On November 22, 2016, AS Monaco faced Tottenham Hotspur in a UEFA Champions League group stage match at the Stade Louis II. Monaco won 2-1, ensuring their progression to the knockout stages and leaving Tottenham’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Monaco: 2 (Djibril Sidibé 48′, Thomas Lemar 53′)
- Tottenham Hotspur: 1 (Harry Kane 52′ (pen.))
- Possession:
- Monaco controlled 51% of the possession, while Tottenham had 49%. The match was closely contested in terms of ball control, with both teams having spells of dominance.
- Shots:
- Monaco registered 10 shots, with 6 on target, demonstrating efficiency in creating and converting chances. Tottenham had 15 shots, with 6 on target, reflecting their proactive approach but lack of clinical finishing.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Monaco displayed a passing accuracy of 84%, completing 368 passes out of 439 attempts. Tottenham had a similar accuracy at 83%, completing 349 passes out of 421 attempts. Both teams showed good ball control and build-up play.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Monaco made 17 tackles, while Tottenham made 12, indicating a strong defensive effort from the French side. Both teams committed 12 fouls, reflecting the competitive nature of the match.
- Set Pieces:
- Monaco’s first goal came from a corner, with Djibril Sidibé heading in the opener after the restart. Tottenham’s equalizer came from a penalty, awarded after Dele Alli was fouled in the box, which Harry Kane converted.
- Individual Performances:
- Djibril Sidibé was pivotal for Monaco, scoring the opening goal and playing a key role defensively. Thomas Lemar’s decisive goal shortly after Tottenham’s equalizer showcased his technical ability and composure. For Tottenham, Harry Kane was crucial, scoring from the penalty spot, but overall the team struggled to break down Monaco’s defense.
- Tactical Overview:
- Monaco used a 4-4-2 formation, focusing on solid defense and quick counter-attacks. Tottenham employed a 4-2-3-1 formation, looking to control the midfield and use the pace of their attackers. However, Monaco’s tactical discipline and quick transitions proved more effective.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw three yellow cards, two for Tottenham (Moussa Sissoko 19′, Kyle Walker 75′) and one for Monaco (Fabinho 34′). These fouls were mostly tactical, aimed at disrupting the opposition’s play.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Monaco won 6 corners compared to Tottenham’s 5, indicating a fairly balanced offensive effort. Tottenham were caught offside 4 times, while Monaco had 3 offside calls, reflecting their attempts to break through defensive lines.
Summary
Monaco’s 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur highlighted their tactical discipline and efficiency in both defense and attack. After a goalless first half, the match burst into life with Djibril Sidibé’s header from a set piece, followed quickly by Harry Kane’s penalty equalizer. However, Thomas Lemar’s swift response restored Monaco’s lead and proved decisive. Tottenham struggled to convert their possession and chances into goals, facing a well-organized Monaco defense.
The result confirmed Monaco’s progression to the knockout stages, while Tottenham’s hopes depended on the outcome of the final group games. The match showcased Monaco’s strength in set pieces and quick counter-attacks, while Tottenham’s inconsistencies in front of goal were evident.