Tottenham 1-0 narrow win against AZ Alkmaar came with its own challenges, as the team struggled to find their vibrant form on a night when Timo Werner’s dip in confidence reached alarming levels. However, Ange Postecoglou could still take away some positives from the match, including a clean sheet, an impressive second-half performance from young Mikey Moore, and James Maddison’s selflessness, which allowed Richarlison to score his first goal since May.
Key Moment: Richarlison’s Penalty
It was undoubtedly an intriguing moment after Lucas Bergvall secured the penalty that determined the outcome of the match just after the break. Richarlison quickly rushed in to take possession of the ball but was convinced to pass it to Maddison. It appeared that the hierarchy was going to be upheld. It was only when Maddison realized that Richarlison, who was starting for the first time in nearly six months, would gain more confidence from scoring a rare goal that he decided to return the ball to the Brazilian forward.
I believed it would be ideal for him to take it, remarked Maddison, displaying the authority that comes with donning the captain’s armband, and Spurs managed to secure their flawless beginning to their Europa League run after Richarlison successfully scored from the penalty spot.
Postecoglou’s Reaction
We had to tackle a variety of tasks today, Postecoglou remarked. It’s challenging for me to adjust the team, as it interrupts the rhythm. Some of the substitutes didn’t quite excel, with Werner substituted at half-time after repeatedly discovering unique ways to miss the goal, but Moore could feel satisfied with his performance.
Mikey Moore’s Breakthrough Performance
The 17-year-old, who was starting at home for the first time, demonstrated resilience by bouncing back from an early glaring miss, and his enthralling play on the wing even prompted Maddison to liken the young talent to Neymar. He was thrilling, there’s no denying it, Postecoglou remarked. I admire how Mikey is handling it all, putting in the effort daily, and striving to improve. It would be easy for someone his age to feel they’ve achieved everything, but I never get that impression. I doubt what Madders said will have any impact on him.
Fraser Forster’s Crucial Saves
Postecoglou also took the time to commend Fraser Forster, who made some crucial saves to frustrate AZ, and he emphasized that he will not lose faith in Werner. The German forward faced a challenging match, sending one shot over the bar and directing another straight at Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro after the talented Bergvall set him up. He didn’t argue when he was substituted for the second half.
AZ Pressure and Spurs Response
Spurs, feeling wronged after not receiving a penalty for Alexandre Penetra’s challenge that resulted in a dramatic fall from Maddison, were inconsistent before halftime. AZ posed a threat when Denso Kasius, who replaced the injured Ruben van Bommel, sent a dangerous cross in from the right. Troy Parrott, who received a warm welcome back at his former club, was unable to reach the ball at the far post, causing Spurs to invite pressure. Ernest Poku created issues on the left side, and Penetra’s header tested Forster.
Spurs required additional intensity. Postecoglou responded by bringing on Johnson for Werner, resulting in an immediate enhancement. Johnson’s shot was blocked, and Moore, who had moved to the left, started to trouble AZ with his dynamic runs.
The Decisive Penalty
A different atmosphere was evident, and a breakthrough seemed imminent when Rodrigo Bentancur found Maddison. Though the ball slipped away from the playmaker, it ended up going to Bergvall, whose presence caused Maxim Dekker to panic and recklessly concede a penalty with a desperate challenge on the midfielder.
It was an undeniable penalty, though it was less clear who would be the one to take it. Ultimately, Richarlison took responsibility, converting it with confidence, and Spurs moved closer to guaranteeing their spot in the knockout stage.
Late Drama and AZ Missed Chances
The lead they had wasn’t completely safe. AZ could have equalized when Radu Dragusin, seemingly not having learned from his previous red card against Qarabag, lost possession to Poku. Bentancur came to the rescue for the centre-back with a crucial tackle. Forster also made a fantastic stop on the substitute, Mayckel Lahdo, but AZ’s effort ended when the referee gave David Møller Wolfe a second booking and sent him off with five minutes remaining.
Holabet News is your trusted online betting site in Singapore. Your winning journey starts here!