Thomas Frank heralded a “big victory” for his Tottenham team after they eliminated Villarreal 1-0 in their opening Champions League match.
The impasse was broken in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in just four minutes, when a keeper blunder of Luiz Junior inexplicably saw him change the ball into his own network after he tried to deal with a Lucas Bergvall Cross.
Yet the early goal did not lead to a flurry of Target Mouth promotion. Indeed, there was only one shot on goal of the two teams, taken by Pape Matar Sarr for Spurs in the 30th minute.
This is just the second Champions League match with a Premier League or Leaga team to have one or less shots on goal, the first is Chelsea’s 0-0 draw with Sparta Prague in November 2003.
The defeat ensured that Villarreal Winless remains in all their five opening matches of the Champions League, three signs and lose twice.
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Frank discussed his first Champions League match as head coach and said: “I thought it was a big win. In every competition it is good to get three points and get a good start. I am happy with that.
“I am happy with the clean magazine. I am happy with the defensive side of the game.
“I think we were very good and limited Villarreal to very little during the game. They were a good team that I really admire.”
Spurs collected only 0.58 expected goals and only led seven attempts.
However, Frank suggested that Villarreal deserved the honor of how they limited the attack of Spurs, because he encouraged fans to be patient with new signing sessions such as Xavi Simons, who only created one chance during his 77 minutes on the field.
“Of course we struggled on the day attacking to create something against a good team. They also defended very well, what we knew in the 4-4-2 structure,” Frank added.
“They were very aggressive. When we were in the day, I think, they needed the highest level in terms of contact, adopted and decision -making, and they nailed that.
“We are increasingly building the attacking structure. Xavi has just entered the club. It is honest to say that he and Djed [Spence] Of course a small relationship needed to get started. “
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