do flashy, just very steady play all night.
Verts & Toby were very strong and resolute in defence, just think how flaky our defence was pre-Poch???
For some reason Eriksen never got going last night, however I can forgive him a poor game last night.
Hugo was outstanding, showing once more why we bought him and that he is indeed World Class!
HK didn't have his best game, however his work ethic was fantastic and indeed his movement was directly responsible for Varana giving away an "ogger". He could well have had two goals if it wasn't for very good goalkeeping by the Madrid keeper.
Llorente also did well and shows how useful he could be with two up top.
It was good to see Rose back on the pitch, once he is match fit we will have two of the best wing backs in the PL, which should give us more expansive play at Wembley.
Allied to the fact Dembele, Dele & Wanyama were missing last night this was a REAL mature performance (thanks BBC SPORT) by us and we should be very happy as fans this morning.
Lets repeat this on Sunday but with a win, not a draw!
Last Night
posted on 18/10/17
Was pleased that we had a sensible european ref. Sometimes they are so overly officious and clearly favouring the superstars, but last night he was really good and it helped the game flow.
posted on 18/10/17
I enjoyed the game last night,and thought the team and tactics were excellent.
Two points though ,I thought that Eriksen was a touch light weight,and his crossing was way off,also I thought the referee did not do you any favours, of course to be expected at the Bernabau.
Would be nice to meet you in the Final .
posted on 18/10/17
In all honesty I do not think either of us will make the final this season.
However, you can never say never. I just prefer to stay this side of the expectation line and then anything better is a bonus!
We are still very much a work in progress under Poch, albeit probably a bit ahead of expectations so far
posted on 18/10/17
comment by Devonshirespur (U6316)
posted 1 hour, 16 minutes ago
Was pleased that we had a sensible european ref. Sometimes they are so overly officious and clearly favouring the superstars, but last night he was really good and it helped the game flow.
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Funny, I thought the ref was a complete homer all game. Not giving us a pen, and did anyone see that defender wrestle Llorente to the ground by his arm, nothing given!!
posted on 18/10/17
comment by GeniusGreaves Optimist Supreme (U1302)
posted 1 hour, 55 minutes ago
How do you think you will do V Roma tonight Nickasaurus?
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God knows at the momnt, played the best we have played in years against atletico, then have been torrid twice. Should bounce back at home though.
posted on 18/10/17
Genius
Great article, and pretty much in line with how I assessed last nights match. Sanchez I thought ouzed class, and Aurier his mistake apart looks so powerful, and look like Spurs have once again picked up a couple of really good players.
posted on 18/10/17
comment by harlequinHebdo (U16981)
posted 43 minutes ago
I enjoyed the game last night,and thought the team and tactics were excellent.
Two points though ,I thought that Eriksen was a touch light weight,and his crossing was way off,also I thought the referee did not do you any favours, of course to be expected at the Bernabau.
Would be nice to meet you in the Final .
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I agree Eriksen was not at his best last night, but he was the match winner at the weekend, so can be excused the odd match when he is not completely on it.
posted on 18/10/17
I was surprised at just how average Madrid were when not in possession. There was a distinct lack of pressure on us and we were able to get at their defence relatively easy. If this team have won the champions league the past 2 seasons I really don't see why we can't be aiming for the semis/final.
posted on 18/10/17
Agree Benny, If not for eriksen wastefulness you could have got 2 or 3 on the counter I reckon. Was a prime opportunity when kane peeled off to the right and eriksen delayed, and delayed...and delayed...
posted on 18/10/17
I agree they were so open weren't they. Just goes to show what a top class side we have though. We can go to places like the Berbabau and scare them. Draw was a fair result but we could of won it.