PSV 2-2 Tottenham: 3 things we learned

Tottenham conceded a later equalizer to draw 2-2 with PSV on Tuesday. Here are three things we learned from the match.

Tottenham visited PSV Eindhoven Wednesday evening on matchday 3 of Group B of the Champions League at Philips Stadion in Eindhoven.

Spurs survived an 87th minute equalizer by Luuk de Jong after going down to 10 men following a red card to Hugo Lloris only eight minutes earlier.

Here are three things we learned from Wednesday’s crucial match.

Attractive soccer with mixed results

Tottenham were clearly the stronger side and probably deserved a better result than a 2-2 draw with the Dutch Eredivisie leaders. Spurs had 71 percent of possession and had 24 shots at goal with nine finding the target, while PSV managed only 11 shots at goal with three finding the target.

Christian Eriksen was a welcome addition to the Tottenham lineup, helping Spurs control the midfield and again showed his class by floating a perfectly weighted cross to Harry Kane for Tottenham’s second goal.

Lucas Moura continually found space between the lines (until he was subbed off for Erik Lamela) and outside backs Kieran Trippier and Ben Davies got down the flanks to get off crosses throughout the match.

The possible Premier League contenders played attractive attacking soccer, always looking for the overlapping run or the penetrating pass.  However, Spurs had to share the points because they were punished for two poor defensive mistakes.

If Spurs want to go far in European competition by playing attacking football, they’ll need to find the right defensive balance so that they can get needed results away from home against less talented sides.

A bigger stage awaits Lozano

Mexican international and PSV forward Hirving “Chucky” Lozano was the brightest star for the Dutch side throughout the match. In the 29th minute, a heavy touch from Spurs defender Toby Alderweireld allowed the crafty Lozano to get in behind and snatch the match’s opener.

Lozano followed up his goal by forcing Lloris into a rash tackle outside the box and a straight red card in the 79th minute. PSV manager Mark van Bommel continually gave Lozano the freedom to slot in on the right or left as needed in order to maximize the Mexican’s speed against the Tottenham center-backs.

Lozano is one of the biggest reasons PSV still have a 100 percent record in the Eredivisie, racking up eight goals in nine matches. Lozano’s talent deserves a bigger and brighter stage than the Dutch top flight.

With more strong performances on European nights like these, suitors will be lining up for the PSV forward. Are Real Madrid watching closely?

Draw makes life difficult for Spurs

If Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino thought Wednesday’s match in Eindhoven was not a “must win” match, he’ll certainly think differently about his club’s next match in the Champions League against PSV in London on Nov. 6.

Spurs sit tied with PSV on one point half way through the group stage. With matches to come at the Camp Nou and home to Inter Milan, nothing less than a full three points will be acceptable against PSV if Tottenham are to make it to the knockout rounds of the Champions League.

Making matters worse for Spurs, they’ll be without Lloris for the match on Nov. 6 due to his red card.  It seems like an uphill battle right now for Spurs to make the knockout round as results outside their control will likely need to fall their way.

Will Tottenham be able to pull it off?