Tottenham 2, Roma 2: Last-Minute Equalizer from Mats Hummels Thwarts Spurs’ Victory Despite Goals from Son and Johnson – The Sun
MATS HUMMELS made a breathtaking equalizer in stoppage time during his return to European competition since the Champions League final, rescuing Claudio Ranieri’s side from a loss.
The 35-year-old German slid in to convert a cross from former Manchester City star Angelino in the dying moments, breaking Spurs’ defense.
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He had not featured in a European match since losing to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League final at the conclusion of the last season.
Spurs were hoping for a crucial three points to strengthen their bid for automatic qualification to the Europa League knockout phase.
Son Heung-min’s penalty and another from Brennan Johnson, sandwiching an Evan N’Dicka goal, looked to secure the win.
Nonetheless, despite numerous opportunities for both sides, Ranieri managed to earn a vital point on his English return, thanks to Hummels.
The former Chelsea and Leicester City manager, now 73, returned to coach Roma – for the third time – only earlier this month.
Fans were eager to see which version of Spurs would take the field after a season filled with inconsistency.
Would it be the team that overwhelmed Manchester City 4-0 last time out, or the one that granted Ipswich their first Premier League win of the season?
Regardless, Postecoglou’s Tottenham frequently provides thrilling matchups, and this one was no exception.
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Spurs had an excellent chance to get off to a great start when Hummels fouled the impressive Pape Matar Sarr in the area within the first three minutes.
Initially, referee Glenn Nyberg did not award a penalty, but VAR prompted him to review the situation at the pitchside monitor, leading him to reverse his call.
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Captain Son coolly slotted home from the penalty spot, deceiving keeper Mile Svilar.
This was only Ranieri’s second match in charge, following a narrow 1-0 loss to Serie A leaders Napoli, managed by former Spurs boss Antonio Conte.
Paulo Dybala made an early impact with a shot that Fraser Forster saved well, filling in due to Guglielmo Vicario’s broken ankle.
Shortly afterwards, though, there was nothing Forster could do as Roma equalized, with N’Dicka heading Dybala’s free-kick off the crossbar and in.
Ranieri thought his side had taken the lead with a stunning volley from Stephan El Shaarawy, but it was ruled offside by a slim margin.
Spurs responded with a shot from Johnson that Angelino cleared off the line.
Then, in the 34th minute, the hosts regained their edge with a swift counter-attack.
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Sarr delivered a perfectly-weighted pass for Dejan Kulusevski, who sped down the flank and crossed for Johnson to finish with precision.
Postecoglou’s celebration was evident in a fist pump as the Welshman marked his ninth goal in 19 outings for Spurs this season.
It could have been even better before halftime, but Son fired over after the ball fell to him following Kulusevski’s shot hitting the post.
Ranieri’s side found the net twice in the second half, yet both were ruled offside due to Artem Dovbyk’s positioning.
Pedro Porro deflected an Angelino volley onto the crossbar before striking the woodwork himself with a dangerous free-kick.
Spurs hit the post for the third time when Dominic Solanke’s header found it.
This proved pivotal, as Forster made two incredible late saves, but Roma’s determination paid off when Hummels leveled in the closing moments.
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