Villas-Boas frustrated after Lazio turn cynical

This was a frustrating evening for Spurs with three efforts on goal disallowed, some cynical defending by Lazio and some unsympathetic decisions by the Romanian officials. This was not a great advertisement for the Europa League or the additional assistant referee system in front of the watching Uefa president, Michel Platini.

There were positives for Spurs, including a terrific display from Aaron Lennon, another reminder of Steven Caulker's promise and an unflustered performance from Hugo Lloris but Andre Villas-Boas was left annoyed by the officiating in a competition he so wants to win again.

His high regard for the competition, which he won with Porto in 2011, was reflected in his line-up, brimming with experience, with talents such as Jermain Defoe, Gareth Bale, Moussa Dembele and Lennon, who was captain for the night. The armband seemed to inspire Lennon, who had an influential first half.

Not all of a Spurs persuasion were convinced by Villas-Boas' decision to field so many of his first choices. "Odd watching a game with Spurs where I think it's better for them to lose,'' Gary Lineker tweeted. "Europa Cup run will surely lessen their chances of a return to CL".

Villas-Boas did introduce some of the mostly untried prospects. There were hints of youthful promise, notably the strong centre-half Caulker, who showed fine composure in taking the ball around Hernanes, and Kyle Naughton, neat and nimble at left-back.

The experience did allow Spurs players to become more familiar with their new coach's tactical demands. Villas-Boas continued with his 4-2-3-1 system with Mousa Dembele and Sandro shielding the back-four. A high line and the pressing game was again in evidence.

Spurs were soon flying down the flanks, first Lennon down the right and then Bale down the left. After 12 minutes, Lennon cut inside, Defoe took over and tested Federico Marchetti. Clint Dempsey was playing behind Defoe, showing early adventurous intent with a blocked strike.

Lazio had lined up 4-1-4-1 with Cristian Ledesma holding and Miroslav Klose the lone front-runner. The German international was always lurking on the shoulder of Caulker or Jan Vertonghen, almost making contact with Senad Lulic's cross as Lazio made a rare foray early on.

For the first half-hour, Spurs were enjoying huge swathes of possession, winning occasional free-kicks, most of which hit the wall.

Spurs' best chance came when Lennon lifted the ball to the far post and Marchetti pushed over Bale's header. Then Bale whipped in a cross that Dempsey met with a diving header, the ball flying past Marchetti but the assistant referee was already signalling offside.

Spurs' frustration was understandable. Dempsey looked level.

Before a jittery end to the half, Spurs continued to build promisingly, and pieced together a superb move after 23 minutes. Dembele began it, turning smartly and pinging the ball low to Bale. The Welshman greeted the incoming ball with an elegant flick that released Defoe, who was crudely brought down.

Spurs were gifted a free-kick in an inviting position, in Suzanne Vega territory, left of centre, attracting the attention of Defoe, Kyle Walker and Dempsey. Walker was sent away, the right-back retreating with the mournful air of a child denied a treat. Defoe then moved away, leaving Dempsey. The American's kick was poor, thudding into the wall, a theme of the half for Spurs.

Lazio grew in confidence as the half stretched towards half-time, giving their 1,500 fans even more to sing about. They had been chanting the name of Paul Gascoigne, beloved of both clubs, with Spurs supporters swiftly joining in. Lazio moved with greater conviction towards the visiting choirs. When Dembele underhit a pass, Klose pounced on the ball and sprinted into Lloris' area. Fortunately for Spurs, Vertonghen was well placed to clear.

Lazio were now far more of a force. Klose mishit rather embarrassingly for a striker of his aptitude. Then Alvaro Gonzalez connected sweetly with a volley, sending the ball flying past Lloris but on to the bar.

Spurs stepped up a gear in the second half. Lennon went close. Then Bale charged through the middle, his progress ended cynically by Andre Dias. Then Lennon's speedy journey towards the box was stopped illegally by Gonzalez. Bale lifted in a free-kick that Sandro headed wide, seemingly following a push. Some of the Italian defending would not have looked out of place in an NBA game.

The additional assistant referee did little, food for thought for the watching Michel Platini, such a fan of the five-official experiment.

Lazio were not winning many friends locally in the second half. As well as there being claims that Defoe was being subjected to racist abuse from the visiting fans, Lazio players were hardly at their most endearing.

Gonzalez milked a Lennon challenge, even simulating that he had been caught in the face. Frustration built for Spurs, particularly when Caulker had his headed effort ruled out for apparent climbing on Stefano Mauri. Villas-Boas was going into meltdown at the Romanian officiating.