Match Report: Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 AZ Alkmaar

On Thursday night, Spurs took to the field for their third Europa League game of the 24/25 campaign, as they welcomed AZ Alkmaar to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

For the task at hand, Ange Postecoglu elected for a line up of; Forster; Gray, Dragusin, Davies, Udogie; Bergvall, Bentancur, Maddison; Moore, Richarlison, Werner.

There were a few eyebrows raised at the team, particularly the inclusions of Fraser Forster and Timo Werner, However, fans were excited that Mikey Moore once again started in Europe, and that Wilson Odobert was back in the matchday squad.

In the first five minutes, a superb inswinging cross from Werner found Moore at the back post, who showed elite movement to get to the ball before his market, but glanced his header just wide. 

With 17 minutes on the clock, a dangerous cross Alkmaar cross from the right was somehow not bundled in. More luck than design on Spurs’ part, with poor box defending, and Udogie allowing too much space for the cross. 

After 25 minutes, Werner made an out to in run to get on the end of a Bergvall through ball, but his finish was rushed, tame, and straight at the keeper.

After half an hour, Maddison was taken down in the box, but upon a VAR check, the officials were not moved. 

With eight minutes of the first half left, Werner hit the side netting, as Spurs continued to try and get that first goal and open the game up. The sides went into the break goalless.

As a result, Ange introduced Johnson for Werner for the second half.

He was immediately involved, having a shot blocked after absolutely sublime work from Moore, who went on an incredible solo run, taking a number of players out of the game, as he continues to impress.

Five minutes into the second half, Spurs had a penalty. Richarlison took, and cooly slotted down the middle, for the first goal of the night and his first goal of the season.

Just a couple of minutes later, Johnson found space in behind, but his ball for Richarlison was very well dealt with by the AZ goalkeeper who rushed out to smother the ball.

After 57 minutes, Dragusin was caught playing out from the back, leading to a serious opportunity for the visitors, but Bentancur covered to make a sublime block.

One minute later, Moore went on a crazy solo run, but his cross/shot towards the back post was not anticipated by anyone in white, and the ball fizzled out of play.

With 25 minutes to go, Solanke replaced Richarlison, who put in a good shift for his first start since April.

After 72 minutes, Bergvall looked to have felt something, and made way for Sarr, whilst compatriot Kulusevski replaced Maddison.

Not long after, a rare attack from Alkmaar lead to a shot from outside the box, but it was simple enough for Forster in the Spurs goal.

With five minutes to go, Møller Wolfe picked up his second yellow of the game, and picked up a red card for the second game in a row.

Soon after, Moore was replaced to a standing ovation, as Odobert replaced him. A brilliant performance from the 17-year old. With the likes of Lamine Yamal normalising it on the world stage, sometimes it perhaps gets lost just how impressive it is to be making an impact in senior football at such a tender age.

The Frenchman didn't have to wait long to be involved, having a shot blocked from inside the box after good work from Kulusevski to cut it back to him.

In stoppage time, Kulusevski once again found Odobert inside the box, but his shot trickled wide when off balance. There was a check to see if he was off balance because he was fouled, but nothing was given.

It mattered little in the end, as the full-time whistle soon went, and Ange's side recorded their third win in as many games to begin their European campaign. Truly the definition of "job done", in fact, you'd do well to find a game that suits that description more since Ange took over.

This result leaves Spurs second in the group phase, below Lazio only on goal difference. Along with Anderlecht, you have your three teams that maintain their 100% record after three games.