Takeaways from the win over AZ Alkmaar

On Thursday night, Spurs overcame AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League with a narrow win, thanks to an early second half penalty. Here are some of the main takeaways from the game, and what was particularly noticeable.

James Maddison showed great leadership when it came to the aforementioned penalty, and letting Richarlison take it. There looked to be a bit of confusion about who was going to take it, but in the end, Maddison let Richarlison step up and be the hero. He told TNT Sports after the game:

 

"Initially we both wanted to take it. I'm a senior player and captain today, I was going to take the penalty and then when I was stood there I had a little conversation with myself and thought Richy's just come back from an injury, it can be difficult for a striker - so a split second decision to let him take it and that'll do him the world of good."

Considering the 27-year old was captain, in the absence of Heung-Min Son and Cristian Romero from the starting XI, it was very good of him to let the Brazilian take on this occasion. 

Now that Wilson Odobert is fit again, Timo Werner has to have started his final game cor Spurs. The only reason, surely, he started vs Alkmaar is because Moore had to play on the right hand side - with Ange wanting to manage Johnson’s workload. 

However, from now, there is no reason not to start Moore and Odobert when Son and Johnson are being rested. 

Moore showed just how talented he is, and why there is so much hype around his game. He produced an absolute world class carry up the field in the second half, before creating a chance for Johnson. Maddison said that for twenty minutes in the second half, he thought Spurs had Neymar out there on the left.

He missed an opportunity in the first half, but it is seriously encouraging that he was able to get into the right area to get the chance. In fairness, it was a good cross from Werner to create it.

Fraser Forster’s experience was handy. In a very rotated side with a lot of youthfulness, his experience was useful at the back. Made a few a saves when called upon. He has a lot of experience in Europe with Celtic and Southampton. Certainly more productive than his games in the Carabao Cup.

Finally, Destiny Udogie is really important in games like this, so much so, there is a piece of its own about it — which you can read here.