Referee Danny Makkelie shows a red card to Tottenham coach Antonio Conte during the 1-1 Champions League draw against Sporting at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 26, 2022. AP
Referee Danny Makkelie shows a red card to Tottenham coach Antonio Conte during the 1-1 Champions League draw against Sporting at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 26, 2022. AP
Referee Danny Makkelie talks to Tottenham's Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Harry Kane after Kane's goal was disallowed for offside. AP
Referee Danny Makkelie talks to Tottenham's Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Harry Kane after Kane's goal was disallowed for offside. AP
Harry Kane celebrates a goal which is later disallowed. Getty
Harry Kane celebrates a goal which is later disallowed. Getty
Tottenham's Harry Kane celebrates scoring a goal before it is later disallowed by VAR. PA
Tottenham's Harry Kane celebrates scoring a goal before it is later disallowed by VAR. PA
Sporting's Marcus Edwards celebrates after scoring against Tottenham. Getty
Sporting's Marcus Edwards celebrates after scoring against Tottenham. Getty
Marcus Edwards scores for Sporting. Getty
Marcus Edwards scores for Sporting. Getty
Tottenham's Rodrigo Bentancur heads the equaliser. AP
Tottenham's Rodrigo Bentancur heads the equaliser. AP
Hugo Lloris celebrates Tottenham's leveller. Getty
Hugo Lloris celebrates Tottenham's leveller. Getty
Rodrigo Bentancur (left) celebrates after scoring. PA
Rodrigo Bentancur (left) celebrates after scoring. PA
Tottenham manager Antonio Conte watches the action. EPA
Tottenham manager Antonio Conte watches the action. EPA

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Football

Spurs manager Antonio Conte misses 'match of year' against Marseille in Champions League

Italian coach's red card against Sporting means he will be missing from touchline for make-or-break clash away to French side

Ian Hawkey
Ian Hawkey

November 01, 2022

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Igor Tudor, the manager of Olympique Marseille, calls it the “match of the year.” For Antonio Conte, whose Tottenham Hotspur are in southern France for the make-or-break fixture, it will bookend a transformative year, marking the Italian’s first anniversary as manager of the Premier League club.

A pity then, that he’ll feel so distanced from the crackling energy around Tuesday’s Champions League showdown.

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Antonio Conte hoping stunning fightback will inspire Tottenham's belief

Conte, who 12 months ago on Tuesday agreed to take over from Nuno Espirito Santo at Tottenham, will be serving a touchline and dressing-room ban, the penalty imposed on him by Uefa for the red card he received close to the end of Tottenham’s 1-1 draw with Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon, in what has turned into the most taut, most tense group in this season’s European Cup.

Conte’s ill-tempered outburst was prompted by a VAR decision that ruled out a late Harry Kane winner, leaving Spurs obliged to chase the point they need to guarantee progress to the knockouts at the famously hostile Stade Velodrome, a portion of which will be closed to spectators because of crowd incidents during Marseille's defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in September.

That loss made Tudor, appointed OM manager in the summer, the latest inheritor of a dreadful long-term jinx in the competition. It was the club’s 14th defeat in 15 matches in club football’s most glamorous tournament, a wretched record stretching back over 10 years.

Three decades ago, OM were on their way to becoming France’s only European Cup winners. The decline has been painful, even if the two victories over Sporting this season provided overdue cheer.

When Tudor calls Tuesday evening OM’s “match of the year,” he is playing it down. Victory would represent an achievement unprecedented in a decade; victory would put the Ligue 1 side in the last 16 of the Champions League for the first time since 2012.

