Serge Aurier no dummy on debut as strength in depth suggests Spurs can make Champions League impact

Matt Law, Football News Correspondent, Wembley 13 September 2017 • 9:45pm

Tottenham's Harry Kane (R) celebrates with team mate Heung-Min Son after scoring his second goal during the UEFA Champions League Group H match between Tottenham Hotspur and Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium — Son, Kane and Tottenham were victorious on Wednesday, making progress through the group stages all the more likely Credit: EPA

No Alli, no problem

Tottenham have to play their first three Champions League games without Dele Alli because of the midfielder’s suspension for his Europa League red card last season. That handed an opportunity to Son Heung-min at Wembley on Wednesday night and the forward took only four minutes to make the most of it as he opened the scoring for Spurs.

It has often been said that Tottenham have a great starting XI, but not a deep enough squad, but that is no longer the case. With Alli unavailable, Victor Wanyama injured and Fernando Llorente and Moussa Sissoko on the bench, Mauricio Pochettino has more than enough available to him to make an impact in the Champions League.

Fernando Llorente of Tottenham Hotspur arrives at the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League group H match between Tottenham Hotspur and Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium on September 13, 2017 in London, United Kingdom — Players like Fernando Llorente are giving Spurs the squad depth they need to make an impact in this season's competition Credit: Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images

Dodgy keeper

To let one goal in at the near post is bad enough, but to concede two in the same place is unforgivable for a goalkeeper at this level. Roman Burki will not want to watch the highlights of his Wembley performance, as he was at fault for both of Tottenham’s first-half goals. He may have been caught out by the pace of Son’s shot, but he left Harry Kane a big target to aim at inside his near post and the Spurs striker rarely misses.

Aurier is no dummy

Serge Aurier was handed his Tottenham debut and the home fans are already taking to the club’s Kyle Walker replacement.

He certainly did not display any nerves at Wembley, as Aurier produced one outrageous dummy inside his own penalty area, crouching down to allow a cross to go over his head before turning and running out of danger with the ball. It could have gone badly wrong, but it didn’t and Spurs supporters have always liked a showman. The Ivory Coast international was also happy to bomb forwards as often as possible. Kyle who?

Tottenham's Serge Aurier in action with Borussia Dortmund — Aurier impressed for Tottenham Credit: REUTERS

If Coutinho is worth over £118million, how much is Eriksen?

Barcelona failed with a bid of £118million for Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho last month, which begs the question how much is Christian Eriksen worth? The Dane has been outstanding for Spurs in 2017 and has been far more consistent than Countinho.

Tottenham's Harry Kane, centre, celebrates after scoring his side third goal, with his teammates Christian Eriksen, left, and Davinson Sanchez, during the Champions League group H soccer match between Tottenham and Borussia Dortmund — Eriksen (left) set up Kane's second goal as his fine form continued Credit: AP

He picked apart the Borussia Dortmund defence with his passing and set up Harry Kane’s second goal that effectively clinched Tottenham’s victory. Eriksen has been the Premier League assist king and if he proves he can do it in the Champions League as well, then the Barcelonas of this world will start to take a serious look at him.

Tottenham already on course to progress?

Mauricio Pochettino will no doubt insist it is far too early to start talking about Tottenham reaching the knockout stages, but statistics are certainly on their side. Of the clubs who win their opening group game, 75 per cent progress to the last 16 and 47 per cent finish top of the group.

Last season’s opening defeat against Monaco set the tone for a disappointing European campaign and this victory can hopefully help Tottenham enjoy a much longer Champions League adventure this time around. Clubs require a minimum of 10.1 points on average to progress from the group stages, so two wins against Apoel Nicosia would put Spurs mighty close.