Conte insists Spurs need time to fight for titles
Group D is delicately poised and could provide some fireworks as the Champions League group stages wind down. Antonio Conte’sTottenham are in prime position at the top of the table, but they only have a one-point lead over Marseille and tonight’s opponent’s Sporting CP. Should Spurs win this evening’s clash they will be guaranteed a spot in the knockout rounds and may even finish top of the group if Eintracht Frankfurt also beat Marseille in the other fixture.
Tottenham’s winning momentum has taken a hit though after consecutive defeats in the Premier League with Newcastle United beating them 2-1 on Sunday following a 2-0 loss to Manchester United last week. A victory over Sporting, securing Champions League qualification in the process, would be a welcome boost for Conte’s men who have seen their form all away since the injuries to Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison.
The previous clash between Spurs and Sporting was memorable for its ending. In an even contest Tottenham created the better chances but couldn’t open the scoring and the match looked to be heading for a certain draw until Paulinho netted in the 90th minute before Arthur added a second three minutes into stoppage time to leave Conte’s men shaking in disbelief. That loss should keep Tottenham wary of the Portuguese side as they search for a more positive result this time around.
Follow the action as Tottenham host Sporting in the Champions League:
Matt Doherty reacts to Tottenham 1-1 Sporting
“We thought we won it, I don’t know what happened at the end.
“I thought it went backwards and hit the defender, a different phase of play?
“I’ll have to go back and look at the rule book. We didn’t play that well.
“They deserved to be ahead, but we’re top and it’s still in our hands.”
Jack Rathborn26 October 2022 22:15
Harry Kane disallowed winner for Tottenham in 95th minute vs Sporting
Jack Rathborn26 October 2022 22:13
FT Tottenham 1-1 Sporting
(PA)
(AP)
(AP)
Referee Danny Makkelie gestures as Tottenham players react
(AP)
Jack Rathborn26 October 2022 22:08
FT Tottenham 1-1 Sporting
What drama at the end, a huge talking point, which saw Conte celebrate wildly before earning a red card.
The Italian might have been frustrated by the length of time it took to review it, standing at nearly four minutes.
But many will argue Spurs did not deserve a win here, Conte’s side were outplayed for long spells.
Now, despite being top, they face a dramatic final day in the Champions League group stage.
Jack Rathborn26 October 2022 22:05
Tottenham 1-1 Sporting
Stunning drama here, Conte is sent off.
Spurs are sick, they’ve celebrated a 95th minute winner and then waited four minutes for VAR to tell them they didn’t.
Jack Rathborn26 October 2022 21:56
Jack Rathborn26 October 2022 21:55
Tottenham 2-1 Sporting
A lengthy delay here, 98th minute of the game.
Jack Rathborn26 October 2022 21:55
Tottenham 2-1 Sporting
Drama… VAR shows a replay and Kane is very close to being offside.
This is a massive decision.
Jack Rathborn26 October 2022 21:54
Tottenham 2-1 Sporting
GOAL! Kane has won it for Tottenham, stunning!
VAR to check as Emerson knocked it down to Kane in the box.
Jack Rathborn26 October 2022 21:52
Tottenham 1-1 Sporting
Tottenham now top by a point on seven points, Marseille and Sporting level on six points and Frankfurt on four.
Jack Rathborn26 October 2022 21:51
