Tottenham Hotspur's Champions League hopes suffered a huge blow on Sunday afternoon, as Wolverhampton Wanderers completed a dramatic comeback to win 3-2 in north London.
Spurs took the lead on 13 minutes when Steven Bergwijn tapped home from close range following a smart Rui Patricio save. But Wolves drew level 15 minutes later when Matt Doherty rounded off a superb move from the visitors to slam the ball home.
The two sides looked to be heading into half-time all square, but a stunning effort from Serge Aurier put Spurs ahead for the second time. But the visitors restored parity ten minutes after the break, Diogo Jota nudging the ball over the line from a Doherty cross.
Wolves stole ahead for the first time in the match on 73 minutes, as Jota fed Raul Jimenez after beating a number of Spurs defenders, and the Mexican forward stroked the ball calmly past Paulo Gazzaniga.
Tottenham struggled to get back into the match, and Wolves held on to move within three points of Champions League football.
Tottenham Hotspur
Key Talking Point
What do Tottenham practice on the training ground? Spurs knew how important this game was to their top four ambitions before kickoff, and they started brightly against their impressive opponents. But old, self-destructive habits began to creep in, and having conceded an equaliser on the half-hour mark, José Mourinho's men crumbled.
The Lilywhites never looked assured - even after Aurier gave them a 2-1 lead, and Wolves constantly frightened Spurs with their lightning pace on the break. Mourinho will be furious by the ease at which Jota was able to dance through the hosts' weak tackles for the third goal, and an inquisition will be held as to how Jimenez could be afforded so much time and space in the box.
The Portuguese boss has been in north London for several months now, but this defence resembles nothing like a typical Mourinho side. Worrying times.
Player Ratings
Starting XI:
Substitutes: Ndombele (6), Fernandes (6), Parrott (N/A)
Serge Aurier
For all the criticism Aurier receives (and probably deserves) for his defensive failings, the French full-back certainly loves a maraud into the opposition half. Sunday was no exception. Spurs fed off the 27-year-old's desire to be available on the right flank at all times, and he whipped in cross after tantalising cross for the hosts.
The wing-back set up the opening goal of the match with his excellent delivery, and he then produced a stunning finish to gift the fortunate Spurs a less-than deserved lead. Admittedly, Aurier didn't cover himself in glory in his own half of the pitch, but he contributed more offensively than any other play, and there were plenty of other defenders who should take the blame for his team's unbelievable collapse.
Not a lot to pick from.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Key Talking Point
You cannot keep this Wolves team down. No matter how many times they look to be dead and buried, they rise again to cause shock upon shock. The visitors should have been exhausted from their Europa League commitments in midweek, but they showed no signs of slowing down at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Wolves found themselves behind at half-time (undeservedly, too) but Nuno Espirito Santo's men remained calm and stuck to their game plan. It paid off in wonderful fashion over the course of a breathtaking second half, in which Jota, Traore and Jimenez ran the Spurs backline ragged. The hosts had no answer for the trickery, power and cutting edge that the three provided respectively, and it was a well-earned victory for an incredible Wolves side.
Champions League football, anyone?
Player Ratings
Starting XI:
Substitutes: Neto (7), Dendoncker (7), Podence (N/A)
Adama Traore
This man must have been built in a laboratory - there is simply no other explanation for such strength and speed. Traore's rise from pace merchant to finished article has been meteoric, and the Spaniard proved too hot to handle for yet another Premier League defence. Traore grew into the game during the first half, looking at his most dangerous when able to spin his man and charge towards goal.
The 24-year-old produced the moment of the match for the visitors, literally bouncing off challenge after challenge, drawing two or three players into the centre of the pitch, only to release the ball wide to set up the second equaliser. Traore was simply irrepressible in the second half, collecting the ball deep and leaving a trail of dust and Spurs players in his wake.
When the beast is in this kind of mood, there's simply no stopping him.
Looking Ahead
Spurs must turn their attention away from league duties on Wednesday evening, when they take on Norwich City in the fifth round of the FA Cup. Wolves host Brighton next Saturday afternoon, as they continue their push for European qualification.
Source : 90min