Tottenham Secure 3-0 Europa League Win Over AZ, Maintain Group Lead
Tottenham Hotspur maintained their perfect start to the Europa League group stage, cruising to a comfortable 3-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday night. Goals from Steven Bergwijn, Harry Kane, and Giovani Lo Celso sealed the win for Jose Mourinho's side, keeping them top of Group J.
Dominant Display from Tottenham
From the outset, Tottenham dominated possession and created numerous chances. They pressed high, forcing AZ into errors and disrupting their build-up play. The home side's relentless attacking pressure eventually yielded the breakthrough in the 27th minute.
Bergwijn finished clinically after a deft pass from Dele Alli, giving Tottenham the lead. The Dutch winger showcased his pace and composure, netting his second goal in as many Europa League appearances.
Kane doubled Tottenham's lead just before halftime. The England captain capitalized on a defensive lapse, slotting the ball past the helpless AZ goalkeeper with a composed finish.
Lo Celso Seals the Victory
In the second half, Tottenham continued their dominance. Lo Celso, who had replaced the injured Lucas Moura, put the game beyond doubt in the 63rd minute. He received a precise through ball from Erik Lamela and rounded the goalkeeper before finding the back of the net with a powerful strike.
The result sees Tottenham move to six points from two games in Group J, two points clear of their Dutch opponents. The victory also highlighted the depth of Tottenham's squad, with several fringe players performing well and contributing to the positive result.
Mourinho Happy with the Performance
After the match, Jose Mourinho expressed his satisfaction with his team's performance. He praised their dominance and highlighted their ability to control the game from start to finish. The Portuguese manager was particularly pleased with the contributions of his attacking players, who displayed both creativity and clinical finishing.
Looking Ahead
The victory against AZ provides Tottenham with a strong foundation in the Europa League group stage. They will look to build on this momentum and secure qualification for the knockout stages with a strong performance in their upcoming fixtures.
This victory will give Tottenham a much-needed confidence boost ahead of their crucial Premier League clash against Manchester United on Sunday. Their next Europa League match will be against LASK Linz on October 29th.