Tottenham and Roma share the spoils in Game-week five of their UEFA Europa League encounter.
The match was Claudio Ranieri’s first European game since he was appointed Roma’s manager two weeks ago. Roma was met with an early setback after they conceded a penalty. Tottenham’s captain, Son Heung-min, stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Roma equalized in the 20th minute when Ivorian international Evan Ndicka headed into Paulo Dybala’s free kick. Stephan El Shaarawy thought he had given Roma the lead four minutes later, but his goal was ruled out by VAR. Brennan Johnson restored Spurs’ lead in the 33rd minute; Dejan Kulusevski served as the provider.
Roma had two goals ruled out for offside in the space of two minutes: Dovbyk had set up Kone in the 54th minute, and Dovbyk served as the finisher in the 56th minute.
Angelino came close to drawing Roma level, but his effort clipped the crossbar. Tottenham had the chance to wrap up the game. Gray crossed the ball from the left wing to Dominic Solanke; he met the ball and played it to the crossbar.
Roma’s effort finally paid off when Mats Hummels equalized for Roma in stoppage time, breaking Tottenham hearts. Tottenham have now dropped four points in two games in the Europa League; they are outside of the automatic qualification places on goal difference.
Roma are 21st with six points. Tottenham’s head coach, Ange Postecoglou, expressed disappointment in his side not making the best use of their chances: “We should’ve put them to bed a lot earlier.” He also expressed frustration in his side conceding a late goal: “It’s frustrating, particularly when they score so late in the game.”
Claudio Ranieri praised his counterpart, Ange Postecoglou: “He has a fantastic team. I love his football; always tries to win.” He also praised his side’s resilience after the draw: “It was good because we never gave up and always believed in the draw.”

By: Doyinsola Ibidunni