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MATS HUMMELS netted a thrilling equalizer in stoppage time during his first European appearance since the Champions League final, rescuing Claudio Ranieri’s side from a loss.
The 35-year-old German striker finished off a cross from former Manchester City player Angelino in injury time, breaking Spurs’ defense.
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He had not played in a European fixture since his defeat against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League final at the conclusion of the last season.
Spurs were seeking crucial points to enhance their prospects of automatic qualification for the Europa League knockout rounds.
Son Heung-min’s penalty and a strike from Brennan Johnson, positioned between an Evan N’Dicka header, appeared sufficient for the victory.
Nonetheless, despite several opportunities created by both sides, Ranieri managed to secure an important point during his return to England, thanks to Hummels.
The former Chelsea and Leicester City manager, now 73, only resumed coaching Roma – for the third term – at the start of this month.
Supporters were eager to see which version of Spurs would emerge after a season riddled with erratic performances.
Would it be the squad that thrashed Manchester City 4-0 in their most recent match, or the squad that handed Ipswich their first Premier League win of the season?
Regardless, Postecoglou’s Tottenham consistently delivers entertaining matches, and this practice continued.
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Spurs created a fantastic chance to start strong when Hummels fouled the impressive Pape Matar Sarr in the penalty box within the opening three minutes.
Initially, referee Glenn Nyberg didn’t call for a penalty, but VAR prompted him to revisit the incident at the pitchside monitor, causing him to alter his ruling.
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Captain Son calmly converted the penalty, sending keeper Mile Svilar the wrong way.
This was only Ranieri’s second game at the helm, following a narrow 1-0 defeat against Serie A leaders Napoli, managed by former Spurs boss Antonio Conte.
Paulo Dybala made an early impact, with a shot well saved by Fraser Forster, who was starting in place of Guglielmo Vicario due to a broken ankle.
However, there was nothing Forster could do to prevent Roma from equalizing shortly after, as N’Dicka nodded Dybala’s free-kick off the crossbar and into the net.
Ranieri thought his side had scored again just moments later, but Stephan El Shaarawy’s incredible volley was flagged offside by the narrowest of margins.
Spurs responded with a Johnson attempt that was cleared off the line by ex-Manchester City player Angelino.
Then, in the 34th minute, the hosts restored their lead following a blistering counter-attack.
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Sarr sent an expertly-weighted ball forward, allowing Dejan Kulusevski to sprint down the wing and cross for Johnson to finish seamlessly.
Postecoglou celebrated with a fist pump as the Welshman marked his ninth goal in 19 appearances for Spurs this season.
It could have been even better before the interval, but Son blasted over when the ball fell to him after Kulusevski’s effort hit the post.
Ranieri’s men found the net twice early in the second half, but both instances were ruled offside due to striker Artem Dovbyk’s positioning.
Pedro Porro redirected an Angelino volley onto the crossbar, before he himself struck the woodwork with a dangerous free-kick.
Spurs hit the post for a third time when Dominic Solanke’s header struck it.
This proved costly, as Forster produced two brilliant late saves, but Roma’s persistence paid off when Hummels scored at the death.
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