Tottenham 2 Marseille 0: player ratings

TOTTENHAM RATINGS: Hugo Lloris, 4 – Seemed to be in a battle with Pau Lopez to produce the most calamitous spell of goalkeeping when he opted to punch a simple catch and he had his palms stung by a Matteo Guendouzi rasper. Some of his distribution was awful too. AFP
TOTTENHAM RATINGS: Hugo Lloris, 4 – Seemed to be in a battle with Pau Lopez to produce the most calamitous spell of goalkeeping when he opted to punch a simple catch and he had his palms stung by a Matteo Guendouzi rasper. Some of his distribution was awful too. AFP
Cristian Romero, 5 – Got an important block in to keep out another Guendouzi effort. Hardly stamped his authority but no harm done and he was replaced by the returning Tanganga after the break. Getty Images
Cristian Romero, 5 – Got an important block in to keep out another Guendouzi effort. Hardly stamped his authority but no harm done and he was replaced by the returning Tanganga after the break. Getty Images
Eric Dier, 6 – Sent an early sign of intent when he rather abruptly clattered into Suarez, which resulted in a talking to from the referee and he saw yellow card for a similar altercation. Threw himself at a Guendouzi strike from distance as Marseille started to get on top. Getty Images
Eric Dier, 6 – Sent an early sign of intent when he rather abruptly clattered into Suarez, which resulted in a talking to from the referee and he saw yellow card for a similar altercation. Threw himself at a Guendouzi strike from distance as Marseille started to get on top. Getty Images
Clement Lenglet, 6 – Robust in spells but he too failed to deliver the required quality on the ball and he saw his cross easily repelled by the first man just shy of the 20-minute mark. Got a vital boot on a dangerous ball across from Tavares. Reuters
Clement Lenglet, 6 – Robust in spells but he too failed to deliver the required quality on the ball and he saw his cross easily repelled by the first man just shy of the 20-minute mark. Got a vital boot on a dangerous ball across from Tavares. Reuters
Emerson Royal, 6 – Chucked everything he had into a 50/50 challenge as the hosts made it tough for Marseille to settle in the opening few minutes. Showed electric pace on the counter but scuffed his best effort horribly wide of the target. Reuters
Emerson Royal, 6 – Chucked everything he had into a 50/50 challenge as the hosts made it tough for Marseille to settle in the opening few minutes. Showed electric pace on the counter but scuffed his best effort horribly wide of the target. Reuters
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, 6 – Completely lost the midfield battle in the opening 45 minutes. Better after the break with Conte’s men enjoying the luxury of the extra man and he put the ball on a plate for Richarlison to finish the contest with a calculated delivery from deep. Getty Images
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, 6 – Completely lost the midfield battle in the opening 45 minutes. Better after the break with Conte’s men enjoying the luxury of the extra man and he put the ball on a plate for Richarlison to finish the contest with a calculated delivery from deep. Getty Images
Rodrigo Bentancur, 5 – I’m honestly not sure if he completed a pass in the first-half, such was Spurs' inability to keep possession. Like Hojbjerg he went missing as the Ligue 1 side won everything. Getty Images
Rodrigo Bentancur, 5 – I’m honestly not sure if he completed a pass in the first-half, such was Spurs' inability to keep possession. Like Hojbjerg he went missing as the Ligue 1 side won everything. Getty Images
Ivan Perisic, 8 – Made a nuisance of himself early as he put Jonathan Clauss under pressure and he did well to recycle a poor short from Emerson right on the byline. Constantly pushed forward on the left and crafted the opener with a pinpoint delivery. Getty Images
Ivan Perisic, 8 – Made a nuisance of himself early as he put Jonathan Clauss under pressure and he did well to recycle a poor short from Emerson right on the byline. Constantly pushed forward on the left and crafted the opener with a pinpoint delivery. Getty Images
Richarlison, 8 – His temper threatened to rear its head when he left one on Guendouzi. Opened his Tottenham account to spare the home side’s blushes with a bullet header and made it 2-0 with another. Clinical. Getty Images
Richarlison, 8 – His temper threatened to rear its head when he left one on Guendouzi. Opened his Tottenham account to spare the home side’s blushes with a bullet header and made it 2-0 with another. Clinical. Getty Images
Son Heung-min, 7 – Saw his first delivery cleared at the near post and his next wasn’t much better. Came to life in the 40th minute when he drove into the box and found Kane, and he was much better after the break, including a pivotal role in Mbemba’s dismissal. Getty Images
