Tottenham Stumble, But Survive Against AZ in Europa League Thriller
It wasn't pretty, but Tottenham scraped through against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League on Thursday. The North London side managed a 1-0 victory at home, but it was a much tougher match than expected.
A Nervous Start and a Late Winner
The game started off with Spurs looking shaky and unsure of themselves. AZ Alkmaar were pressing high, forcing errors and creating dangerous chances. The Dutch side even hit the post early on, leaving Spurs fans wondering if they were in for a long night.
But Tottenham eventually found their rhythm. Son Heung-min, as always, was a constant threat down the left flank. He was unlucky not to score himself, but his tireless runs eventually led to the winning goal. With just a few minutes left on the clock, substitute Giovani Lo Celso slotted home after a well-worked move, securing the victory for Spurs.
More Concerns Than Cheers
While the win was important, it was far from a convincing performance. Tottenham looked vulnerable throughout the game, and their defense was shaky at best. The midfield struggled to control the pace of the game, and the attack lacked sharpness and creativity for much of the match.
A Reality Check for Spurs?
This match serves as a stark reminder that Tottenham still have work to do if they want to be considered serious contenders in Europe. Their inconsistency is a real worry, and they need to be more clinical in front of goal.
What's Next for Tottenham?
The good news is that Tottenham are through to the next round. But they'll need to improve significantly if they want to go deep into the competition. They've got a tough test coming up against Manchester United in the Premier League this weekend. Hopefully, they can build on this win and show their true potential against the Red Devils.
Key Takeaway: This was a nerve-wracking match for Tottenham fans, but they got the job done in the end. Let's hope this serves as a wake-up call for the team, and they can start to perform more consistently.