Tottenham Spurs’ decision to sign Richarlison will not be questioned anymore as the Brazilian came up trumps at a crucial stage to ensure that his side collected all three points.
Mbemba’s dismissal changed the game totally in Spurs’ favour, but his challenge on Son was clumsy.
Spurs then took full advantage with Richarlison heading home crosses from Perisic and Hojbjerg.
Starting lineup:
TOTTENHAM (3-4-2-1): Hugo Lloris;
Cristian Romero, Eric Dier, Clement Lenglet;
Emerson, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Rodrigo Bentancur, Ivan Perisic;
Richarlison, Son Heung-Min; Harry Kane.
SUBS: Oliver Skipp, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Djed Spence, Bryan Gil, Matt Doherty, Dejan Kulusevski, Pape Sarr, Ben Davies, Davinson Sanchez, Ryan Sessegnon, Japhet Tanganga.
MARSEILLE (3-4-2-1): Pau Lopez;
Chancel Mbemba, Eric Bailly, Samuel Gigot;
Jonathan Clauss, Valentin Rongier, Jordan Veretout, Nuno Tavares;
Matteo Guendouzi, Gerson; Luis Suarez.
SUBS: Dimitri Payet, Leonardo Balerdi, Issa Kabore, Ruben Blanco, Simon Ngapandouetnbu, Sead Kolasinac, Cengiz Under, Amine Harit, Pape Alassane Gueye.
Goals:
GOAAAALLLL – TOTTENHAM 1-0 MARSEILLE – Richarlison finally gets the home fans on their feet as he scores Spurs’ first goal in the Champions League this season. Perisic will take the credit for the delivery, as his cross was straight into the path of Richarlison. The Brazilian did the rest as he headed past Lopez after being left unmarked.
GOAAALLLL – TOTTENHAM 2-0 MARSEILLE – The French outfit failed to learn their lessons from the first goal, and it is Richarlison heads home from inside the penalty area. After their corner was cleared, Spurs recycled possession with Hojbjerg, but he wasted no time in crossing to the far post. Richarlison waited until the last second before throwing himself at the cross to head past Lopez.
So, what’s next?
In a game of very few clear-cut chances, Spurs did well to keep Marseille at bay in both halves, but Richarlison deserves his moment in the spotlight.
He left Everton to play in the Champions League, and after a tireless performance, he got his just rewards.
Spurs sit second in Group D after tonight’s win due to Sporting Lisbon’s 3-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt.
Spurs will face Sporting away from home next week, while Marseille host Frankfurt during matchday two.