Son Heung-min, 7 – Saw his first delivery cleared at the near post and his next wasn’t much better. Came to life in the 40th minute when he drove into the box and found Kane, and he was much better after the break, including a pivotal role in Mbemba’s dismissal. Getty Images
Harry Kane, 5 – Isolated in large spells in the first half and selfishly squandered the best chance of the game. More chances came in the second but unfortunately, the only cutting edge he showed was when the Spurs number nine cut Lopez’s eye with a stray hand. Getty Images
Harry Kane, 5 – Isolated in large spells in the first half and selfishly squandered the best chance of the game. More chances came in the second but unfortunately, the only cutting edge he showed was when the Spurs number nine cut Lopez’s eye with a stray hand. Getty Images
Dejan Kulusevski (on for Royal, ‘61), 8 – Added a jolt of electricity to Spurs’ attacking play and almost made an immediate impact, but he couldn’t quite squeeze his effort in at the near-post after a blistering charge into the box. Reuters
Dejan Kulusevski (on for Royal, ‘61), 8 – Added a jolt of electricity to Spurs’ attacking play and almost made an immediate impact, but he couldn’t quite squeeze his effort in at the near-post after a blistering charge into the box. Reuters
Japhet Tanganga (on for Romero, ‘73), NR – Saw his flicked header drop just wide as Spurs went for the kill. That would have been a welcome moment had it crept in, with the 23-year-old yet to bag his first Spurs goal. Getty Images
Japhet Tanganga (on for Romero, ‘73), NR – Saw his flicked header drop just wide as Spurs went for the kill. That would have been a welcome moment had it crept in, with the 23-year-old yet to bag his first Spurs goal. Getty Images
Ben Davies (on for Lenglet ‘73), NR – His heart was probably in his mouth within about 20 seconds of his introduction when he completely misjudged a cross from Kolasinac. Redeemed himself with a super last-ditch block to deny Marseille a consolation. Reuters
Ben Davies (on for Lenglet ‘73), NR – His heart was probably in his mouth within about 20 seconds of his introduction when he completely misjudged a cross from Kolasinac. Redeemed himself with a super last-ditch block to deny Marseille a consolation. Reuters
Matt Doherty (on for Son, ‘85), NR – Forced a later corner when his effort was turned round the post by Bailly. Reuters
Matt Doherty (on for Son, ‘85), NR – Forced a later corner when his effort was turned round the post by Bailly. Reuters
Yves Bissouma (on for Bentancur, ‘85), NR – Had little time to make an impact, although he was rescued after giving the ball away cheaply in a dangerous area. EPA
Yves Bissouma (on for Bentancur, ‘85), NR – Had little time to make an impact, although he was rescued after giving the ball away cheaply in a dangerous area. EPA
MARSEILLE RATINGS: Pau Lopez, 4 – The 27-year-old previously had a loan stint at Spurs but he never found himself between the sticks during that spell. Diced with death a couple of times and somehow survived, but his hand wasn’t strong enough to keep out Richarlison’s header. Getty Images
MARSEILLE RATINGS: Pau Lopez, 4 – The 27-year-old previously had a loan stint at Spurs but he never found himself between the sticks during that spell. Diced with death a couple of times and somehow survived, but his hand wasn’t strong enough to keep out Richarlison’s header. Getty Images
Chancel Mbemba, 3 – Had barely anything to do in the opening 45 minutes. Perhaps that left him a bit rusty and, after finding himself in a footrace with Son, he took the South Korean out with a poor challenge, resulting in a straight red card. Getty Images
Chancel Mbemba, 3 – Had barely anything to do in the opening 45 minutes. Perhaps that left him a bit rusty and, after finding himself in a footrace with Son, he took the South Korean out with a poor challenge, resulting in a straight red card. Getty Images
Eric Bailly, 5 – The on-loan Manchester United man wasn’t called into action prior to the red card. He made a couple of decent interceptions, but he ultimately couldn’t keep Spurs out. Failed to pick up Richarlison for the opener, but so did everyone else. Getty Images
Eric Bailly, 5 – The on-loan Manchester United man wasn’t called into action prior to the red card. He made a couple of decent interceptions, but he ultimately couldn’t keep Spurs out. Failed to pick up Richarlison for the opener, but so did everyone else. Getty Images
Samuel Gigot, 7 – Was good value for his place in the team with some important interventions. AP Photo
Samuel Gigot, 7 – Was good value for his place in the team with some important interventions. AP Photo
Jonathan Clauss, 7 – Put under the cosh a little by the battling Perisic in a cagey opening to the contest. Showed tidy feet to neatly cut inside one man and then chop inside another before stroking the ball out to the left. Withdrawn in a tactical change after the break. AP Photo
