The German demolish job of North London

Tottenham home to Bayern Munich had the hallmarks to be a huge game for the North London team, they've had a poor start to the season and this was the perfect game to kick start their season and push on from it, however the Bavarian Giants had other ideas, winning a crucial away group stage game 7-2.

When you look at the scoreline its hard to believe that at the 12th minute of the game spurs took the lead through a great finish by Heung Min Son after a sloppy pass by Tolisso was picked up by Sissoko and feed to Son who's low hard drive beat Manuel Neuer at the far post. However, Spurs only had the lead for three minutes before Kimmich's long range shot beat Lloris, who's positioning could be seen as questionable. Once Bayern got this equaliser they looked like the team to go onto win this game and they certainly didn't prove me wrong with a goal just before half time saw them gain the lead, from a brilliant finish on the turn from Robert Lewandowski. Spurs went on to seemingly shot themselves in the foot, they didnt start the second half well, they were sloppy on the ball, which invited bayern forwards and ultimately brought too much pressure which Bayern capitalised on with a outstanding and blistering goal from the German international Serge Gnabry, his pace too much for Aureir on the break and a strong finish to put Bayern's lead to 3-1. Now from this you were looking for Spurs to respond and keep their cool, get through the next few minutes and get back into the game... this did not happen, two minutes later Alderweireld gives the ball away at the half way line and it suddenly becomes a three on three with Bayerns players being too quick for Spurs, Gnabry again gets in behind and calmly slots it past Lloris to make it 4-1. At this point you think game over, although, Tottenham find themselves with a lifeline in the 61st minute, when Rose seems to catch a high foot from Coman in the box, but once looking at it in slow motion, it seems Rose is the one who kicks Coman, the decision is still given for a penalty and we can put that one under questionable. As you aspect Harry Kane slots the penalty very well and Spurs could be back in it. Now for a good twenty minutes the game is slowed down by a combination of good subs by Bayern and game management by their players, the game is getting away from Spurs and then disaster hits in the 83rd minute it is the same story for the 2nd & 3rd goal, Gnabry has left Aureir for dead and got behind Spurs defence, he controls the ball well and he isn't going to mess up his hattrick, putting the game firmly to bed. This is when Spurs fully capitulate, two more goals come in quick succession from Lewandowski & Gnabry for his 4th to end what has been a truly embarrassing night for the north London team.

For me Spurs tactics were all wrong from the start, they played a diamond midfield which left acres of space for Bayern wingers, which are two deadly, pacey wingers and the fact Gnabry scored 4 of the goals tonight just says it all. Tottenhams central players kept having to try and come across to cover these areas, which then left space in the middle for players like Coutinho who also had a great game for the German side. From this you could see how the Midfielders tired in the second half, their play became sloppy, certain players not wanting the ball and this lead to losing the ball in transition areas which Bayern used to their full advantage, showing how clinical they can be and made Spurs pay for these mistakes. Also their subs in the second half for me came too late and were too attacking, yes at 3-1/4-2 you need to go for it and bring on players that could bring you goals, but you also need stability in there, taking off your two defensive minded midfielders for essentially central attacking midfielders leaves your defence extremely exposed and Bayern took full advantage of this with their speed on the counter.

Gnabry was the star of the show tonight, his pace and finishing proved too much for Spurs, a truly special night for the German international and ex-gooner. Another special mention has to be for the big Polish Centre forward, Lewandowski, he was exceptional as well tonight, taking both his goals very well and causing Spurs centre backs all sorts of problems, a real showcase in why he is still one of the best number nine's in world football.

This was a truly embarrassing night for Tottenham, continuing their terrible start to the season and only cause for further concern going into the rest of the season.