The UEFA Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur was an amazing clash between two attacking-minded sides with shocks, twists and a rollercoaster of a penalty shootout to decide the winner. The score was PSG 2-2 Tottenham (4-3). Here are some key takeaways.
Tottenham are still going through growing pains. Spurs started on the strong foot, 2-0 up in the 85th minute, being the better side. But, as the game went on, their options on the bench were limited and this was apparent as the time went on, as attacking players such as Kudus grew tired and needed to be subbed by new manager Thomas Frank and as a result the quality dropped.
PSG are not ready for the start of the season. No pre-season and only 6 days of training leading up to the final saw a PSG team that were half-asleep from kick-off. They responded well by taking their chances later in the second half and utilizing subs with energy but it may end up being a rocky start to the season for the french side who could have used rest AND preseason after their loss in the Club World Cup final only around a month ago.
Spurs need more players. As mentioned before they didn’t have too many options on the bench. They left behind Yves Bissouma who was late to training multiple times since Thomas Frank joined the team and injuries to the likes of Destiny Udogie and Dominic Solanke meant thin pickings for the new manager. Son, as well, is a key player that will be missing for the upcoming season and perhaps some experience on top of experience could enrich the squad.
The jury is still out on PSG’s goalkeeper decision. The bold decision to banish Gianluigi Donnarumma from the PSG squad ahead of the final came after the transfer of young french goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier from Lille, the Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the season. He made solid saves in key moments and saved a penalty, but was at partially at fault for the second goal and pushed the rebound that led to the first goal into danger. Time will tell if the decision was correct.
The UEFA Super Cup is a relatively prestigious trophy. The lineups, effort and impact the trophy had on the players both winning and losing show the trophy is still a sought-after accolade. This is only helped by being exclusively available to the winner of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.