No rotation, rotation, rotation
Having a plan in mind one week ago for the Champions League Group D encounter against Sporting CP, the postponement of last Saturday's league match at Man City clearly had an impact on Antonio Conte's thinking. Rather than making a few changes here and there, the Italian went with only the one as Ben Davies replaced Clement Lenglet in the Tottenham side.
That meant Son Heung-min got the nod up front again alongside Richarlison and Harry Kane, with Dejan Kulusevski looking on from the sidelines to begin with. Although the Swede did make an immediate impact coming off the bench for the final 30 minutes against Marseille in their European opener, it is now three straight games he has started on the bench.
Tottenham fans want to see Conte rotate his team and give players such as Djed Spence, Yves Bissouma and Oliver Skipp minutes on the pitch, yet what we've seen so far is that there won't be wholesale changes from the head coach. Saturday gives the boss another chance to make alterations and he really needs to after a dismal European night for the club following Sporting's two late goals.
READ MORE: Tottenham player ratings vs Sporting: Lloris and Perisic only bright lights in poor display
Perisic not happy with Davies
Ivan Perisic has made quite the impression at left wing-back since his summer switch from Inter Milan. Initially having to build his fitness up following the injury he sustained in his final appearance for the Nerazzurri, the Croat has chipped in with some key assists, including in last week's Champions League opener against Marseille.
Starting once again away at Sporting CP, the 33-year-old was almost guilty of sloppily losing the ball around the ten-minute mark. Taking a touch inside and expecting Davies to be pushing up alongside him and taking on the ball in the process, the Welshman wasn't there and it forced his teammate to react quickly to ensure his Sporting marker didn't gain possession.
Perisic wasn't impressed at all and angrily signalled to Davies that he should have been there with him rather than staying back.
Shades of Messi from Edwards
Tottenham fans were always going to be keeping a close eye on Marcus Edwards in Tuesday's Champions League clash. Coming through Tottenham's academy and making one senior appearance before his exit in September 2019, the winger, who Mauricio Pochettino once likened to Lionel Messi, has made quite a name for himself in Portugal since then.
Initially starring for Vitoria before joining Sporting back in January, the 23-year-old was on the scoresheet last week when he netted in the brilliant 3-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt. Blessed with pace and an array of tricks, the youngster was involved early on as he teed up Pedro Goncalves for an early chance.
However, it was seconds before the half-time whistle when he made people really stand up and take notice with his best qualities on show for all to see. Receiving the ball just inside the Spurs half, Edwards was surrounded by three players but managed to get beyond them after brushing off Eric Dier twice, notably sending the centre-back to the ground on his second attempt to tackle him.
Evading Perisic's lunge for the ball, he played a one-two with Trincao to make his way into the box and go past Cristian Romero. Looking set to net a memorable goal, Hugo Lloris came to the rescue as he kept out Edwards' prodded effort from close range.
It would have been an incredible goal had he pulled it off, with the former Norwich loanee showing shades of Messi as he worked his way into the area. Edwards was a shining light for Sporting and it may not be long before he comes in Gareth Southgate's England thinking if he continues to progress at the rate he is.
Kulusevski impact missing
Kulusevski can count himself extremely unlucky to have started the last three games on the bench for Tottenham. Starting the new campaign where he left off back in May with one goal and two assists from his first four league games, the Swede was a standout performer for Spurs in the opening weeks of the season.
The addition of Richarlison has unfortunately seen him miss out on selection, though, with Conte so far sticking with Son despite his poor form. Making an immediate impact off the bench against Marseille after a frustrating performance in the final third, it was more of the same from Tottenham against Sporting.
Chances were there for the Lilywhites but they just lacked that extra bit of class in the final third that Kulusevski provides. It was no surprise to see the 22-year-old introduced in the final 20 minutes, although he probably could have come on earlier given Spurs were struggling to find the breakthrough.
Winning a free-kick just outside the box after some great play down the right, he then put in an inviting cross from the left that Richarlison headed wide moments later. Kulusevski did make an impact again and it is now surely time to reinstate him to the team starting on Saturday evening against Leicester.
Tottenham's luck runs out
Group D was never going to be easy for Tottenham despite avoiding some of the big guns in the Champions League. Only getting the better of Marseille six days ago thanks to Richarlison's late double, Conte's men just couldn't find a way past Sporting CP in their second group game.
The Lilywhites did start brightly at Estadio Jose Alvalade but Antonio Adan was very rarely tested in the home goal. Spurs did create chances in the first half, however, only to see Richarlison caught offside multiple times, including one one occasion when he did find the net after rounding the goalkeeper.
Unable to grab a goal in the second half with Emerson Royal and Kane having opportunities, Sporting, who played well throughout, secured all three points courtesy of two stoppage-time goals. Far from their best in the league but managing to get the points and remain undefeated, this time Tottenham were punished by their Portuguese opponents.
A defeat has been coming Spurs' way going on their performances this campaign and their luck finally ran out. Now it is about how they react and get back on track against Leicester before domestic football goes on pause for a couple of weeks due to the international break.
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