“There were moments in the first half where the pressure was quite high” – Tottenham Hotspur coach Stuart Lewis commends Punjab FC’s defensive strategies

by Chittu Shetty August 3, 2024

The second day of the 2024 Reliance Foundation presents Premier League Next Generation Cup was certainly forgettable for the Indian teams as they unfortunately endured some heartbreaking losses.

Despite the lack of a crowd, one can tell that Premier League teams feel right at home as all of them had a clean sheet today.

Tottenham Hotspur got the better of Punjab FC and won 3-0 in regulation. Ronny Moncur opened the scoring for his side by striking one in 11th minute. Inspite of conceding a goal, Punjab FC continued to fight hard. They started to press very high and refused to let the opposition breathe. The defensive strategy was working and they were able to stifle and contain the Tottenham FC players. However, Ellis Lehane scored two goals in the 38th and 48th minute of the game to increase his lead to 3-0.

The penalty shootout was arguably more entertaining than the regulation game both teams put on a show. After finishing the first series of attempts 4-4, the shootout entered the sudden death phase and fans were at the edge of their seats for each strike. Tottenham eventually won the shootout 6-5 and earned four points from the contest.

Tournament Rules:

The 2024 Next Generation Cup consists of 50-minute games with 25-minute halves.

Additionally, teams participate in a penalty shootout at the end of the game regardless of the result in regulation time.

It gives the two sides a chance to earn a bonus point.

Brief Scores

Tottenham Hotspur FC 3 (Ronny Moncur 11’, Ellis Lehane 38’, 48’) – 0 Punjab FC

Penalties

Tottenham Hotspur FC 6-5 Punjab FC

August 3 – Schedule

1: Tottenham Hotspur FC vs Muthoot FA – 07:30 PM IST

2: Crystal Palace FC vs Stellenbosch FC – 07:30 PM IST

3: Aston Villa FC vs East Bengal FC – 10:30 PM IST

4: Everton FC vs Punjab FC – 10:30 PM IST

Also Read: Noah, Peprah strike hat-tricks while Pandita scores two as Kerala Blasters hammer eight past Mumbai City FC

Also Read: Aston Villa edge Punjab FC 3-2, Everton scraps a 1-0 win over Muthoot FA

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