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Dominic Solanke’s return to the Tottenham starting XI could hardly have gone better as he scored his first Champions League goal.
That was more like it from Tottenham Hotspur in their Champions League encounter against Borussia Dortmund on matchday seven of the competition.
Thomas Frank’s side put in a dominant performance, the first of its kind in several months, against a very solid Dortmund team that came into the clash off the back of two consecutive Bundesliga wins.
Spurs had the most possession in the match, created the most chances, recorded a higher xG, took more shots and completed more passes, the sort of performance supporters have been demanding from Frank’s side, despite it often being labelled boring.
Dominic Solanke reflects on Champions League return for Tottenham
Indeed, the Dane will have been pleased with the character shown by his players on the night and will be hoping for more of the same going forward.
Dominic Solanke also made his return to Champions League action, his first appearance in the competition after six months out due to injury.
He had initially been removed from the squad but was added back in place of Tel, and against Dortmund, he repaid his manager’s faith by grabbing a crucial second goal.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Solanke reflected on his finish and the emotions of being back on the pitch at the highest level, saying: “I would have preferred it to be a bit cleaner but a goal is a goal, and I got to enjoy watching it go in in slow motion, so it was nice in the end.
“I am so happy to be back out here, it is my first start since the last game of last season, so to be back out here and get the win meant the world.”
The Tottenham striker also spoke about the significance of scoring his first Champions League goal, adding: “The Champions League is the competition that everyone wants to play in, it is the biggest club competition in the world.
“To get my first goal in it is something that you dream about.”
Solanke believes Spurs confidence boost could spill into league form
Solanke was also asked whether the result could mark a turning point for Spurs, and he was cautiously optimistic about what it might mean.
Reflecting on recent European form and the need for improvement domestically, he said: “I hope so. We have done quite well in the Champions League and if you look back to last season and how well we did in the Europa League, it definitely gave the team confidence.
“We know we have not been good enough in the Premier League this year, so hopefully this gives us the extra boost, we can improve in the league and continue in the Champions League.”
He also stressed the importance of unity between the squad and the supporters, highlighting the atmosphere on the night, adding: “When we are all together – players, staff, fans – that is key. We are all one club, we all want the same thing. We need to put the performances in on the pitch like we did tonight and hopefully we can carry on the momentum.”
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