Jonathan Clauss, 7 – Put under the cosh a little by the battling Perisic in a cagey opening to the contest. Showed tidy feet to neatly cut inside one man and then chop inside another before stroking the ball out to the left. Withdrawn in a tactical change after the break. AP Photo
Valentin Rongier, 6 – A brilliant, battling performance in the first half. A pretty impossible one in the second. Ran his socks off, as did every Marseille player to be fair to them. EPA
Valentin Rongier, 6 – A brilliant, battling performance in the first half. A pretty impossible one in the second. Ran his socks off, as did every Marseille player to be fair to them. EPA
Jordan Veretout, 6 – Completely bossed it in the middle of the park as Marseille stroked the ball about with real purpose in the first half, which had the hosts looking flustered. Faced a much tougher task in the second half but stuck to it as well as he could. Reuters
Jordan Veretout, 6 – Completely bossed it in the middle of the park as Marseille stroked the ball about with real purpose in the first half, which had the hosts looking flustered. Faced a much tougher task in the second half but stuck to it as well as he could. Reuters
Nuno Tavares, 5 – The on-loan Arsenal man managed to go under the radar for 15 minutes before a few boos were finally chucked his way. Pulled the trigger from about 30 yards but his effort drifted harmlessly wide. Failed to stop the cross for the opener. EPA
Nuno Tavares, 5 – The on-loan Arsenal man managed to go under the radar for 15 minutes before a few boos were finally chucked his way. Pulled the trigger from about 30 yards but his effort drifted harmlessly wide. Failed to stop the cross for the opener. EPA
Matteo Guendouzi, 8 – Treated to the customary boos having graced the red part of North London. A composed display from the bushy-haired midfielder who was simply everywhere in the first half and drew a good save from Lloris with a low strike. A for effort. Getty Images
Matteo Guendouzi, 8 – Treated to the customary boos having graced the red part of North London. A composed display from the bushy-haired midfielder who was simply everywhere in the first half and drew a good save from Lloris with a low strike. A for effort. Getty Images
Gerson, 7 – Picked out the superbly-timed run of Taverez with a beautifully floated cross towards the back stick that took the Spurs line completely out of the game, but the latter couldn’t capitalise. EPA
Gerson, 7 – Picked out the superbly-timed run of Taverez with a beautifully floated cross towards the back stick that took the Spurs line completely out of the game, but the latter couldn’t capitalise. EPA
Luis Suarez, 5 – Showed his experience when he shielded the ball well on halfway before Dier bundled into the back of him. Perhaps wasn’t able to spearhead the attack as he’d like, but another altercation with the latter saw Dier booked. EPA
Luis Suarez, 5 – Showed his experience when he shielded the ball well on halfway before Dier bundled into the back of him. Perhaps wasn’t able to spearhead the attack as he’d like, but another altercation with the latter saw Dier booked. EPA
SUBS" Leonardo Balerdi (on for Gerson, ‘50), 5 – Turned to by Igor Tudor within three minutes of Mbemba’s dismissal to try and shut up shop. No luck though, as Spurs scored twice in the second half. Getty Images
SUBS" Leonardo Balerdi (on for Gerson, ‘50), 5 – Turned to by Igor Tudor within three minutes of Mbemba’s dismissal to try and shut up shop. No luck though, as Spurs scored twice in the second half. Getty Images
Amine Harit (on for Suarez, ‘70), NR – A natural midfielder, he replaced lone striker Suarez as the French outfit seemed to set up to play on the counter. Getty Images
Amine Harit (on for Suarez, ‘70), NR – A natural midfielder, he replaced lone striker Suarez as the French outfit seemed to set up to play on the counter. Getty Images
Sead Kolasinac (on for Klaus, ‘71), NR – The third man with Arsenal connections to be booed, unsurprisingly. Replaced midfielder Klaus as the visitors opted for “what we have we hold”. Almost dealt the hosts a sucker-punch when Davies fluffed his attempted clearance. Getty Images
Sead Kolasinac (on for Klaus, ‘71), NR – The third man with Arsenal connections to be booed, unsurprisingly. Replaced midfielder Klaus as the visitors opted for “what we have we hold”. Almost dealt the hosts a sucker-punch when Davies fluffed his attempted clearance. Getty Images
Pape Gueye (on for Veretout, ‘87), NR – Much like Under, he didn’t really have time to make an impact, but he provided some fresh legs in the middle to help prevent any further damage. Getty Images
Pape Gueye (on for Veretout, ‘87), NR – Much like Under, he didn’t really have time to make an impact, but he provided some fresh legs in the middle to help prevent any further damage. Getty Images
Cengiz Under (on for Gigot, ‘87), NR – A cameo from the former Leicester man, but the tie was all but over by that point. AFP
Cengiz Under (on for Gigot, ‘87), NR – A cameo from the former Leicester man, but the tie was all but over by that point. AFP

