- Tottenham edged out AZ Alkmaar thanks to Richarlison’s first goal of this term
- Ange Postecoglou’s side maintained their perfect Europa League record
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Richarlison’s powers of persuasion and James Maddison’s generosity helped the Brazilian get back among the goals as Tottenham extended their winning start to this Europa League campaign.
Maddison was captain for the night and designated penalty-taker until Richarlison talked him into handing over the ball for a spot-kick early in the second half, dinked it down the middle into the net and set off on his pigeon dance celebration.
It has been a difficult time for Richarlison, injured and sued by a personal assistant amid speculation of a possible summer move to Saudi Arabia which he resisted, and his first goal since May would have come as a huge relief.
‘Initially we both wanted to take it,’ Maddison told TNT Sport. ‘I’m a senior player, I was captain today, I was going to take it, but I thought Richy has come back from an injury, it’s difficult for a striker – a first goal gives confidence.’
Maddison, who could have done with a goal to lift his own spirits after being substituted at half-time against West Ham on Saturday, gave the Brazil forward a smile and a hug after the goals which proved decisive against AZ Alkmaar, who finished with 10 men.
Richarlison (right) marked his first start of the season in style as he netted the only goal for Tottenham against AZ Alkmaar
Richarlison managed to talk captain James Maddison (right) into letting him to take the spot-kick, early in the second half
The Brazilian dinked the spot-kick into the net and set off on his pigeon dance celebration
Spurs were in control but subdued in the first half and came to life after the interval, when teenage winger Mikey Moore found a patch of sparkling form. ‘From minute 45 to 65, I thought we had Neymar on the left wing,’ said Maddison.
Ange Postecoglou’s responded to those comments by saying: ‘It will be pretty hard for me to keep a lid on it now.’ But he was joking. ‘He was exciting there’s no point denying it,’ added the Spurs boss. ‘I wanted them to keep passing him the ball as well.
‘With these things you worry about putting too much pressure on young players in today’s world but the thing that gives me most confidence is the way he’s handling everything. I don’t think what Madders said will affect him tomorrow. I love the way Mikey is taking it all in his stride.’
Moore started on the right and headed the first chance of the night wide at the back post before switching to the left after half-time when Posteocglou replaced Timo Werner, who continues to suffer a crisis of confidence in front of goal.
Werner missed twice in the first half, the first when clean through with only the keeper to beat. He had oodles of time, but his shot was hurried, lacking power or direction and easily saved. The second of his chances was more difficult, he sliced it wide from an angle.
Postecoglou put him out of his misery and sent on Brennan Johnson, but the key was Moore’s switch to the left where his jinking runs and a series of delightful crosses made an instant impression.
It lifted the atmosphere and helped Tottenham generate pressure and take the lead from the spot. Rodrigo Bentancur’s pass to Maddison spilled to Lucas Bergvall who was fouled by Maxim Dekker.
Richarlison scored after his conversation with Maddison but a second goal eluded them and there were occasional scares at the back.
Fraser Forster, who produced a fine save from a header by Alexandre Penetra in the first half, made a couple more as AZ took risks near the end of the tie. Bentancur also made an excellent recovery block.
Mikey Moore, who played 90 minutes against Ferencvaros in Budapest, sparkled on his first home start
Alkmaar defender David Moller Wolfe was dismissed in the 85th minute after picking up his second yellow card of the night
Postecoglou made nine changes to the team which started the previous outing against West Ham.
Nerves were soothed once AZ defender David Moller Wolfe was harshly sent off for a second yellow card in the 85th minute.
Nine points should be enough to guarantee Tottenham a place in the next stage of the competition and there are still five games remaining in the league phase. ‘Oh mate no I don’t look at that table,’ said Postecoglou when asked. ‘It’s too confusing for me. Keep winning and focus on that.’