EURO WRAP: Spurs Beaten After Stirring Comeback, Bayern Back In Pound Seat And More

Reds Win Absolute Thriller

City followed up their blockbuster win over Arsenal with the grimiest away victory you could possibly imagine at Fulham. That’s perhaps the biggest point of difference between Guardiola’s killers and Arteta’s wannabees. City are perfectly prepared to win ugly when the occasion calls for it. But enough about that, let’s turn our attention to the craziest match of the entire season.

It’s rather strange when you consider that this was a Champions League final just four years ago. Now it looks like both sides are going to be coming out to the slightly less majestic orchestral arrangement of the Europa League next season.

But the two sides are far from being on the same trajectory. Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have struggled with consistency all season, with a raft of injuries exacerbated by frankly comic defensive frailties. But the ultra-stubborn German has finally bought into the universally held theory that Trent is perhaps best served further up the field. And that decision has helped unlock some of the dormant attacking potential of this side.

Sunday’s last-gasp 4-3 victory showcased many of Liverpool’s shortcomings (in particular their midfield lethargy). But Trent’s more advanced position has helped them rediscover their most important collective attribute: a fear factor. They have now won four consecutive Premier League matches and will feel they can outscore anyone on their day.

As Gary Neville put it on Sunday, that was likely the most ‘Spursy’ thing he has ever seen. How do you come back from 3-0 down in injury time and concede in the very next breath? Spurs are really beginning to feel like extended CNN coverage of the Harry Kane hostage situation. The wantaway Spurs goalscoring behemoth added his 24th league goal of the season in yesterday’s desperate last-minute loss.

It really begs the question: where would Spurs be without his goals? I know it may be tempting for Spurs enthusiasts to take some positives from yesterday’s match. What other team could come back down from 3-0 at Anfield? But you just can’t help but feel that Spurs were always destined to lose that match.

I know that Conte was hailed as a hero by some for publicly lambasting the club. But I really feel as if his tenure did far more damage than good. The players all look coached within an inch of their life, lacking the capacity to act instinctively. Spurs almost seem to be inventing new ways to lose every week.