El Shaarawy rescues Monaco against Spurs
Thursday, October 1, 2015
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Monaco 1-1 Tottenham
The principality team were grateful for Stephan El Shaarawy's 81st-minute equaliser after Erik Lamela struck again for Spurs in Group J.
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- Both clubs still unbeaten in UEFA Europa League Group J as spoils are shared
- Erik Lamela's second goal in as many group games gives Tottenham 35th-minute lead
- Monaco substitute Stephan El Shaarawy equalises nine minutes from time
- Next games: Monaco v Qarabağ, Anderlecht v Tottenham (22 October)
Stephan El Shaarawy's late equaliser salvaged a point for Monaco as they drew 1-1 at home to Tottenham in UEFA Europa League Group J.
Chances were at a premium until the 20th minute when Nacer Chadli curled over from the edge of the box after goalkeeper Danijel Subašić had come out to close down Harry Kane. Defenders were rushing to get back onto the line but were not required to intervene.
Monaco midfielder Adama Traoré mustered the first shot on target, before Tottenham moved in front. Chadli was the inspiration as he nutmegged Jérémy Toulalan and fed Dele Alli. The teenager's strike was saved by Subašić and ricocheted off defender Andrea Raggi to give Erik Lamela the simple task of tapping into an unguarded net.
Following the Argentinian's goal the game exploded into life. Fábio Coentrão sent a free header wide from a João Moutinho centre, then Kane came close to putting Tottenham two up following fine play by Alli.
The onus was on Monaco to attack on the resumption in the unrelenting rain, yet it was Spurs who threatened to add to their lead when Eric Dier's 70th-minute header from a Christian Eriksen corner called Subašić into action. Next Kane directed a free header straight at the Croatian keeper.
Just as at Anderlecht on the opening matchday, Monaco equalised through a substitute. El Shaarawy's firm header from a pinpoint cross by fellow replacement Nabil Dirar squirmed through Hugo Lloris's defences. Monaco tails were up and Dirar forced a save from Lloris, with Danny Rose needed to prevent Guido Carrillo turning in the rebound.
Alli-watch
England boss Roy Hodgson describes new call-up Dele Alli, 19, as "a very exciting talent" – and it is easy to see why. Athletic and skilful, Alli was involved in Tottenham's opening goal, later teeing up Kane for a great opportunity. Not everything came off for the former MK Dons player, yet Alli – always positive in intent – never let that affect him.
Anthony Martial's successor yet to be found
Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim has tried Carrillo, El Shaarawy, Ivan Cavaleiro and Lacina Traoré at centre-forward in recent weeks. Traoré, a scorer off the bench against Anderlecht two weeks ago, could not take his chance against Spurs. The Ivorian international missed the target with a clear header late in the first half and Carrillo came on for him with 22 minutes to play.