Tottenham 'disappointed' as Europe campaign ends after Uefa award Rennes victory

Spurs were unable to fulfil December 9 fixture due to Covid-19 cases and no agreement could be reached for rearranged date

Tottenham manager Antonio Conte is struggling with a Covid-19 outbreak in the squad. PA

Tottenham Hotspur's European campaign for the season came to an abrupt end after Uefa on Monday awarded Rennes a 3-0 victory in their final Europa Conference League group match.

The governing body's disciplinary committee decided to award Rennes the win, confirming the French team and Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem will advance from Group G.

Eight Tottenham players and five members of staff had tested posted for the virus before the match against Rennes on December 9. The game was postponed and no replacement date could be found by the December 31 deadline.

"The Uefa Appeals Body took the following decision: to declare the 2021/22 UEFA Europa Conference League group stage match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Stade Rennais FC, that was initially scheduled to be played on December 9, 2021, as forfeited by Tottenham Hotspur FC, who is therefore deemed to have lost the match 0-3," read the UEFA statement.

Spurs have been hit hard by the fresh wave of Covid-19, having had to postpone league games against Brighton and Leicester.

According to Uefa rules, a match is supposed to be played as long as both teams have 13 fit outfield players and a goalkeeper.

"We are disappointed by the ruling of the Uefa Appeals Body and the refusal to allow more time for the match to be rescheduled," Tottenham said in a statement.

"We have to accept this ruling, however, and our focus now turns to the competitions we remain in."

Rennes' statement on the eve of the cancelled fixture said that in a video conference with them and Uefa, Tottenham "did not want to announce the number of players affected by Covid when the rule states that a match must be played as long as the team has 13 outfielders and a keeper". They accused Tottenham of causing "London fog".

Tottenham v Liverpool ratings

TOTTENHAM RATINGS: Hugo Lloris - 7 The Frenchman made a magnificent reflex stop from Alexander-Arnold and a handful of more straightforward saves. He was alert when coming off his line to snuff out danger. EPA

Davinson Sanchez - 7 The Colombian made a tremendous last-ditch challenge on Mane but lost the striker before Liverpool’s equaliser. He made plenty of blocks and clearances. AFP

Eric Dier - 7 The 27-year-old was assured when defending and used his passing ability to set Spurs going forward. His balls over the top turned the Liverpool back four around. He is suited to a back three. Getty

Ben Davies - 7 The Welshman played a big part in keeping Salah under control. He thrived in his role on the left side of a back three. Getty

Emerson Royal - 5 The Brazilian got away with a shove on Jota in the area and had difficulty coping with Mane. He was poleaxed by Robertson, who received a warranted red card. Getty

Harry Winks - 8 The 25-year-old was able to find time and space in the middle of the park. He had a hand in the equaliser and provided two good chances for Son. AP

Tanguy Ndombele - 5 The Frenchman’s pass to Kane for the first goal was a rare highlight. He disappeared for lengthy periods and was replaced by Skipp in the 64th minute. Getty

Ryan Sessegnon - 7 The 21-year-old had to restrain his attacking instincts to help keep Salah quiet but still got forward. It was an encouraging display on his first Premier League start for almost two years. He was replaced by Reguilon with four minutes to go. Getty

Dele Alli - 7 The 25-year-old missed a sitter and was a bit casual when passing to Kane in the box. He showed signs of returning to form before being replaced by Moura with nine minutes left. AP

Son Heung-min - 6 The South Korean scored his side’s second goal but he also wasted two big chances. His pace troubled the defence but he was not at his sharpest. EPA

Harry Kane - 6 The England captain struck with a great goal but will rue a plethora of missed chances. He was some way short of his best and should have been sent off for a wild challenge on Robertson. Getty

SUBS: Oliver Skipp - 7 The 21-year-old came on for Ndombele in the 64th minute. He provided more support for the defence and brought more vigour to the midfield. Getty

Lucas Moura - 5 The Brazilian joined the action for Alli with nine minutes to go. He spent more time in his own half despite Liverpool being down to 10 men. Getty

Sergio Reguilon - 5 The Spaniard replaced Sessegnon for the last four minutes. He saw little of the ball but did miscue a chance to cross. Reuters

LIVERPOOL RATINGS: Alisson Becker - 5 The Brazilian made some great saves, particularly from Alli, but had moments of confusion coming off the line. The most costly of them was the moment of misjudgement that led to Son’s goal. Getty

Trent Alexander-Arnold - 7 The 23-year-old tested Lloris twice and picked out Robertson for the second goal. He worked hard defensively, too. Getty

Joel Matip - 6 The centre back was worried by Son’s pace and was caught out on occasion. He tried to bring the ball forward but might have been better off passing to more creative team-mates. Reuters

Ibrahima Konate - 7 The Frenchman made a splendid block from Kane but allowed the striker to drift away from him before the opening goal. Overall another encouraging performance. EPA

Andrew Robertson - 6 The Scot was brilliant, creating Jota’s opener and scoring his team’s second goal. Kane should have been given a red card for his challenge on the left back but the 27-year-old was deservedly sent off for a brutal hack on Emerson. Getty

Tyler Morton - 4 It was always going to be tough for the 19-year-old to impress on his first Premier League start and it was a harsh learning experience. He was swamped by the Spurs midfield and replaced by Firmino after an hour. Reuters

Naby Keita - 5 The Guinean rarely imposed himself in Liverpool’s makeshift midfield. His shot from distance had Lloris scrambling. EPA

James Milner - 5 The 35-year-old no longer has the legs to play whole games at this pace. He used space well and was combative in the tackle but was unable to set the team’s tempo. EPA

Mohamed Salah - 5 The Egyptian was barely a factor against the packed defence. He remained eager even though chances were hard to find. EPA

Diogo Jota - 6 The Portuguese had barely been in the game before he equalised but he headed home with aplomb. He could have had a penalty after being barged in the back. Withdrawn in stoppage time for Gomez. EPA

Sadio Mane - 6 The Senegalese made life awkward for Emerson and combined well with Robertson. He was unable to carve out much danger and was taken off for Tsimikas with eight minutes to go. AFP

SUBS: Roberto Firmino - 6 The Brazilian joined the action for Morton on the hour and linked play nicely without ever worrying Spurs unduly. EPA

Kostas Tsimikas - 6 The Greek was sent on with eight minutes left for Mane. He took every opportunity to get forward but could not find a killer cross. EPA

Joe Gomez - 5 The centre back replaced Jota in stoppage time to bolster the defence. His presence was reassuring as Liverpool ensured they held on to the point. Getty