On September 14, 2016, Tottenham Hotspur faced AS Monaco in a UEFA Champions League group stage match at Wembley Stadium. Monaco emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, capitalizing on defensive lapses by Tottenham and showcasing their clinical finishing.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Tottenham Hotspur: 1 (Toby Alderweireld 45′)
- AS Monaco: 2 (Bernardo Silva 15′, Thomas Lemar 31′)
- Possession:
- Tottenham Hotspur held 56% of the possession, while Monaco had 44%. Despite Tottenham’s majority possession, Monaco’s disciplined defensive setup and efficient counter-attacks were crucial in determining the game’s outcome.
- Shots:
- Tottenham registered 11 shots, with 5 on target, indicating moderate efficiency in their offensive efforts. Monaco, however, managed only 6 shots but had 3 on target, demonstrating a higher conversion rate of chances.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Tottenham displayed good ball control with an 84% passing accuracy, completing 499 passes out of 595 attempts. Monaco’s passing accuracy stood at 80%, with 381 completed passes out of 477 attempts.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Tottenham made 13 tackles, while Monaco made 17, reflecting a robust defensive effort by the visitors to contain Tottenham’s attacks. Both teams committed 13 fouls each, indicating a physical contest.
- Set Pieces:
- Tottenham’s goal came from a set piece, with Toby Alderweireld scoring from a well-executed corner. This was a key moment that kept Tottenham in the game, though they failed to capitalize further.
- Individual Performances:
- For Monaco, Bernardo Silva’s opening goal showcased his technical ability, beating multiple defenders before scoring. Thomas Lemar’s goal was a result of poor defensive clearance, highlighting Monaco’s opportunistic play. Tottenham’s notable performer was Toby Alderweireld, not just for his goal but also for his defensive contributions.
- Tactical Overview:
- Tottenham lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to control midfield and supply their forward line. Monaco’s 4-4-2 formation focused on a strong defensive setup and quick transitions to exploit Tottenham’s defensive gaps, which proved effective.
- Disciplinary:
- The match had five yellow cards: three for Tottenham (Erik Lamela 26′, Dele Alli 77′, and Eric Dier 90+3′) and two for Monaco (Fabinho 25′, Andrea Raggi 83′). This indicated a tightly contested match with occasional aggressive play.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Tottenham won 9 corners compared to Monaco’s 1, indicating sustained offensive pressure, though they could not convert these set-piece opportunities into more goals. Tottenham were caught offside 3 times, highlighting an aggressive attacking approach.
Summary
Monaco’s 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur was a result of clinical finishing and effective game management. Despite having less possession, Monaco capitalized on Tottenham’s defensive mistakes with swift counter-attacks and precise finishing.
Tottenham, while dominant in possession and generating more offensive opportunities, struggled to break down Monaco’s organized defense. The result marked an important win for Monaco in the group stage, while Tottenham faced an uphill battle to progress in the competition.