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Ten-man Tottenham Hotspur suffered a stunning 2-1 loss to Mura in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Thursday. Amadej Marosa scored the winner for the Slovenian team in the 94th minute for arguably their biggest result in history.
Spurs, heavy favorites to win coming into the match, put up another shoddy display, especially at the back. Tomi Horvat opened the scoring for the hosts just 11 minutes into the match following some calamitous defending.
Things went from bad to worse after Ryan Sessegnon was sent off just past the half-hour mark. It left Spurs playing with a numerical disadvantage for over 60 minutes.
Harry Kane appeared to provide some hope with an equalizer midway through the second-half. But more defensive errors meant Marosa snatched a stoppage-time winner.
Conte lost his first game in-charge at Tottenham. But more importantly, it leaves their progression hopes in limbo ahead of the must-win fixture against group leaders Rennes on the final day.
Here are the five talking points from the match:
#5 Mura's greatest night?
Mura came into existence just over nine years ago, plying their trade in Slovenia's fourth-tier for two years before slowly working their way up.
Not much was expected of them when the Black and Whites qualified for their first ever group stage of a major European club competition. They had lost in all four games coming into last night's encounter.
But despite having no hopes of reaching the knockout stages, Mura sprung a surprise by defeating the strongest team in the group on paper. They were clinical in front of goal and capitalized on Tottenham's defensive mistakes.
It was undoubtedly their greatest victory; a win the fans inside the stadium won't ever forget.
#4 Sessegnon's big words come to nothing
"I'll take my chances with both hands", said an upbeat Ryan Sessegnon before the match. It was billed as his return to the XI following a lengthy injury spell that had kept him out for weeks.
However, it only took 31 minutes into kick-off for his night to turn into a nightmare. The former Fulham player got sent off for two silly challenges and left Spurs in a lurch.
Unfazed by the initial warning, Sessegnon proceeded to make another nasty challenge high up the pitch. It left the referee with no choice but to send him for an early bath.
Spurs, who were trailing 1-0 since the 11th minute, now found themselves a man down too with only half an hour gone.
#3 Spurs desperately need a playmaker
It's no secret that Tottenham have struggled to create goalscoring opportunities this season. But one would not have expected that to be the case against a side like Mura.
Especially considering that Dele Alli, Tanguy Ndombele and Bryan Gil all started, this seemed like a walk in the park for Spurs. Pundit Jamie Ohara predicted four or five goals for the north London side.
Yet all the aforesaid players flattered to deceive with a limp display, looking devoid of ideas when in possession. They also gave the ball away far too easily at times, prompting Conte to bring them off.
With the winter transfer window fast approaching, Tottenham would be wise to sign a playmaker who can create plenty of chances for Spurs.
#2 Sanchez calamity highlights Tottenham's defensive frailties
Besides a creator, Tottenham may also need a new centre-back, especially after Davinson Sanchez's horrow-show last night.
The Colombian was directly involved in both of Mura's goals. He clumsily lost his footing in the build-up to the first and then deflected Marosa's winner into his own net.
Joe Rodon and Japhet Tanganga, the other centre-backs on the night, didn't cover themselves in much glory either. Rodon was taken off early and Tanganga was constantly made to shift positions.
With Cristiano Romero missing in action, this was supposed to be an opportunity for these players to convince their new manager. Instead, they've left Conte with more questions to address than before.
#1 Tottenham are just a hot mess
Spurs were on shaky ground when Conte arrived. Despite avoiding a loss under him until last night, none of their performances thus far seemed overly convincing.
But this calamitous display in Slovenia has revealed cracks in the side once again. A toothless attack, a defense in no man's land and most importantly, a side lacking conviction and desire perfectly sums up Tottenham Hotspur.
Conte, a serial winner, was supposed to spring this listless side back into life. But it looks like even he's going to take time to reverse years of mismanagement, neglect and failed transfers.
