Pedro Porro ‘has no excuse’ after what he did for Tottenham v Hoffenheim
Tottenham star Pedro Porro had “no excuse” to not score in the 3-2 win against Hoffenheim on Thursday, Glenn Hoddle has said.
The defender spurned a glorious chance to extend the Lilywhites’ advantage in the Europa League clash at the PreZero Arena after James Maddison had given them a third-minute lead.
Ange Postecoglou’s side were leading by one when he missed the chance by rolling it the wrong side of the post but two goals from Son Heung-min secured victory.
Speaking live on TNT Sports (23 January, 17:59), Hoddle said: “What a chance, a great little ball from Son, a great run from the right-back, he ends up in a centre-forward position.
“He’s got to score, he’s got the hit the target, he takes it nicely with his left foot and it’s in-between his feet a little bit.
“No excuse, he’s got to open his body out.”
Tottenham get a much-needed victory
Son was on hand to extend the lead just seven minutes later in a big relief for Postecoglou after Porro spurned his chance, and he added another in the second half.
Spurs held on, despite a late goal for the hosts reducing their lead to one goal, for a major result for the Australian manager who has been under severe pressure after just two wins in the last eight matches.
The Europa League is arguably Spurs’ best chance of a trophy this season despite the fact that they are one game away from an EFL Cup final.
They are in a great position to reach the Wembley showcase after a 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the semi-final first leg but the Reds could turn that round at Anfield on 6 February.
Victory in Germany took his side into fourth place in the Europa League standings ahead of the late kickoffs and strengthened their chances of securing automatic progression to the round of 16.
Spurs face IF Elfsborg in their final league-phase clash on 30 January and it would be ideal if they can avoid the play-offs to progress.
In other Tottenham news, Spurs are the favourites to sign a Southampton player who has shined this season.
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