Christian Eriksen kept Tottenham Hotspur's slim hopes of Champions League last-16 qualification alive following a vital 1-0 win over Inter Milan at Wembley.
Tottenham pressed forward from the outset, knowing that anything less than a win would end their chances of progression to the knockout stages.
Harry Kane and Dele Alli enjoyed viable early chances as the home side dominated possession and worked hard to win the ball back in midfield. The closest chance of the first half fell to Harry Winks, whose curling effort from 25 yards beat Samir Handanovic but rattled the crossbar.
Spurs continued to press in an open second half, but their back line was kept honest by an Inter side who did not sit back and play for the draw.
Tottenham Hotspur's Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the UEFA Champions League group B football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan at Wembley Stadium in London, on November 28, 2018.
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The hosts finally made the breakthrough when Moussa Sissoko powered his way into the box and crossed for Alli. The England midfielder pivoted and unselfishly set the ball up for Eriksen, who powered home from around eight yards. The Dane has scored two goals this season—both against Inter.
The Italians had a late chance to find the equaliser when Ivan Perisic’s powerful shot was parried away by Hugo Lloris—who was beaten by the Croatian in the World Cup final. But Tottenham contained the Italian threat effectively to keep their chances of reaching the knockout stage alive.
Tottenham will head to Barcelona for their final group stage game on December 11, while Inter will host PSV Eindhoven.
TALKING POINT
Can Spurs reach the Round of 16? Tottenham have seven points in Group B and sit below Inter with one goal separating them. The London side will need to beat Barcelona at the Camp Nou and earn a superior goal difference to Inter to qualify.
Barca have already qualified, so it definitely isn’t beyond their reach. If the Spanish side sit back in the final group game, Spurs will have a good chance of progressing.
Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur gives his team instructions during the UEFA Champions League Group B match between Tottenham Hotspur and FC Internazionale at Wembley Stadium on November 28, 2018 in London, United Kingdom
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MAN OF THE MATCH
Moussa Sissoko (Spurs) Although his Inter counterpart Marcelo Brozovic deserves plenty of credit, Sissoko enjoyed a commanding evening in the middle of the park. He was highly effective on the break and was instrumental in creating Eriksen’s goal.
Moussa Sissoko of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after Christian Eriksen (not pictured) of Tottenham Hotspur scores his sides first goal during the UEFA Champions League Group B match between Tottenham Hotspur and FC Internazionale at Wembley Stadium on Nov
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PLAYER RATINGS
Tottenham - Lloris 7, Aurier 7, Alderweireld 7, Vertonghen 7, Davies 7, Winks 8, Sissoko 8, Lamela 6, Dele 6, Lucas 7, Kane 7. Subs: Dier 6, Eriksen 7, Son 8.
Inter Milan Handanovic 7, D'Ambrosio 7, Skriniar 7, De Vrij 7, Asamoah 6, Brozovic 7, Vecino 6, Politano 7, Nainggolan 5, Perisic 7, Icardi 6. Subs: Keita Balde 6, Borja Valero 6, Miranda 6.
KEY MOMENTS
39 - CHANCE! Lucas Moura cuts the ball back to Winks, around 20 yards out, and his shot rattles the crossbar!That's the closest we've come to seeing a goal tonight.
Tottenham Hotspur's English midfielder Harry Winks (L) sees his shot hit the bar as Inter Milan's Slovenian goalkeeper Samir Handanovic dives in vain during the UEFA Champions League group B football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan at Wemb
Image credit: Getty Images
68 - CHANCE! Lamela crosses to Davies, who heads into the path of Alli. His volley from around 30 yards sails wide!
71 - CHANCE! Eriksen's first touch is a free kick, which he floats into the box and onto Vertonghen's head... his effort sails narrowly wide!
80 - GOAL! Sissoko breaks into the box on the right, picks out Alli, who unselfishly sets up Eriksen. The Dane hoofs it into the roof of the net from around eight yards!
KEY STATS
The home side has won in each of the six meetings between these sides in all competitions (three times in London and three times in Milan).
Inter have failed to keep a clean sheet in all of those six meetings with Tottenham. This is the second time they have failed to score.
Spurs have lost only one of their last nine matches against Italian sides (W5 D3).
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