It would also expose Conte to unwanted reminders that among the elite coaches of his generation, he has a conspicuous gap on his resume: Europe has been his Achilles heel as a club manager.

He has won five league titles spread across two different countries, Italy and England, but his Champions Leagues campaigns, at Juventus, at Chelsea and at Inter Milan have mostly disappointed.

Conte’s drive and clarity lifted Spurs from ninth in the Premier League, when he agreed to take over, to fourth place by last May, and with that the access to Uefa’s prestigious top tier that had been targeted by Tottenham’s bosses.

That Spurs are currently third in England’s top division means he and the Tottenham chairman, Daniel Levy, who committed a vast salary and an enlarged transfer budget to the club’s third new manager within as many years, can review Conte’s impact with some satisfaction.

Yet the trip to Marseille, with so much at stake — they could finish the night top, second or third in Group D — comes at an anxious time.

“Every time we play a high-level team we struggle,” acknowledged Conte of the October run that featured significant injuries — Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison are still recuperating — and defeats to Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United as well as European points dropped against Frankfurt and Sporting.

Tottenham 1 Sporting 1: player ratings

TOTTENHAM RATINGS: Hugo Lloris – 5. The Frenchman should have done better when faced with Edwards’ low shot, having had sight on it from distance. Later, he abandoned his goal to keep Gomes out but luckily the Sporting player was offside. Getty Images
TOTTENHAM RATINGS: Hugo Lloris – 5. The Frenchman should have done better when faced with Edwards’ low shot, having had sight on it from distance. Later, he abandoned his goal to keep Gomes out but luckily the Sporting player was offside. Getty Images
Cristian Romero – 6. Returned from muscle fatigue but questions will be raised if he gave Edwards too much time and space on the ball to shoot for his goal. Sensing a need to pick up the intensity in the second half, Romero was running into the final third and getting stuck into challenges. Booked. AP Photo
Cristian Romero – 6. Returned from muscle fatigue but questions will be raised if he gave Edwards too much time and space on the ball to shoot for his goal. Sensing a need to pick up the intensity in the second half, Romero was running into the final third and getting stuck into challenges. Booked. AP Photo
Eric Dier – 5. The England international looked below par in the first half, being left behind after failing to intercept Paulinho in the build-up to Edwards' goal. He had several opportunities in the second half to score, including a header going wide in the last minute. Getty Images
Eric Dier – 5. The England international looked below par in the first half, being left behind after failing to intercept Paulinho in the build-up to Edwards' goal. He had several opportunities in the second half to score, including a header going wide in the last minute. Getty Images
Ben Davies – 5. The Welshman continues to be rotated in the starting eleven with Lenglet and he struggled to deal with Sporting’s attacking threats. AP Photo
Ben Davies – 5. The Welshman continues to be rotated in the starting eleven with Lenglet and he struggled to deal with Sporting’s attacking threats. AP Photo
Matt Doherty – 6. Handed his first Champions League start, he had several moments in the first half moving forward but was unable to make things connect. He fired over after half-time after the ball fell to him, and forced Adan into a good save later on. Getty Images
Matt Doherty – 6. Handed his first Champions League start, he had several moments in the first half moving forward but was unable to make things connect. He fired over after half-time after the ball fell to him, and forced Adan into a good save later on. Getty Images
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – 6. The Denmark international returned after missing the Newcastle game and tried to influence play. However, when it mattered, he was unable to stop Edwards in the run up to the opener. PA
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – 6. The Denmark international returned after missing the Newcastle game and tried to influence play. However, when it mattered, he was unable to stop Edwards in the run up to the opener. PA
Rodrigo Bentancur – 7. Scored his first Champions League goal to draw his side level, jumping the highest to meet a corner into the box to reward Spurs’ efforts after half-time. He was unable to score a second to win the game when another effort flew over the crossbar. Getty Images
Rodrigo Bentancur – 7. Scored his first Champions League goal to draw his side level, jumping the highest to meet a corner into the box to reward Spurs’ efforts after half-time. He was unable to score a second to win the game when another effort flew over the crossbar. Getty Images
Ivan Perisic – 6. The Croatian struggled to deal with Porro on the wing and to find the end product from his attacks. He improved in the second half and sent in what was thought to be the winning cross for Emerson Royal to head down for Kane to score. Getty Images
Ivan Perisic – 6. The Croatian struggled to deal with Porro on the wing and to find the end product from his attacks. He improved in the second half and sent in what was thought to be the winning cross for Emerson Royal to head down for Kane to score. Getty Images
Lucas Moura – 6. After a series of appearances from the bench since overcoming a calf injury, Moura was handed his first start of the season and looked lively, including being played through one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Reuters
Lucas Moura – 6. After a series of appearances from the bench since overcoming a calf injury, Moura was handed his first start of the season and looked lively, including being played through one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Reuters
Son Heung-min - 5. The South Korean was finally able to get a shot away just before half-time when he was found by Kane on the left wing, forcing Adan into a low save. In the second half, he fired at Adan from a tight angle. Getty Images
Son Heung-min - 5. The South Korean was finally able to get a shot away just before half-time when he was found by Kane on the left wing, forcing Adan into a low save. In the second half, he fired at Adan from a tight angle. Getty Images
Harry Kane – 5. Brought into the game more in the second half, he thought he’d ended his Champions League goalless streak when he tapped in Emerson’s deflected header, only for a lengthy VAR check to rule it out for offside. PA
Harry Kane – 5. Brought into the game more in the second half, he thought he’d ended his Champions League goalless streak when he tapped in Emerson’s deflected header, only for a lengthy VAR check to rule it out for offside. PA
