I rewatched most of the match last night (it's how I cope), and what really stood out to me in the first half was the lack of any attacking plan. Winks and Sissoko were on top of the defense and there was some movement from the front 4, but not enough. The plan WAS to hit long balls. Not a good plan.
I think Sissoko gets an unfairly bad rap generally, but he was absolutely dreadful yesterday. He's really limited in the key offensive skills needed from a DMF/CMF, and he was behind the runner on the second goal and pulled some serious ole bullfighter bullshit on the third. He's either too out of shape at this point or DGAF. Winks at least tried some things but he's limited defensively, had terrible awareness, and didn't complete much of his offensive plays.
Dele had several killer turnovers. Even Arry didn't convert 2 excellent chances. Moura was close to his worst, beating guys with his dribbling but going down alleys.
The defense really suffered without Toby--between Dav and Dier the defense wasn't organized (see the second goal--Spurs had numbers in defense, but everyone was ball watching basically). Dier in particular had no awareness of what's going on, but Tanguy is also chasing the ball leaving a cut back lane, Bale is only playing token defense and if #99 didn't finish Bale's guy was ready, and Serge isn't covering anyone. At least Dav is on his man. Then again, on the first goal I thought Dav should've provided help sooner, since Dier was behind him watching the forward. But that requires good communication on the backline and Hugo. I was surprised that Serge didn't get forward much at all. I'd guess that Mou told him to stay home and not concede any counters--very lame. Although TBF, when Serge got a bit forward and slipped, it led to the first goal.
Mou is a coward for not keeping a higher line, pressing, and he's a bad manager for not having a more robust attacking plan in the first half. I'll give him credit for most of the subs--once he realized the danger he played all his best cards and still lost. He could've left Dele (playing very badly) or Lucas (understandably gassed) instead of leaving Sissoko on, but that leaves the MF without any nominally plus defenders. It's clear why Jose has run Hoj into the ground. But not having another plan in this match to cover for Hoj's absence is inexcusable. Play a 5-3-2 and stuff the middle and park the bus like you know how to Mou FFS.
Zagreb deserve credit for taking what was on the table, but they're not a good team. They mishit passes, don't have a ton of skill, and are clearly a level below. The first goal was a beaut, but also apparently that guy's go-to move. Dav should've been coached and directed to help Serge on that play. The second and third goals were primarily due to the Spurs players quitting--which is on them first and foremost, but also Mou for losing the team.
In US sports, I think the benefit of canning a coach midseason is typically less, but in world football it's de rigeur. Not sure what that means for Mou, but this feeling sucks and I'd be OK with sacking him at either time TBH. Finish top 6 (please?!?) and let's move on.