Tottenham Hotspur claimed a hard-fought win against Ferencvaros at the Ferencvaros Stadion, with key players rested and VAR playing a significant role in the thrilling contest. The game saw Spurs score twice to fend off a determined Hungarian side, though Ferencvaros managed a late consolation goal.
Early Drama: Ferencvaros Goal Disallowed
The hosts started brightly, threatening Spurs with their early pressure. Barnabass Varga looked to have put Ferencvaros ahead in the 16th minute with a well-placed header past Guglielmo Vicario. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was disallowed for offside, leaving Ferencvaros frustrated.
Spurs Take the Lead Against the Run of Play
Tottenham responded quickly after the scare. In the 23rd minute, they capitalized on a defensive mistake from Ferencvaros. Pape Matar Sarr found the back of the net from close range after a failed clearance, putting Spurs 1-0 up. Despite Ferencvaros’ energetic start, Spurs began to gain control following the goal, asserting their dominance in the midfield.
Flare Incident Halts Play
Early in the second half, the referee was forced to stop the game momentarily as Ferencvaros ultras lit flares, engulfing the stadium in smoke. Once the game resumed, Spurs continued to press for a second goal, and their patience was rewarded as Ange Postecoglou’s substitutions made the difference.
Johnson Seals the Win for Spurs
Postecoglou introduced James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Brennan Johnson late in the game, searching for an insurance goal. The change paid off as Johnson delivered the crucial strike in the 86th minute. After receiving the ball from Oliver Moore, Johnson curled a beautiful shot off the post and into the net, giving Spurs a 2-0 lead.
Late Consolation for Ferencvaros
Despite being two goals down, Ferencvaros refused to give up. Barnabass Varga finally got his reward for a strong performance, scoring a consolation goal in the dying moments of the match. However, it was too late for a full comeback, and Spurs held on for a 2-1 victory.
The MVP: Brennan Johnson
Brennan Johnson was the standout performer after coming off the bench. His perseverance paid off, as his late goal secured the win for Tottenham. He has now scored in five consecutive appearances across all competitions, making him a crucial figure for Spurs in their recent run of form.
Tottenham’s 2-1 victory over Ferencvaros, marked by VAR drama and late goals, reflects their ability to grind out wins even with a rotated squad. Ange Postecoglou’s decision to bring on key players late in the game proved decisive, with Brennan Johnson once again showcasing his importance to the team. Despite Ferencvaros’ late fightback, Spurs walked away with three points and momentum heading into their next fixture.