Richarlison response, Porro issue for Postecoglou - 5 things spotted in Tottenham vs Lion City
Sarr wows
Tottenham fans have been wanting to see an awful lot more of Pape Matar Sarr for quite some time. Signed by Fabio Paratici two years ago as he made the move from Metz before rejoining the French side on loan, the Senegal international made 17 appearances in all competitions for Spurs last season.
His best display by some distance came in the 1-0 Champions League defeat against AC Milan in the San Siro, yet minutes were surprisingly few and far between for him in what remained of the season despite his dominant performance. Taking his chance in the second half of the West Ham friendly last Tuesday, the 20-year-old came into the Tottenham team against Lion City Sailors and partnered Yves Bissouma and James Maddison in Ange Postecoglou's three-man midfield.
Operating as one of the two No.8s, Sarr was the first player to attempt a shot on goal but his volley from the edge of the box sailed over the crossbar. Having an impact on proceedings as he looked to get the ball forward at every opportunity, including a very good pass to set Dejan Kulusevski free, the midfielder had another opening on goal on 30 minutes but his header from Pedro Porro's corner was over the target.
He was to go even closer on the stroke of half-time as he chested the ball down from Kane and struck the crossbar with a vicious volley. The roles did reverse seconds before the half-time whistle, though, as Sarr was tripped just inside the area and the striker emphatically converted the resulting penalty to ensure Spurs didn't go in behind at the break.
In terms of making his case to Postecoglou as he gets his plans in place for the new season, Sarr more than took his opportunity and has given his boss something to really think about in the process
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