Tottenham v Frankurt: Joe Hart left stunned at ‘Devastating’ incident
Tottenham are playing host to Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night.
The night started poorly for Ange Postecoglou’s side as they conceded an early goal to the German side.
However, they managed to equalise courtesy of Pedro Porro to ensure the hosts went into the break on level terms.
Hugo Ekitike hailed by Joe Hart for “devastating” finish
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike opened the scoring for the visitors – silencing the home fans.
It was a stunning effort and deservedly found its way into the back of the net.
Joe Hart, who was on commentary on TNT Sports, was also impressed by the effort.
| Premier League | Played | GD | Points |
| 13. Man United | 31 | -4 | 38 |
| 14. Tottenham | 31 | +13 | 37 |
| 15. Everton | 31 | -5 | 35 |
He said at 8:09pm: “Hugo Ekitike looks so dangerous, he looks like he’s full of confidence. Eintracht Frankfurt were so sharp when they got through midfield. Devastating finish into the bottom corner. There’s no stopping that, it’s absolute perfection. Poor from Tottenham. They’re up against it from the off.”
The Bundesliga outfit did lead the contest for 20 minutes, but Spurs grew into the game and then took control of proceedings.
They would still want a win in the second half to give themselves a healthy lead going into the second leg.
Totttenham need to improve defensively
While the strike was undoubtedly good, it exposed a glaring flaw in Spurs’ setup which is their lack of defensive cohesion.
Conceding early underscored a recurring vulnerability under Ange Postecoglou.
His high-pressing, expansive tactics prioritise attack, but they’ve left the backline disjointed and prone to being sliced open, as Frankfurt’s sharp midfield break proved.
Porro’s equaliser salvaged parity, but Spurs’ first-half struggle to contain a Bundesliga side they should dominate at home signals deeper issues.
Postecoglou’s philosophy, lauded for its flair, has yielded in poor defensive numbers which is why they find themselves in the bottom half of the table.
The early goal wasn’t just about Ekitike’s quality, but it was a glaring sign that Tottenham’s defenders lack the structure to cope with quick transitions.
Postecoglou’s refusal to adapt, sticking to a system that invites pressure, suggests his tactics aren’t clicking with this squad.
A change is overdue if Spurs are to salvage their Europa League campaign and restore defensive solidity.