Leandro Paredes assures the Roma comeback to hold Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League means this team is ‘alive’ and kicking under Claudio Ranieri.
The Giallorossi were in crisis going into the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this evening and it just got worse when Mats Hummels gave away a penalty in the opening minutes, converted by Son Heung-min.
Evan N’Dicka nodded in an equaliser, with Brennan Johnson pouncing to restore the advantage and plenty of chances at both ends, including woodwork rattled, an Angelino goal-line clearance and three Roma goals ruled offside.
In stoppages, Hummels made up for the earlier error by tapping in the Angelino assist for a well-earned 2-2 draw in London.
Paredes hails revitalised Roma
“It was a great performance,” Paredes told Sky Sport Italia.
“We can play like this always. It has been a difficult few months for the players, the coaches and the club, but we are on the right track now.
“We are alive and can do well.”
Ranieri was brought in to restore a Roma spirit to the squad and revitalise players including Paredes, who had slipped down the pecking order.
“I have a very good rapport with the coach. We have strong players here, we can improve and we will.”
The 30-year-old Argentina international was widely expected to leave in January if Ivan Juric had remained on the Roma bench, as he had not started a match since the 1-0 defeat to Elfsborg on October 3.