Spurs 0 - 0 AC Milan - A Job Done Alright

I've been so spoiled as a Tottenham fan over the last 18 months that last night (knocking AC Milan, European giant and Serie A champions in waiting, out the Champions League) was a bit anti-climactic.

The attacking outlet Spurs needed to be victorious on the night, Gareth Bale, was missing. He was only fit enough to play 25 minutes at the end where he didn't have much of an impact. He was joined on the bench by Ledley King. One hopes his shock inclusion was an indication of improving health and not just a consolatory selection for our best player of the decade having cruelly missed out on the Champions League proper so far.

With Steven Pienaar on the left Milan could afford to double up on Aaron Lennon on the right and nullified his, and the team’s, attacking threat. Spurs defended deep all night, but it was hardly Barcelona-Arsenal. Milan weren’t nearly as good as Barcelona and we at least created a number of chances.

In the first half Rafael van der Vaart had a couple of speculative efforts and was dragged to the ground in the penalty box, but got nothing. Milan came very close when William Gallas had to clear a Robinho shot that had ricocheted off Benoît Assou-Ekotto’s head off the line. Alessandro Nesta’s 70 yard pass along the ground reached Alexandre Pato without interception (Gallas expecting the midfield to have dealt with it), Heurelho Gomes rushed off his line forcing Pato wide, but Robinho failed to convert his square ball. Pato emerged as their best attacking player and had an effort saved when Zlatan Ibrahimović put him through.

In the first minute of the second half Lennon crossed to Peter Crouch and he headed across the box to absolutely no one. It was evidence of the lack of support he was getting and it was no surprise when Van der Vaart was substituted 20 minutes later. Still, Crouch perhaps ought to have been more aware of his surroundings and at least attempted a header toward goal.

Clarence Seedorf played deeper than he did in the first leg and was excellent, orchestrating Milan’s attempt at a comeback and dominance of possession. Milan finished the game with a couple of good chances – Pato shooting inches wide from the edge of the box and Robinho blasting over from a similar distance.

It was another excellent defensive performance from Tottenham. Gallas and Michael Dawson were very good, but they owed so much to the man of the match, Sandro. He was ubiquitous in central midfield intercepting everything and playing an excellent short passing game. You get the feeling he could be a big player for us.

There was an overwhelming sense of relief at the final whistle even if it did seem a bit inevitable after the win at the San Siro. It wasn’t much of a spectacle, but what a result.