Tottenham Hotspur maintained their 100 percent start to this season's Champions League following their 3-0 triumph over Apoel Nicosia at GSP Stadium, according to the Guardian. In-form striker Harry Kane scored three times to give Spurs the maximum points on the road. Giorgos Donis's side was apparently overpowered by the tactical displays of Tottenham's creative midfielders, comprises Moussa Sissoko and Eric Dier. The victory means that Tottenham is joint-leaders of Group H with Real Madrid, but superior on goal difference, while APOEL Nicosia is at the bottom with no points earned so far.
Here's the recap of the match.
APOEL Nicosia outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Boy Waterman (5.57). Defender - Praxitelis Vouros (6.20), Carlao (6.29), Jesús Rueda (six points), Roberto Lago (6.19). Midfielder - Ghayas Zahid (6.20), Vinicius (5.84), Nuno Morais (6.29), Efstathios Aloneftis (6.40). Forward - Igor de Camargo (6.72), Roland Sallai (six points). Used substitutes - Agustín Farías (6.54), Andreas Makris (six points), Nektarious Alexandrou (six points).
Team's strength and weakness: APOEL Nicosia often lost possession of the ball and committed several individual fumbles, especially in their defense. They made few attempts in the attack.
Style of play: Giorgos Donis' side were more defensive but favored short and long passes.
Tottenham Hotspur outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Hugo Lloris (7.54). Defender - Serge Aurier (6.88), Toby Alderweireld (7.76), Davinson Sánchez (7.20), Ben Davies (7.22), Kieran Trippier (7.78). Midfielder - Moussa Sissoko (eight points), Harry Winks (7.40), Eric Dier (7.25). Forward - Harry Kane (9.70), Son Heung-Min (eight points).
Used substitutes - Georges-Kévin Nkoudou (six points), Fernando Llorente (5.28), Anthony Georgiou (six points).
Team's strength and weakness: Mauricio Pochettino's men often held possession on Nicosia's half and went on to create goal scoring opportunities through set pieces, through balls, individual efforts and long range strikes.
Overall, they were fantastic at converting their chances.
Style of play: Tottenham held more possession on Nicosia's half. They favored long crosses and through balls. Spurs largely launched attacks through the middle.
Who's the Man of the Match
Harry Kane was just magnificent and incredible in the attack. He single-handedly gave Spurs the victory by bagging a hat trick. Following his hat trick at Nicosia, Harry Kane becomes the seventh English player to score a Champions League hat-trick. What a goal scoring record.
Scheduled Group H upcoming fixtures
Tottenham Hotspur will hit the road to take on Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Tuesday 17 October, the match is considered as the Star Match of the group. The same night, APOEL Nicosia welcomes Borussia Dortmund.