SUBS: Bryan Gil (Doherty 71) – N/A. Quickly into action and spritely in Spurs’ attacking moves, Gil added energy and was part of every Spurs move. AP Photo
SUBS: Bryan Gil (Doherty 71) – N/A. Quickly into action and spritely in Spurs’ attacking moves, Gil added energy and was part of every Spurs move. AP Photo
Emerson Royal (Moura 81’) – N/A. Thought he had contributed the assist for the winning goal after meeting Perisic’s cross and heading into Kane’s path before the goal was ruled offside. PA
Emerson Royal (Moura 81’) – N/A. Thought he had contributed the assist for the winning goal after meeting Perisic’s cross and heading into Kane’s path before the goal was ruled offside. PA
Clement Lenglet (Davies 81’) – N/A. Part of a double change for Spurs to push on for the winner. PA
Clement Lenglet (Davies 81’) – N/A. Part of a double change for Spurs to push on for the winner. PA
SPORTING RATINGS: Antonio Adan – 7. The Sporting goalkeeper deserved to keep a clean sheet after making numerous saves, but he was unable to contest Bentancur's header for Spurs’ equaliser. AP Photo
SPORTING RATINGS: Antonio Adan – 7. The Sporting goalkeeper deserved to keep a clean sheet after making numerous saves, but he was unable to contest Bentancur's header for Spurs’ equaliser. AP Photo
Goncalo Inacio – 7 As part of a back three, Inacio allowed Porro to roam forward while also contributing to his fair share of clearances and blocks. EPA
Goncalo Inacio – 7 As part of a back three, Inacio allowed Porro to roam forward while also contributing to his fair share of clearances and blocks. EPA
Sebastian Coates – 7, The Sporting captain returned from injury and was a constant target for set-pieces, having his side’s first effort when he headed just wide of the far post from a corner. He then found the back of the net before his effort was disallowed for handball. Booked. Reuters
Sebastian Coates – 7, The Sporting captain returned from injury and was a constant target for set-pieces, having his side’s first effort when he headed just wide of the far post from a corner. He then found the back of the net before his effort was disallowed for handball. Booked. Reuters
Matheus Reis – 7. Calm under pressure when Spurs were pressing in the first half, Reis made several clearances and blocks and was kept busy as Spurs turned up the intensity. Reuters
Matheus Reis – 7. Calm under pressure when Spurs were pressing in the first half, Reis made several clearances and blocks and was kept busy as Spurs turned up the intensity. Reuters
Pedro Porro – 8. A constant threat who caused problems on the right wing for Davies and Perisic, and who was equally good in defence. Getty Images
Pedro Porro – 8. A constant threat who caused problems on the right wing for Davies and Perisic, and who was equally good in defence. Getty Images
Manuel Ugarte – 7. Caught out two Spurs players with a through ball to Edwards which set the striker on his way. Wasn’t shy committing the odd foul to stop Spurs’ intensity. Booked. PA
Manuel Ugarte – 7. Caught out two Spurs players with a through ball to Edwards which set the striker on his way. Wasn’t shy committing the odd foul to stop Spurs’ intensity. Booked. PA
Hidemasa Morita – 5. The quieter member of Sporting’s midfield, recording only 17 passes before he was substituted due to injury. Getty Images
Hidemasa Morita – 5. The quieter member of Sporting’s midfield, recording only 17 passes before he was substituted due to injury. Getty Images
Nuno Santos – 6. The in-form left winger was his best in defence, constantly cutting out play on the wing. AFP
Nuno Santos – 6. The in-form left winger was his best in defence, constantly cutting out play on the wing. AFP
Francisco Trincao – 6. The Barcelona loanee could have doubled Sporting’s lead amidst a period of Spurs pressure when he linked up with Morita before hitting his effort over. Getty Images
Francisco Trincao – 6. The Barcelona loanee could have doubled Sporting’s lead amidst a period of Spurs pressure when he linked up with Morita before hitting his effort over. Getty Images
Marcus Edwards – 8. The former Spurs youth product came back to haunt his old club when he played a one-two with Paulinho and skipped a challenge before unleashing a shot from distance to net the opener. Energetic throughout. Getty Images
Marcus Edwards – 8. The former Spurs youth product came back to haunt his old club when he played a one-two with Paulinho and skipped a challenge before unleashing a shot from distance to net the opener. Energetic throughout. Getty Images
Paulinho – 7. Handed his first Champions League start, he wasn’t able to convert when Porro’s cross found him in the box, with his touch going just over the crossbar. He was crucial in the one-two to set Edwards off for the opener. AP Photo
Paulinho – 7. Handed his first Champions League start, he wasn’t able to convert when Porro’s cross found him in the box, with his touch going just over the crossbar. He was crucial in the one-two to set Edwards off for the opener. AP Photo
SUBS: Mateus Fernandes (Morita 62’) – 6. An injury-forced substitution but he was busier than the Japanese Morita midfielder and made several blocks. AP Photo
SUBS: Mateus Fernandes (Morita 62’) – 6. An injury-forced substitution but he was busier than the Japanese Morita midfielder and made several blocks. AP Photo
Flavio Nazinho (Santos 62’) – 6. Forced Lloris into action when he was played in by Arthur Gomes but the Spurs goalkeeper was able to block. Should have scored at the second time of asking when he was given space but could only see his shot roll wide of the post. AFP
Flavio Nazinho (Santos 62’) – 6. Forced Lloris into action when he was played in by Arthur Gomes but the Spurs goalkeeper was able to block. Should have scored at the second time of asking when he was given space but could only see his shot roll wide of the post. AFP
Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Edwards 71’) – N/A. Tested Lloris in stoppage time as Sporting looked to find the winner, with his shot pushed wide. EPA
Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Edwards 71’) – N/A. Tested Lloris in stoppage time as Sporting looked to find the winner, with his shot pushed wide. EPA
Arthur Gomes (Trincao 71’) – N/A. Straight into action and lively after his introduction, shrugging off Romero and playing in Nazinho for a terrific opportunity to double their lead. AFP
Arthur Gomes (Trincao 71’) – N/A. Straight into action and lively after his introduction, shrugging off Romero and playing in Nazinho for a terrific opportunity to double their lead. AFP
Jeremiah St. Juste (Paulinho 75’) – N/A. Read a ball to Son well in the second half to stop another fast break. Getty Images
Jeremiah St. Juste (Paulinho 75’) – N/A. Read a ball to Son well in the second half to stop another fast break. Getty Images

