Sixty-four minutes into Tottenham’s opening game of the season at home to Aston Villa – and Spurs are struggling to break down a well-organised Villa side, who have the lead thanks to John McGinn’s first Premier League goal.
Tottenham’s new £53.8m man Tanguy Ndombele, Moussa Sissoko and Harry Winks are struggling to create anything for Harry Kane.
Mauricio Pochettino turns to his bench and brings on Christian Eriksen – the Dane who has publicly declared he is ready for a new challenge.
The 27-year-old had a poor pre-season including two missed penalties – but his class on the ball was what Spurs needed against Dean Smith’s side.
Within seven minutes of entering the fray, Tottenham were level – and they had Eriksen to thank for creating the opportunity.
After his initial corner was cleared the ball was played back to the 27-year-old – and he whipped in a superb ball, that was begging to be finished off, Davinson Sanchez connected, but Tom Heaton made a fantastic save to deny him.
The ball then came back to Ndombele – and he lashed in the equaliser, there was only going to be one winner from that point.
Eriksen also nearly scored a sublime free-kick – but Heaton denied him.
Eventually, Spurs got the goals they needed thanks to Harry Kane – and Pochettino’s campaign is off to a winning start, but he has to thank his Danish playmaker for providing that spark they were crying out for.
Eriksen was subsequently voted Man of the Match by a lot of Spurs fans – and this game showed why he is so crucial to Tottenham.
His craft and guile unlocked the door – and swung the momentum in Spurs’ favour, he may want a new challenge, but if they can keep him, then he will be a vital player for Pochettino’s side once again.
