Bayern Munich 4-0 Tottenham match report – Harry Kane haunts Spurs in Munich mauling
Tottenham Hotspur suffered their first defeat under new boss Thomas Frank as they were beaten 4-0 by Harry Kane and Bayern Munich in Germany, just a week ahead of their Super Cup clash.
Tottenham supporters will likely be left disappointed with a performance like this, as Thomas Frank’s men produced their poorest display of the summer, falling to a heavy defeat in their final outing before competitive action begins.
The Dane arguably fielded his strongest XI, with Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven starting together in central defence for the first time. Joao Palhinha, signed on loan from Bayern earlier last week, was thrown straight into the side. Meanwhile, Dominic Solanke was left out of the squad, presumably to keep him fresh for next week’s Super Cup and avoid any injury risk.
As for Vincent Kompany’s Bayern, it was a familiar face leading the line. Spurs’ all-time top scorer Harry Kane started against his former club, flanked by Luis Diaz and Michael Olise.
First half: Bayern 1-0 Tottenham, Harry Kane strikes
Bayern started on the front foot, dominating from the kick-off and making full use of home advantage. Michael Olise had the first sight of goal from a free kick, curling just wide, before Leon Goretzka lifted an effort over from another set piece.
Then came the inevitable. Of all people, it was Harry Kane who opened the scoring in the 11th minute. The England Captain controlled a ball over the top incredibly well before firing his trademark low strike from just inside the box. The frustration for Tottenham was that the goal looked offside. The backline had executed the trap perfectly, but with no VAR, the decision stood.
Palhinha’s debut then took a sour turn just two minutes later as he mistimed a tackle on Stanisic inside the box, conceding a penalty. Kane, however, failed to take advantage, slipping on his run-up and blazing over.
Vicario denied Goretzka with a low save, while Richarlison finally registered Spurs’ first effort on the other end. A curling shot that was too easy for the experienced Manuel Neuer.
Goretzka twice went close again from tight angles, while Coman couldn’t quite turn in Kane’s cushioned volley from close range.
Kane continued to pull the strings, lofting a ball over the defence for Diaz, whose heavy chest control allowed Vicario to gather.
A few duels between Romero and Kane later, the visitors went in at the break trailing 1-0.
Second half: Bayern 4-0 Tottenham
Palhinha’s difficult afternoon ended at half-time as he was replaced by Lucas Bergvall.
Bayern’s front line was relentless. Luis Diaz toyed with Pedro Porro down the flank, Kane operated almost as a No. 10. Olise, however, proved to be Tottenham’s biggest trouble in the second half. The Frenchman twice went close early in the second half. One was shot over, and one was well saved by Vicario.
The pressure told on the hour mark. Djed Spence lost the ball cheaply on the right, which allowed Konrad Laimer to feed Kingsley Coman. The winger cut inside before curling a precise finish past Vicario.
Five minutes later, Kane almost doubled his tally after a lovely move with Coman, only to be denied by a superb one-on-one stop from Vicario. Save so good that Kane even hugged the Italian goalkeeper.
Tottenham’s best and only real chance of the half came when Porro’s cross found Richarlison unmarked, but the Brazilian headed wide in his final act before being replaced by former Bayern man Mathys Tel.
Kompany then turned to his youngsters, while Spurs kept their senior core on the pitch. But instead of clawing their way back, things became worse.
After Sacha Boey was denied by Vicario, 17-year-old Lennart Karl bent in a stunning first-time strike to make it 3-0.
Minutes later, Jonah Kusi-Asare curled in from a similar angle to give Bayern their fourth as Vicario punched the air in frustration for the umpteenth time.
Tel had a late volley saved by Neuer before the referee finally blew the full-time whistle.
FT: Bayern Munich 4-0 Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs Web man of the match: Rodrigo Bentancur
What’s next for Spurs?
The biggest takeaway from this game was the glaring need for a creative No. 10. With James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski sidelined long term, Spurs lack a single fit player in that role.
Brennan Johnson on the left also continues to look ineffective; the position simply doesn’t suit his style. With Son Heung-min gone, an experienced left winger is now a must before the window closes.
The difference in quality was stark, with only Rodrigo Bentancur and Mohammed Kudus able to cope with Bayern’s aggressive pressing. Spurs struggled to counter; every promising move broke down with a loose pass or an interception.
With Paris Saint-Germain next, a side even more ruthless in their press, Frank needs reinforcements fast, especially someone who can dictate play in midfield. There’s work to be done before next Wednesday’s Super Cup.
COYS.
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