“Sometimes it is frustrating,” Conte said after Spurs came back from 2-0 down to beat Bournemouth 3-2 at the weekend. “You see your team [going] up and down, up and down. We have to try to find stability.”

That wish is echoed by OM’s Tudor, a teammate of Conte’s in the Juventus sides of the late 1990s and early 2000s, and, like Conte, much praised for his work at the beginning of this season.

The French club — peppered with enough former Arsenal players in Alexis Sanchez, Matteo Guendouzi, Saeed Kolasinac and Nuno Tavares to give Tuesday’s confrontation a hint of North London derby — dropped just four points in their first nine, unbeaten Ligue 1 games. October has been brutal, however, yielding just one league point from a possible 12.

Last week’s 2-1 loss in Frankfurt left OM bottom of Champions Group D, a point behind Sporting, in second, and Frankfurt, third, but still, tantalisingly, just a win away from leapfrogging top-placed Spurs.

Concede the first goal, as Tottenham have in their last four matches, and Conte will be wishing he was on the touchline, the engaged and vocal galvaniser of the last 12 months, rather than confined to a faraway seat in the stands.

On Women's Day
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The Perfect Couple

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor

Creator: Jenna Lamia

Rating: 3/5

UK-EU trade at a glance

EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years

Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products

Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries

Smoother border management with use of e-gates

Cutting red tape on import and export of food

More on Afghanistan
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
On Women's Day
Four%20scenarios%20for%20Ukraine%20war
%3Cp%3E1.%20Protracted%20but%20less%20intense%20war%20(60%25%20likelihood)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E2.%20Negotiated%20end%20to%20the%20conflict%20(30%25)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E3.%20Russia%20seizes%20more%20territory%20(20%25)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E4.%20Ukraine%20pushes%20Russia%20back%20(10%25)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cem%3EForecast%20by%20Economist%20Intelligence%20Unit%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
While you're here
While you're here
Top goalscorers in Europe

34 goals - Robert Lewandowski (68 points)

34 - Ciro Immobile (68)

31 - Cristiano Ronaldo (62)

28 - Timo Werner (56)

25 - Lionel Messi (50)

*29 - Erling Haaland (50)

23 - Romelu Lukaku (46)

23 - Jamie Vardy (46)

*NOTE: Haaland's goals for Salzburg count for 1.5 points per goal. Goals for Dortmund count for two points per goal.

ENGLAND SQUAD

Team: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Ben Te'o, 12 Owen Farrell, 11 Jonny May, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs, 1 Mako Vunipola, 2 Dylan Hartley, 3 Dan Cole, 4 Joe Launchbury, 5 Maro Itoje, 6 Courtney Lawes, 7 Chris Robshaw, 8 Sam Simmonds

Replacements 16 Jamie George, 17 Alec Hepburn, 18 Harry Williams, 19 George Kruis, 20 Sam Underhill, 21 Danny Care, 22 Jonathan Joseph, 23 Jack Nowell

Pad Man

Dir: R Balki

Starring: Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor, Radhika Apte

Three-and-a-half stars

While you're here
Emiratisation at work

Emiratisation was introduced in the UAE more than 10 years ago

It aims to boost the number of citizens in the workforce particularly in the private sector.

Growing the number of Emiratis in the workplace will help the UAE reduce dependence on overseas workers

The Cabinet in December last year, approved a national fund for Emirati jobseekers and guaranteed citizens working in the private sector a comparable pension

President Sheikh Khalifa has described Emiratisation as “a true measure for success”.

