Lamela nets brace as Spurs edge Toronto

Pre-season friendly, BMO Field, Toronto – Toronto FC 2 (Wiedeman 65’, Hamilton 73’) Tottenham Hotspur 3 (Lamela 16’, 40’, Townsend 86’)

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Erik Lamela (11) passes the ball against Toronto FC midfielder Daneil Lovitz (35)
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Erik Lamela (11) passes the ball against Toronto FC midfielder Daneil Lovitz (35)

Tottenham Hotspur recorded their first win under new manager Maricio Pochettino after an Erik Lamela brace helped them overcome Toronto FC 3-2.

Argentine Lamela, who sat out much of last season through injury, struck twice in the opening half to put Spurs 2-0 up at the break.

The choreography before the friendly match between Toronto FC and Tottenham Hotspur (Photo by Fabian Frendo - Toronto)
The choreography before the friendly match between Toronto FC and Tottenham Hotspur (Photo by Fabian Frendo - Toronto)

A raft of changes after the break saw Spurs change all ten outfield players and Tornoto seven of their side and it seemed to work in the home side’s favour, goals from Andrew Wiedeman and Jordan Hamilton drawing them level late on.

Tottenham players watching from the sidelines (Photo by Fabian Frendo - Toronto)
Tottenham players watching from the sidelines (Photo by Fabian Frendo - Toronto)

It looked likely that Spurs may have to settle for their second draw in as many matches after their 3-3 against Seattle Sounders. But a trademark Andros Townsend strike decided matters four minutes from time.

Spurs conclude their three-match tour of North America against Chicago on Sunday.

Can Lamela finally live up to the hype? Out of all Tottenham's signing last summer, the £30m capture from Roma was really seen as the man to replace Gareth Bale. Injuries didn't help, but he was still very poor last season. A new manager though could unlock the undoubted talent he does have though and he could be one of the players to watch in the Premier League next season.

Tottenham players watching from the sidelines (Photo by Fabian Frendo - Toronto)
Tottenham players watching from the sidelines (Photo by Fabian Frendo - Toronto)