Dortmund so excellent they justified Tottenham boss Pochettino

Just the title to go for now. That would be one hell of a consolation prize for Mauricio Pochettino and would justify his decision to rest his big players across the two legs so they are ready for the Premier League. And maybe Pochettino feared this would be a battle they could fut 16 coins not win because Borussia Dortmund are far too fantastic for the Europa League and two-goal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang belongs on a bigger stage. It has been a chastening 24 hours for north London as first Arsenal and now Tottenham have been dumped out of Europe by the same 5-1 aggregate scoreline. The gulf in class was as obvious at White Hart Lane as it was in the Nou Camp when Arsenal were roundly beaten by Barcelona. In pictures — Dortmund put Spurs out of Europe at White Lart Lane: VIEW GALLERY It was a timely reminder that, while the Premier League is exciting and thrilling, English football has fallen far behind Spain and Germany. But this year, the end of Tottenham’s European adventure does not seem such a disappointment because they have got a bigger prize in front of them. They are five points behind leaders Leicester in the title race but now they have got just one trophy to focus on as they chase their first title in 55 years. Read more: Dortmund fans in Spurs game banner protest at Super League plot It was always going to take a miracle for Tottenham to stage a comeback after giving Dortmund a three-goal head start from the first leg. Maybe that explained a rather flat, subdued atmosphere cheap fifa 16 coins at White Hart Lane only lifted by the yellow army of travelling fans who sang, bounced and waved flags throughout the whole 90 minutes. Paul Gilham/GettyPainting the town YELLOW: Dortmund fans show their support at White Hart Lane Pochettino actually fielded a stronger team in the second leg but Harry Kane was saved for Sunday’s home game with Bournemouth which only underlined where their priorities lie this season. Without Kane up front, a miracle was never on. They started quite well but Dortmund’s extra quality shone throughout. Aubameyang’s pace was a constant threat, Henrikh Mkhitaryan drove forward from midfield and Marco Reus was outstanding. England manager Roy Hodgson, who named five Spurs players in his squad yesterday, was in the directors’ box and might as well have a season ticket at White Hart Lane. In pictures — Much-changed Tottenham lose 3-0 in the first leg: VIEW GALLERY Hodgson must have been impressed by Eric Dier and Dele Alli from Tottenham’s English contingent, and Danny Rose - another of the five call-ups - also made a good impression after replacing Ben Davies who went off with concussion in the 12th minute. Aubameyang gave Tottenham another headache after 24 minutes when he scored a stunning goal to underline his reputation as one of the best strikers in the world. Dortmund’s chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke says no amount of money could buy Aubameyang. That might not stop Manchester United from trying but, more realistically, Real Madrid could be his next destination if Dortmund do decide to sell. His right-footed 25 yard rocket swerved and moved beyond Hugo Lloris’s desperate dive and squeezed just inside the far post. Aubameyang sank to his knees, almost worshiping his own brilliance. Read more: Player ratings for Tottenham 1-2 Borussia Dortmund It could have been even worse for Tottenham but for a brilliant performance by Belgium defender Toby Alderweireld whose pace and tenacity bailed them out on several occasions, most notably when he chased down and blocked Mkhitaryan who had gone clean through. Aubameyang got his second in the 70th minute, Mkhitaryan drove forward and then Aubameyang’s shot was too hot even for Lloris to handle. Son Heung-min eventually got a 73rd minute consolation after Neven Subotic made a rare error and Tottenham’s South Korean striker rounded keeper Roman Weidenfeller before sliding the ball into the net. Tottenham only needed another five goals. That was never on. But the title dream is still alive and European disappointment will be a price worth paying if they can end their 55 year wait in May. more information