TOTTENHAM made it a hat-trick of Europa League wins thanks to Richarlison’s penalty against ten-man AZ Alkmaar.
The Brazilian converted from the spot on 53 minutes in an opening goal that eventually separated the sides.
Richarlison won the game for Tottenham[/caption]
And the visitor’s night got even worse with five minutes to go when David Moller Wolfe was shown a second yellow.
Here is how Dan King rated Spurs’ players from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Fraser Forster – 7
Brilliant save and good rush from line in first half to stop Spurs falling behind. A spectator for most of the second half but made smart stop in last 20 minutes.
Archie Gray – 5
Unable to team up with fellow teenager Moore in first half to match threat from Tottenham’s other flank and struggled with pace of Ernest Poku.
Radu Dragusin – 5
Another mixed display. Good on the ball one moment, not so much the next. Sometimes looked strong, but then vulnerable, especially when Alkmaar ran at him.
Radu Dragusin had another mixed display[/caption]
Ben Davies – 7
Tottenham’s Mr Dependable was their most convincing defender, thanks mainly to good positioning and calmness. Although even he showed signs of tension late on.
Destiny Udogie – 6
Did a bit of everything in the opening 45 minutes, although as usual his work in opposition half tended to be better. Less adventurous in the second half.
Rodrigo Bentancur – 6
After a commanding start, was unable to stop Alkmaar from gaining a first-half foothold. Apart from occasional lapses, maintained his authority better after the break.
Mikey Moore enjoyed success on the left[/caption]
Mikey Moore – 7
Missed golden early chance and looked uncomfortable on right. Immediate, massive improvement when switched to left, running at defence and creating chances..
Lucas Bergvall – 8
Impressive display with everything but a goal. Full of running, composed, and found killer passes that should have become assists. But had to go off injured.
James Maddison – 7
Skipper for the night had some lovely moments without finding a decisive contribution – until he let Richarlison have the penalty.
Timo Werner was hooked at half time[/caption]
Timo Werner – 5
Superb cross for Moore chance but woeful finish when played through by Bergvall told you everything about his confidence levels. Hooked at half time.
Richarlison – 6
Busy and committed in first half, but ball wasn’t sticking much. Really wanted to take the penalty and converting it should be a morale boost. Lasted just over an hour.
SUBS
Brennan Johnson (for Werner, half time) – 5
Failed to make most of a Bergvall pass. Quieter than usual.
Dominic Solanke (for Richarlison, 65) – 6
Worked hard without having a sight of goal.
Dejan Kulusevski (for Bergvall, 73) – 6
Gave the Spurs midfield the legs it needed to see out game.
Pape Sarr (for Maddison, 73) – 6
Also brought an injection of energy to dampen Alkmaar hopes of a comeback.
Wilson Odobert (for Moore, 87) – 6
Had two sights of goal but steered second wide from close range.