During the UAE’s 48th National Day, Sheikh Khalifa named education, entrepreneurship, Emiratisation and space travel among cornerstones of national development

More than 80 per cent of Emiratis work in the federal or local government as per 2017 statistics

The Emiratisation programme includes the creation of 20,000 new jobs for UAE citizens

UAE citizens will be given priority in managerial positions in the government sphere

The purpose is to raise the contribution of UAE nationals in the job market and create a diverse workforce of citizens

SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20NOTHING%20PHONE%20(2)
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.7%E2%80%9D%20LPTO%20Amoled%2C%202412%20x%201080%2C%20394ppi%2C%20HDR10%2B%2C%20Corning%20Gorilla%20Glass%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Qualcomm%20Snapdragon%208%2B%20Gen%202%2C%20octa-core%3B%20Adreno%20730%20GPU%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%2F12GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECapacity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20128%2F256%2F512GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPlatform%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Android%2013%2C%20Nothing%20OS%202%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMain%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual%2050MP%20wide%2C%20f%2F1.9%20%2B%2050MP%20ultrawide%2C%20f%2F2.2%3B%20OIS%2C%20auto-focus%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMain%20camera%20video%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204K%20%40%2030%2F60fps%2C%201080p%20%40%2030%2F60fps%3B%20live%20HDR%2C%20OIS%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFront%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2032MP%20wide%2C%20f%2F2.5%2C%20HDR%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFront%20camera%20video%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Full-HD%20%40%2030fps%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204700mAh%3B%20full%20charge%20in%2055m%20w%2F%2045w%20charger%3B%20Qi%20wireless%2C%20dual%20charging%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Wi-Fi%2C%20Bluetooth%205.3%2C%20NFC%20(Google%20Pay)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBiometrics%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Fingerprint%2C%20face%20unlock%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20USB-C%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDurability%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20IP54%2C%20limited%20protection%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECards%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual-nano%20SIM%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dark%20grey%2C%20white%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Nothing%20Phone%20(2)%2C%20USB-C-to-USB-C%20cable%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%20(UAE)%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dh2%2C499%20(12GB%2F256GB)%20%2F%20Dh2%2C799%20(12GB%2F512GB)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EEjari%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERiyadh%2C%20Saudi%20Arabia%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EYazeed%20Al%20Shamsi%2C%20Fahad%20Albedah%2C%20Mohammed%20Alkhelewy%20and%20Khalid%20Almunif%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPropTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETotal%20funding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%241%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESanabil%20500%20Mena%2C%20Hambro%20Perks'%20Oryx%20Fund%20and%20angel%20investors%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E8%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: ARDH Collective
Based: Dubai
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Sector: Sustainability
Total funding: Self funded
Number of employees: 4
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Opinions on Lebanon
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESmartCrowd%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2018%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESiddiq%20Farid%20and%20Musfique%20Ahmed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%20%2F%20PropTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%24650%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2035%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeries%20A%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EVarious%20institutional%20investors%20and%20notable%20angel%20investors%20(500%20MENA%2C%20Shurooq%2C%20Mada%2C%20Seedstar%2C%20Tricap)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Mina Cup winners

Under 12 – Minerva Academy

Under 14 – Unam Pumas

Under 16 – Fursan Hispania

Under 18 – Madenat

'How To Build A Boat'
Jonathan Gornall, Simon & Schuster

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
World Cup final

Who: France v Croatia
When: Sunday, July 15, 7pm (UAE)
TV: Game will be shown live on BeIN Sports for viewers in the Mena region

World Cup final

Who: France v Croatia
When: Sunday, July 15, 7pm (UAE)
TV: Game will be shown live on BeIN Sports for viewers in the Mena region

Citadel: Honey Bunny first episode

Directors: Raj & DK

Stars: Varun Dhawan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Kashvi Majmundar, Kay Kay Menon

Rating: 4/5

Fight Night

FIGHT NIGHT

Four title fights:

Amir Khan v Billy Dib - WBC International title
Hughie Fury v Samuel Peter - Heavyweight co-main event  
Dave Penalosa v Lerato Dlamini - WBC Silver title
Prince Patel v Michell Banquiz - IBO World title

Six undercard bouts:

Michael Hennessy Jr v Abdul Julaidan Fatah
Amandeep Singh v Shakhobidin Zoirov
Zuhayr Al Qahtani v Farhad Hazratzada
Lolito Sonsona v Isack Junior
Rodrigo Caraballo v Sajid Abid
Ali Kiydin v Hemi Ahio

UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
'Morbius'

Director: Daniel Espinosa 

Stars: Jared Leto, Matt Smith, Adria Arjona

Rating: 2/5

Updated: November 01, 2022, 2:37 AM`
Tottenham HotspurChampions LeagueAntonio Conte