Tottenham succumbed to a shock 1-0 defeat to AZin the Europa League as Lucas Bergvall scored a disastrous own goal.
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Tottenham fell to AZ away from homeBergvall's own goal handed the hosts a slender leadStunning Vicario saved Postecoglou from more humiliationFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportTELL ME MORE
It was a tame start to the match from Ange Postecoglou's side as they looked blunt going forward despite enjoying more possession than the hosts. In fact, Alkmaar found themselves making an early change when Mayckel Lahdo pulled a muscle and had to be replaced with Denso Kasius.
Nonetheless, they stuck to their plan and kept probing Tottenham's shaky defence whenever they got the opportunity to venture forward. In the 18th minute, they took the lead when Peer Koopmeiners's corner was headed back across goal from the far post and Lucas Bergvall scythed the ball into his own net in an attempt to clear the lines. The lead could have been doubled before half-time when Troy Parrott was sent through on goal by Kasius but Guglielmo Vicario was equal to the task to keep the deficit at 1-0.
Tottenham were toothless in the first half and Postecolou responded by introducing Wilson Odobert in place of January signing Mathys Tel. The change sparked a brief spell of attacking impetus with Bergvall and Son Heung-min trying their luck from distance but their efforts failed to test Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro between the sticks. Alkmaar gradually crawled their way back into the match and Vicario once again pulled off a phenomenal save, this time to deny Ernest Poku, to keep his team in contention.
Dominic Solanke and Pape Matar Sarr were brought on to change the dynamics but the substitutes could hardly impact the balance of the game. Instead, to make matters worse, the English striker had to be hooked off in stoppage time after he fell awkwardly on the ground while challenging for an aerial ball, in what was his first appearance since mid Janaury.
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Tottenham would have had a steeper mountain to climb in the return leg, but for Vicario. The Italian shotstopper was absolutely sensational throughout the 90 minutes as he denied Parrott and Poku in either half to keep the deficit at 1-0.
THE BIG LOSER
Bergvall's mistake early in the first half proved costly for Spurs. He scuffed his clearance and Vicario, along with Djed Spence, could only helplessly watch the ball loop into the net as the Swedish midfielder held his head in shock and disbelief.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
Tottenham have their work cut out in the second leg in North London as they will be desperate to progress to the last eight and keep their silverware hopes alive. They will also be without Rodrigo Bentancur as the Uruguayan will remain suspended after picking up a booking for a late challenge. However, before the continental tie, Postecoglou's men will be back in action against Bournemouth at home on Sunday afternoon.
