AC Milan star Tonali says Tottenham were ‘easy’ to play against in Champions League

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AC Milan secured a crucial 1-0 win over Tottenham at the San Siro on Tuesday as the Champions League returned to our screens – and Milan ace Sandro Tonali claims Spurs were actually “easy” to play against during the narrow victory.

The only goal of the game was scored early on as Stefano Pioli’s side secured a first-leg advantage. Fraser Forster made two superb saves to stop Milan duo Rafael Leao, and then Brahim Diaz – only for the latter to bundle home a rebound.

Spurs did play well. Harry Kane was his usual self and apart from two quick-fire chances in the second half, Spurs did actually defend well. Without three of five central-midfield options for the game, Oliver Skipp and Pape Sarr impressed.

But a number of others struggled. Son Heung-min’s inconsistent form continued while Ivan Perisic’s solid start to life at Spurs has died off and continues to do so. Cristian Romero was perhaps lucky not to be sent off for a tackle on Tonali.

Italy star Tonali was quoted by TMW as saying Spurs were easy to play against: “Tonight we were ready for a lot of their plays, we interpreted what they prepared well. It was also quite easy for us to understand their plays during the match.”

Sandro Tonali claims Tottenham were actually easy to play against

Given the injuries Spurs have suffered recently – Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur, Hugo Lloris – they did compete with Milan. While Milan are in poor form, they are still the reigning Serie A champions. A tie that is still in the balance.

It was a game that could have gone either way. Harry Kane hit the bar though it was offside earlier in the attack. Spurs had a number of half chances. But then, Milan could have scored two or even three. Spurs need a big second-leg win.

They will have Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg back from suspension – which is a boost. But credit to Skipp and Sarr. A combined age of 42 in the middle of the park at the San Siro, they performed admirably. Plenty of positives for Antonio Conte.