Here's how Tottenham's players rated after their Champions League stalemate with Monaco at the Stade Louis II
If anyone was doubting Guglielmo Vicario's credentials as Tottenham's No.1 - perhaps they won't be now. Just three days after his positioning was fiercely scrutinised for both of the goals he conceded from distance against Aston Villa, the Italian led by example and provided a timely reminder of his quality between the sticks in Monte-Carlo.
There were eight exceptional saves in total during a masterful goalkeeping clinic and who knows how important this point might prove to be come the end of the Champions League group phase. Tottenham, at times, played like a side that were planning on using upcoming home matches against Copenhagen and Slavia Prague as an insurance policy. There were bursts of attacking promise and equally, flashes of defensive vulnerability and that is so far, a fair depiction of Thomas Frank's Spurs. They remain a work in progress and were incredibly fortunate not to be beaten - even if Brennan Johnson did squander a golden, late opportunity. Monaco's width and defensive structure provided Sebastien Pocognoli's front three with a license to interchange and shaky Tottenham were forced to ride a giant wave of first-half luck. Come the interval, the contest had effectively become a straight shootout between Vicario and former Arsenal frontman Folarin Balogun. First the Spurs No.1 denied the USMNT striker with his ribs before he raced off his line and spread himself admirably to block the Monaco marksman's rasping close-range strike. Sloppy midfield play from Lucas Bergvall then almost cost Tottenham dearly, however, Vicario was once again equal to Balogun's low effort and this diving stop was undoubtedly pick of the bunch.
Frank's game plan appeared to be centred around counter-attacking and pragmatism. While Spurs missed Romero's leadership and experience, they embraced the chaos provided by replacement Kevin Danso's awkward long throws. One evaded Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Kohn but Richarlison was unable to turn home at the far post. France international starlet Maghnes Akliouche, who acknowledged on Tuesday that he was flattered to read reports of Tottenham's transfer interest during the summer, was a constant thorn in Tottenham's backline. His balance, vision and guile was a persistent nuisance between the lines and Vicario made another credible save to deny the playmaker at his near post early in the second half. The Monaco barrage did not stop there, either. Aleksandr Golovin was next to test Vicario before Monaco captain Thilo Kehrer, a Conference League winner with West Ham, headed narrowly wide. Minutes later, Jordan Teze looked destined to score from yet another header but Vicario continued his heroics, palming the ball to safety. Former Liverpool attacker Takumi Minamino breathed new life into Monaco's dejected frontline and he went close on three separate occasions, twice blazing over and once wide. The hosts had an astonishing 23 shots on Tottenham's goal but Spurs finished the stronger of the two sides and nearly nicked it when the ball found its way to sub Johnson at the far post - his shot was well blocked.
Here's how we rated the Spurs players at Stade Louis II.
Guglielmo Vicario
Sensational performance. Made three crucial first half saves to twice deny Folarin Balogun and then made another handful of excellent saves after the break. Superb all evening. 9
Pedro Porro
Had a hard time defending his flank in the second half. Lots of crosses came down his side and misplaced a few long-range passes when Spurs were trying to build some momentum. 6
Kevin Danso
Long throws caused carnage. Defended well and filled in well for Cristian Romero. Had two headers at goal, also. 7
Micky van de Ven
Put his body on the line and made several crucial blocks. Was some speculation he might start at left-back before kick-off but was a rock at the heart of defence. 8
Archie Gray
Made a couple of crucial first-half interventions. Grew in confidence as the game went on and generally, played very well. Deserved more opportunities on back of this performance. 8
Joao Palhinha
Recovered the ball. Wasted chance to launch first-half counter but was crucial to breaking up play. 7
Rodrigo Bentancur
Subbed on the hour mark. A real surprise he's keeping his place in the side because stylistically, he's too similar to Palhinha. 6
Lucas Bergvall
Poor in possession. Subbed on the hour mark and never really looked comfortable positionally. 5
Mohammed Kudus
Some great touches and really smart holdup play. May not get the credit he deserves because he didn't score or assist but he was very effective all night. Corners were hit and miss. 7
Wilson Odobert
As bright as he's been in a Spurs shirt. Started confidently and there was some lovely touches in the first half. Picked up a problem with his abdomen but looked dangerous all night on the break. 7
Richarlison
Missed first-half chance that was blocked. Booked for high boot on Mohammed Salisu and otherwise, did not do much at all. 5
Subs
Xavi Simons
Ruined a counter-attack by turning back and playing a poor, weak pass. 5
Pape Matar Sarr
Needs to start pushing for more minutes. Not worse than what Spurs have in midfield. 6
Randal Kolo Muani
Looks lost at times. Doesn't seem to have the belief to make something happen from the bench. 5
Brennan Johnson