Ange Postecoglou’s hopes of a strong European campaign suffered a huge blow as Tottenham produced a disappointing display against AZ Alkmaar. An early costly goal by Lukas Bergwall and an overall disappointing performance left Spurs struggling to make an impact. With the second leg still to come, Tottenham’s chances of progressing now hang in the balance.
AZ take control early
The Dutch side, known for their offensive prowess and strong home performances, took advantage of Tottenham’s defensive lapses. The breakthrough came from a corner when Troy Parrott’s volley hit Bergwall and went over goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, giving AZ an early lead. The stadium announcer initially credited the goal to Parrott, who played with extra determination against his former club.
Spurs struggled to respond
Despite dominating possession, Tottenham found it difficult to break down AZ’s disciplined defence. The home team continually exposed Spurs’ weaknesses, with Parrott and Ernest Poku creating numerous chances. Guglielmo Vicario made two crucial saves to prevent the scoreline from getting any worse, including a brilliant stop against Parrott.
Missed opportunities and poor execution
Tottenham’s attacking stars, including Son Heung-min and James Maddison, failed to impact the game. Brennan Johnson had the best chance for the visitors just before halftime, but his shot went over the bar. The midfield, led by veteran Jordi Clasie, controlled the tempo, leaving Spurs with little option to push forward.
Postecoglou’s tactical changes failed to spark a comeback
Hoping to inject some energy into his team, Postecoglou introduced Wilson Odobert, placing Son in a central role. Bergvall almost saved himself with a curling effort that narrowly missed the target. However, AZ continued to look dangerous, with Vicario having to make another fine save from Poku’s effort.
Injuries add to Tottenham’s woes
Tottenham’s troubles were compounded when record signing Dominic Solanke was forced out with a back injury. The striker had just returned from a knee problem, making his recent setback even more worrying for Postecoglou.
Final whistle: AZ in the driving seat
Despite late replacements including Pedro Porro and Pep Sarr, Spurs failed to create clear-cut chances. Parrott was given a standing ovation when he was substituted, highlighting his impressive performance. Meanwhile, AZ will be disappointed not to have taken a bigger lead given their dominance.
Looking ahead: Can Spurs turn it around?
Postecoglou now faces a crucial test in the second leg. Tottenham will need to show a marked improvement in their performance if they are to keep their Europa League dreams alive. Will they be able to bounce back, or will another European campaign end in disappointment?
