TalkSPORT journalist Ian Abrahams believes that Spurs have what it takes to overturn the first leg deficit and beat AC Milan to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
The tie between Milan and Spurs is finely poised after the Rossoneri secured a 1-0 first leg lead thanks to Brahim Diaz’s goal at San Siro, however they face a tough job defending that advantage back in London on March 8. If you are feeling confident about how the return game will go, sites like 188BET can help you have a flutter.
Abrahams – who follows Spurs closely – gave an interview to MilanNews about the current state of Antonio Conte’s side as well as how the return leg could go.
How do you see the return to London after the 0-1 draw at San Siro?
“I think Tottenham have what it takes to win 2-0 in the second leg. The reasons? They have Kane who is a magnificent goalscorer, one of the strongest strikers on the world scene. Then in addition to him up front are Kulusevski, Richarlison, Heung-Min Son… and this makes me think that they will score at least two goals at home, also because in general every team does better in their own stadium than away.”
Cristian Romero was only booked after the foul on Tonali in the first leg while for many it was a red card. Is he the dirtiest and most violent player in the English league?
“Cristian may be tough but I wouldn’t call him dirty. He likes to go hard in tackling, what I consider a lost art by now. The Argentine defender loves tackling and sometimes pays the price with a red card. But if he succeeds, his deeds are an art. And it’s enough to say that he’s violent or dirty: I repeat, he’s just a tough guy.”
Son-Heung Min struggles when he plays from the start but as a substitute he is devastating. He also scored on Sunday as a substitute. By now he has more impact when he doesn’t start, why?
“As a substitute he scored a hat-trick at Leicester and a goal at West Ham last Saturday. But he also scored a brace at Preston North End in the Cup as a starter. So I don’t think he has to come off the bench to be decisive but maybe I feel less pressure.
“And then, as often happens when you’re left out, you want to prove they’re wrong. But if he plays like against West Ham in the next few games, I’m sure he’ll start from the first minute against Milan.”
We all know the gap between the Premier League and Serie A: if Tottenham fail to qualify for the quarter-finals would it be a failure?
“No, it wouldn’t be a failure but a big disappointment for the club and Antonio Conte. Spurs still have the objective of fourth place and the FA Cup to win. In the cup they will face Sheffield United, a team within their reach.
“Tottenham‘s season doesn’t depend on the match against Milan but knowing Antonio Conte he wants to get through at all costs. And as I said myself, Tottenham will qualify for the quarter-finals.”
