Why Did Tottenham Fail to Score Against Liverpool in the Champions League Final

Introduction to the Match

I felt so disappointed watching the UCL finals. The match was filled with tension and dramatics, but what really stood out was Tottenham's performance. Manager Mauricio Pochettino should be commended for his resilience during the game; the team's mindset and strategies were clearly the focus of his endeavors. Throughout the match, Tottenham looked very nervous on the pitch. They struggled to control the ball, and the midfield duo of Winks and Sissoko, despite their efforts, did not yield the offensive results expected from Dele Alli and Harry Kane. Kane, a top goal scorer, was not at his best, and most of the post-game discussions centered around the decision to start Moussa Sissoko instead of Harry Kane, rather than any other strategic change.

Tottenham's On-Field Issues

Even until the finals, Tottenham maintained their back four formation in every match. However, against Dortmund, the team was outplayed in the first half, but they came into the game with top gear. Despite their previous strong performance, in the Champions League final, Tottenham's possession was sloppy, suggesting a lack of depth in their tactical approach. When you are trailing by 1-0, it makes sense to bring your most potent goal-scorer on the field as early as possible. However, in this instance, Pochettino delayed this decision, waiting until the 70th minute before introducing André Gomes (who later came on as a substitute for Moussa Sissoko).

The aggressive strategy employed by Pochettino of sitting back with a back four and relying on quick counterattacks was evident, even against a formidable opponent like Liverpool. But the introduction of Moura and Lucas Moura late in the game was criticized for being too late.

Match Analysis: Both Teams Struggled

While Tottenham played poorly, Liverpool also matched them in their failings. The sole reason Liverpool emerged as the victors was because Tottenham's poor performance tipped the scales. After scoring the first goal, Liverpool seemed to lose their sense of urgency and control. Discussion among professionals often revolves around control without the ball, but in this game, Liverpool were off pace from start to finish. Fabinho and Wijnaldum struggled to regain possession, and Liverpool at times fielded five defenders, with just two centerbacks and three midfielders.

Despite the defensive set-up, the midfield control by Tottenham highlighted the weaknesses in Liverpool's defense. The first goal scored by Liverpool was due to a fluke penalty, and thereafter, Liverpool's complacency further affected their performance. This defensive obsession cost them dearly, as they rested and regressed significantly throughout the second half.

Conclusion and Implications for Future Performances

Reflecting on the match, as a neutral fan, I was genuinely surprised at the poor performances from both teams. I was more shocked at Liverpool's performance given that they had shown exceptional form throughout the season. They could have easily thrashed Tottenham with a similar level of performance they demonstrated earlier in the season. The win came down to various tactical and strategic decisions, both teams' mentalities, and Liverpool's unfortunate mistake in receiving a penalty.

For Tottenham, this loss doesn't necessarily determine their overall season, but it does highlight the need for balanced strategies and better execution during crucial moments. Pochettino must now consider player rotations, substitutions, and maintained tactical adaptability to stay competitive in future matches.