Tottenham’s struggles continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Rangers in a thrilling Europa League clash at Ibrox on Thursday night.
The Scottish side took a deserved lead through Hamza Igamane early in the second half, with the striker converting James Tavernier’s cross.
Dejan Kulusevski, who came on as a half-time substitute, rescued a point for Ange Postecoglou’s side with an equaliser 15 minutes from time after a swift passing move.
Timo Werner endured a nightmare first half that led to his substitution at the break, continuing his difficult spell in North London.
Ange Postecoglou has come under pressure in recent weeks
Reuters
Former Scottish international Tam McManus described Werner’s performance as “honking” on social media, suggesting he should be substituted at half-time.
The German striker, who joined on loan from RB Leipzig, has managed just one goal in 18 appearances this season.
Werner’s struggles were evident from the opening minute when he squandered an early chance in the box.
Rangers dominated the first half, with Vaclav Cerny and Nedim Bajrami both forcing saves from former Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster.
The hosts suffered a setback when John Souttar was forced off with a groin injury after 30 minutes, replaced by Leon Balogun.
Rangers’ pressure finally paid off two minutes after the restart when Tavernier curled in a deep cross from the right flank.
Igamane ran onto the delivery and fired a clinical low shot into the corner, sending Ibrox into raptures.
Kulusevski’s introduction at half-time immediately changed Spurs’ attacking dynamic, with the Swede setting up Brennan Johnson for an early chance.
Timo Werner had a tough night against Rangers
PA
The substitute’s impact was rewarded when he netted the equaliser with 15 minutes remaining.
After a flowing team move up the pitch, Kulusevski exchanged passes with his teammates before slotting a precise finish low past Jack Butland.
The goal sparked Spurs into life, with Dominic Solanke nearly putting the visitors ahead moments later, only to be denied by a desperate Tavernier block.
Rangers took the lead through Hamza Igamane and were unlucky to miss out on all three points
Reuters
Rangers nearly snatched victory in the closing stages through substitute Cyriel Dessers.
The striker broke through on goal with five minutes remaining but was denied by a crucial save from Forster.
Dessers did find the net moments later, only to be flagged offside.
Solanke had one final chance to win it for Spurs in the last minute of normal time, but his weak header was comfortably collected by Butland as both sides had to settle for a point.
+ There are no comments
Add yours