Spurs are through to the last 16, but does it have to be this hard?

MATCH WINNER: Tottenham Hotspur's Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg celebrates after the UEFA Champions League Group D match at the Orange Velodrome in Marseille, France. Pic: PA

Never really in doubt was it? Except, of course, for all those moments in the opening 45 minutes when it looked wholly and entirely in doubt, as Tottenham produced a mind‑numbingly cautious first half in Marseille but still had enough drive to secure what felt by the end like a pointlessly painful victory.

Three points put them top of Group D, in the hat for whatever might happen in that strange, distant place known as the second half of the season. And whatever the manner of victory, this is a significant moment.