Tottenham took themselves to the highest of the Europa League standings after beating AZ Alkmaar 1-0 in North London.
It was a really uninspiring first half for the hosts, who waited till after the break to kick into gear.
Younger Mikey Moore appeared sharp on the wing, and Spurs had their second when James Maddison received his facet a penalty.
There was a debate between captain Maddison and Richarlison over who would take it, however the Brazilian stepped up and put it away to present Ange Postecoglou’s males three extra factors.
Learn on to see how the match unfolded in N17.
Three wins from three within the @europaleague ✅ pic.twitter.com/wfNZPhB2ix
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 24, 2024
The way it occurred
The primary half was marked by an absence of scientific ending from either side, regardless of Spurs having fun with nearly all of possession.
Tottenham started brightly, creating early probabilities, together with a close to miss from Mikey Moore, whose header from Timo Werner’s cross went large within the opening minutes.
AZ’s first actual alternative got here after 29 minutes when defender Tiago Penetra’s highly effective header from a nook was brilliantly saved by Tottenham goalkeeper Fraser Forster.
Spurs additionally had a second of controversy when VAR was referred to as into motion after James Maddison gave the impression to be introduced down by Penetra within the field, however no penalty was awarded.
Regardless of their dominance, Spurs went into half-time with out a purpose.
Werner had a golden alternative to interrupt the impasse after being performed in by Lucas Bergvall, however his shot lacked conviction and was simply collected by AZ keeper Owusu-Oduro.
The second half noticed Spurs come out with renewed depth, they usually have been quickly rewarded.
O Pombo 🤍 pic.twitter.com/RUA7cGW4ls
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 24, 2024
Within the 51st minute, Maddison was introduced down within the field by AZ defender Dekker, and the referee pointed to the spot.
Richarlison stepped up and calmly slotted the penalty down the center, sending Owusu-Oduro the incorrect option to give Tottenham the lead.
AZ struggled to search out their rhythm and have been practically punished once more when Richarlison arrange Bergvall for what appeared like a sure purpose, however the Swede couldn’t end from shut vary.
Spurs continued to press, and Moore, certainly one of their standout performers, incessantly brought on issues down the left flank.
AZ had a number of probabilities to degree the sport, with their finest alternative falling to Ibrahim Lahdo within the 74th minute.
The ahead broke free after a neat trade with Troy Parrott, however Forster as soon as once more got here to Spurs’ rescue, making an important save to protect their lead.
Madders appreciation put up 🥰 pic.twitter.com/Ln5MVYOja6
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 24, 2024
The sport grew to become extra bodily within the closing phases, with a number of gamers going into the referee’s e-book.
AZ’s Moller Wolfe noticed crimson within the eighty fifth minute for a second yellow card after a slipshod problem on Brennan Johnson, leaving the guests all the way down to 10 males for the ultimate minutes.
Tottenham practically doubled their lead in stoppage time when substitute Wilson Odobert weaved his means via the AZ defence, solely to see his effort slide throughout the face of purpose.
Regardless of this, Spurs comfortably noticed out the ultimate moments of the match to safe the win.
