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The Tottenham boss enjoyed a positive UCL bow thanks to a costly mistake by their rivals goalkeeper the keeper.

Under no pressure, Junior mishandled the midfielder's cross into his own net, giving the home team a ideal opening.

This was previously Brentford boss the gaffer's maiden time in the competition, but Spurs were tested at moments before the interval.

Only a action by the defender stopped ex-Arsenal attacker the forward from curling in, while the Villarreal player fired a shot off target.

But only a save by the goalie kept out Tottenham from scoring a another when he saved Sarr's shot.

The visitors applied pressure in the latter period, but the home side stood firm to repel them.

The forward should have improved with a headed chance as the team looked for a comfort goal, but ultimately it was superfluous.

Analysis: The Team Unconvincing but Defending Shines

This was the outcome Tottenham aimed for on their comeback to the Champions League, but it was not a flawless performance.

Junior's regrettable error got the home crowd going and could have been the platform for a strong showing, but that failed to materialise.

Tottenham's beginning to the term has been impressive, with eye-catching successes against West Ham and City, but there was also a concerning display in a setback to Bournemouth.

They showed more comparisons to that game with some sloppy passages of play and careless passes whenever they advanced.

Nevertheless, their defending was resolute with Van de Ven and Rodrigo Bentancur making vital tackles, particularly in the second half.

Success means the club are now unbeaten in their last 21 home games in continental competitions.

Player of the Match

Number: 37 M. van de Ven

Score: 7.49

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Connected Subjects

• UEFA Competitions
• Spurs
• The Sport