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Match Analysis: Lyon 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Match Analysis: Lyon 1-1 Spurs
© PA Photos
Sports Mole takes a closer look at this evening's decisive Europa League clash between Lyon and Tottenham Hotspur.

Tottenham Hotspur made the trip to the Stade de Gerland this evening for the second leg of their Europa League last-16 tie with Lyon.

It looked as if Andre Villas-Boas's men were heading out thanks to Maxime Gonalons's first-half header.

However, Moussa Dembele produced a brilliant last-minute strike to seal the North Londoners' place in the next round.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look to see if the result was fair.

Match statistics

Lyon
Shots: 9
On Target: 5
Possession: 43%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 10

Spurs
Shots: 10
On Target: 4
Possession: 57%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 14

Was the result fair?

It's a tough one. Lyon were the better team for the best part of an hour, but chose to sit back and defend their lead instead of adding to it. They were punished by a wonderful strike by Moussa Dembele.

Lyon's performance

7/10. The home side played extremely well in the first half but didn't take full advantage. Clement Grenier was superb in midfield, while Maxime Gonalons did a good job of protecting the back four. There was a very noticeable shift in mentality midway through the second half as they dropped deeper, allowing Spurs plenty of space operate. That led to downfall.

Spurs's performance

6/10. Spurs' second-half display will be of great encouragement to Andre Villas-Boas. They didn't look up for the fight in the first half and quite rightly went into the break trailing. However, their passing had far more purpose in the second half. Still, they struggled to break down a well-organised Lyon outfit. Their best chance of the night fell to Gareth Bale, but he volleyed wide from Emmanuel Adebayor's cross. It was left to Dembele to conjure something magical to ensure their progression to the last 16.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Clement Grenier: It's hard not to give this one to Demebele, but the Belgian was invisible for most of the night until his goal. Meanwhile, Grenier had a great game. He showed lovely technique on the ball and also got involved in the final third. His set-piece delivery was a danger for Spurs.

Biggest gaffe

This would have to be Gareth Bale's missed chance. It's a difficult technique to hit a volley on the run, but he will feel that he should have done better for a player of his calibre. He should at least have hit the target.

Referee's performance

The referee's whistle was active tonight, but the fouls were more petty than anything. He made a good decision not to award a penalty to Alexandre Lacazette in the second half, but should have booked the youngster for a shameful dive.

What's next?

Lyon: Les Gones will look to bounce back when Lorient come to town on Sunday.

Spurs: The North Londoners travel to Upton Park to take on West Ham United on Monday.

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Lyon's Bafe Gomis celebrates after scoring the opener against Montpellier on December 1, 2012
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