Tottenham Moved Top of Europa League Group with Win
By Aaron Coe
Lost in the hoopla of Harry Kane’s 200th goal is the fact that Tottenham Hotspur regained control of their Europa League group with their win at Ludogorets.
Much has been made – and rightly so – about Harry Kane hitting his 200th goal for Tottenham. As only the third player in the 138-year history of the club, it is a feat worth celebrating. However, almost as an afterthought in that win is hidden the fact that Royal Antwerp lost to LASK and Tottenham Hotspur are back on top of Group J on better goal difference.
Tottenham Bounces Back
One of the biggest disappointments in a disappointing loss in Belgium to Royal Antwerp was the fact that Spurs had ceded control of the group. Now that LASK managed a win over Antwerp, Spurs and LASK all have six points after three matches. Having all beaten each other and all beaten Ludogorets; the group is back at essentially level with three matches to play.
The good news for Tottenham is that two of the three matches will be played in North London and their next match is again with Ludogorets following the international break – arguably the weakest team in the group. Put all this together and by the time Spurs next face LASK on matchday 5 in Linz, it could be with an opportunity to guarantee advancement to the next round.
Ultimately, Jose Mourinho and Tottenham Hotspur would rather be on top with nine points, than simply be ahead on better goal difference. However, given that Spurs did drop a match, to now be on top, regardless of how, is good news for Spurs. When Tottenham return from the break, their schedule will be getting infinitely more difficult so the sooner they can wrap up the group the better.
The best path for Tottenham forward is of course winning all three remaining matches which would guarantee the Group victory. The good news about it, is that is completely in Spurs control, so now they just need to do it.