Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has insisted that Tottenham’s Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund is not over despite the Lilywhites having take a 3-0 lead in the first leg.
The north London outfit put themselves in a commanding position against their German counterparts, scoring three second half goals, including two inside the final 10 minutes, to put one foot into the next round of the competition.
However, Merson believes Dortmund will make a fast start and that Tottenham will have to see out a bombardment to qualify.
He told Sky Sports News (05/03): “I’ve gone Dortmund 2-0. I think there’ll be drama in this football match.
“I think Dortmund will fly out the traps and I think Tottenham will be hanging on in the end – I don’t think this game’s over at all.”
Opinion
A bold prediction from the former Arsenal man – although his allegiances to the Gunners might suggest a little bit of bias here. He could well have a point though. Tottenham have not looked at their best in recent weeks and even in the first leg of this tie, the opening 45 minutes looked like Dortmund would sneak at least a crucial away goal. The second half was outstanding from Mauricio Pochettino’s men though and if they can replicate that sort of performance to snatch an away goal themselves then it should be game over. Still, fans at both clubs will not believe the dream is over until the referee blows the final whistle and if Merson’s prediction to go by it could well be a very nervy end to proceedings – which would be great entertainment for the neutrals. If Tottenham were to collapse and fall out of Europe on Tuesday night, it might just be the turning point – in a negative way – for the club. They really need to keep pushing on and their first leg performance has given them every chance of doing so.