UCL Nights back at Spurs

Over 900 days since Spurs last hosted a Champions League game at their world beating stadium - finally they were back under the lights.

Wasn't exactly a classic, in fairness. To be honest, when the final whistle went last night and I thought about writing this, my first thought was: What exactly do I have to say about a pretty forgettable 90 mins?

So, I've taken some time to collect my thoughts, and have separated them into the following three things:

Spurs rule North London TIFO's

I am a diehard Spurs fan, have been my whole life. I am not delusional enough though to admit Spurs are Arsenal's equal on the pitch (Not yet anyway, though I am optimistic Frank is going to get us close)

I know, I know, we're Champions of Europe, they'll never sing that etc etc, but it has been a number of years now since the two teams in North London have been competitive on the pitch.

In the stands, however, there is no competition. Your honour, the prosecution presents exhibit A:

And whilst we're here, Your Honour, may we also present:

I mean, come on! All of this is thanks to an organisation called THFC Flags (check out @thfcflags on X) who do amazing work. Should also praise the Club for throwing their full support behind it. It's great work all around, and if I'm, being honest, was the best part of the game last night!

Bergvall is the future

A lot was made of Kudus and Xavi in the build up to the game last night. Both brilliant players, both I think will go on to do great things at Spurs. Lucas Bergvall, however, is emerging as the star of the team for me. Shout out too for Pape Sarr, who seems to be adding more consistency and quality to his energetic performances (though he did start Ange's first season strongly before dropping off).

Bergvall has a bit of everything. He's built like a fridge and can throw his weight around. He glides with the ball, shrugging off challenges, always with his head on a swivel.

That's two Man of the Match performances in a row from the young Swede now. Hard to see him being left out for the trip to Brighton this weekend.

Would a midfield trio of Gray-Sarr-Bergvall work for Spurs both short and long term? There is a case for arguing we lacked a bit of creativity last night. Xavi playing centrally, or Kulu or Maddison when back are tantalising options. But against stronger opposition, when work rate and practicality might win over flair, I certainly think it's a trio we will see more of.

I love Richy as much as the next Spurs fan, but...

I do like Richarlison. He seems like one of those players you would love to play with and hate to play against.

However, last night just seemed to me another example of how ineffective he can be. Balls seemed to bounce off him, and he seemed to end up surrounded every time he brought a pass under his spell. At first I had some sympathy with him, but then I found myself getting frustrated with how long he was trying to hold onto the ball for. 'Pass it!' I was urging him, much to the growing frustration of my son!

I've never quite been convinced by Solanke either. Guess it's hard when we'd got used to watching Kane do his thing for so long. But I do think the lack of a top class centre forward is going to hold us back. We've added a lot of creativity to the squad this summer, we need a 30+ goal a season striker.

And yes, I'm aware those don't exactly grow on trees. And no, I don't think Kolo Muani is the answer.

So all in all, a good start to our Champions League campaign, even if it was a rather forgettable night. On to the next challenge on the South Coast!