This has not been an ideal season for Tottenham, now sitting in 13th in the Premier League and having gone out of every domestic competition due to a run of inconsistency and damage through injuries sustained since the very early beginning of the season. Spurs were certainly in need of some advantage to take with them to London after playing AZ Alkmaar in the opening leg of the Round of 16 in the Europa League. Spurs witnessed the return of their coveted striker Solanke, which marks some good news for the Lilywhites.
It was a must-win match for Ange Postecoglou, especially considering that he had stated at the beginning of the season that he delivers trophies in his second year, and now this was the only one left for them to win. Football pundits, as well as fans, were all backing the Lilywhites to win this one, but it was not the case, as AZ Alkmaar had picked up the lead. Now, we shall wait and see what comes next for Tottenham as they head into the second leg at N17.
The first half did not go down well for AV Alkmaar, who were unable to recover after a very quick setback. A terrible own goal executed by Lucas Bergvall gave the opponent the lead in the 18th minute, and it seemed for the rest of the match that Spurs never fully regained their composure.
Brennan Johnson and Son Heung-min had half-chances, and AZ were looking dangerous while Troy Parrott troubled Guglielmo Vicario. Kevin Danso was kept busy at the back, blocking multiple efforts. Ange Postecoglou’s side failed to exert any control or urgency and would have required an innovative second half to secure something from this match.
Unfortunately, this was not the case for the Tottenham team, who failed to come back in the second half. Despite rotation with multiple attacking substitutions like Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro, Spurs could not find the goal.
Brennan Johnson and Son Heung-Min missed opportunities, although neither could trouble the AZ defence with their clinical edge. The midfield could not dictate the game, while the defence had to work very hard to contain the counter-attacks from AZ. The longer the time wore on, the more obvious became Tottenham’s lack of a cutting edge. They will need to regroup and come up with a highly improved performance in the second leg at home if they are to have any chance of turning this tie.
Tottenham Starting XI
Guglielmo Vicario: 7/10
Made a couple of crucial saves but couldn’t do much about the own goal. A steady performance and saved Tottenham from facing a humiliating result
Djed Spence: 6/10
Won a few free kicks and was active on the right side but struggled to make a significant impact going forward. He was not up to the mark he showed in the last Prem games
Kevin Danso: 5/10
Conceded a few fouls and didn’t look entirely comfortable under AZ’s pressure. Managed some clearances but lacked authority at times.
Archie Gray: 6/10
Put in a decent shift but conceded two corners, showing some lapses in composure. A learning experience for the young defender. We can slowly see him gaining experience and being more mature at plays
Destiny Udogie: 6/10
Had some bright moments defensively but didn’t offer much going forward before being subbed off.
Lucas Bergvall: 4/10
Struggled to impose himself in midfield and was often outmuscled. A quiet performance where he failed to make a significant impact, even managing an own goal on the way. Going forward.. The Swede’s weak physicality exploited
Rodrigo Bentancur: 5/10
Booked for a reckless challenge and was unable to dictate the midfield. Struggled to influence the game. The Argentine continued his poor run of games
James Maddison: 6/10
Looked to create in the first half but faded before being subbed. Won a few fouls but lacked his usual spark.
Brennan Johnson: 5/10
Had an effort from distance but was largely ineffective. Struggled to make a real impact in the final third.
Mathys Tel: 6/10
Had a quiet game before being substituted at halftime. Couldn’t create much danger in the attack. Needs to have more sense of responsibility.
Heung-min Son: 6/10
Tried to get involved with a couple of blocked shots but didn’t have his usual influence. Subbed early in the second half.
Substitutes
Wilson Odobert: 6/10
Missed the biggest chance to level the game, squandering an easy header provided by Porro
Pedro Porro: 7/10
Came on but didn’t have enough time to influence much, but was still shining as he provided some good crosses around, which the attack was not able to deliver
Pape Matar Sarr : 5/10
Had some energy in midfield but couldn’t help turn the game around as he was bought on too late
Dominic Solanke: 5/10
Failed to make an impact off the bench and gave away a foul. Wasted time rolling around, might be an injury concern again