Kevin Danso dominant, Mathys Tel dismal – Tottenham ratings in loss v AZ Alkmaar
Tottenham conceded an awful own-goal from Lucas Bergvall and Dominic Solanke limped in with a 1-0 defeat to AZ Alkmaar.
Spurs conceded in the 18th minute, after a corner from Peer Koopmeiners was swiped at by Bergvall, looping off the Swedish midfielders knee, and into the back of his own net.
The Swedish midfielder then made a stunning goal-saving block afterwards, and Bergvall showed impressive resolve with his reaction to scoring the own-goal.
Spurs were offensively limp against the Dutch side, and in an additional major concern, Solanke went off hurt in the 91st minute, after being brought on in the second half.
Tottenham will have the opportunity to get their revenge, and progress in the Europa League, when the two sides meet on 13 March.
Ange Postecoglou watches Tottenham lose first-leg vs AZ Alkmaar
Guglielmo Vicario – 7
Nothing he could do for the opener, as the ball looped over him, made several good saves.
Djed Spence – 6
Has completely turned around his Spurs career this season, a solid performance.
Archie Gray – 7
The ultimate utility man played well in an unfamiliar role at centre-back.
Kevin Danso – 8 – Player-of-the-Match
Danso struggled against Liverpool on his Tottenham debut, but was impressive against AZ, putting in a composed performance.
Destiny Udogie (off for Porro 71′) – 7
Desperately missed during his injury lay-off, played well until he was replaced by Porro.
Lucas Bergvall makes up for own-goal with goal-saving block
Lucas Bergvall – 5
Desperately unfortunate to concede the own goal that gave AZ the lead. Made a goal-saving block in the first-half.
Rodrigo Bentancur – 7
Controlled the midfield well, showing good tackling and a strong range of passing.
James Maddison (off for Sarr 71′) – 5
Off for Sarr after a very quiet game from the England international.
Brennan Johnson – 5
Willing runner, but was unable to make a meaningful impact on the game.
Mathys Tel (off for Odobert 46′) – 3
Tel joined Tottenham from Bayern in February, but was completely absent in the first-half, and was hooked at half-time.
Heung-Min Son off the pace for Tottenham
Heung-Min Son (off for Solanke) – 5
Tottenham have been urged not to sell Son in the summer, very quiet night from the legendary forward.
Substitutes
Wilson Odobert (on for Tel 46′) – 5
Offered a little more than Tel, but not by much.
Pedro Porro (on for Udogie 71′) – 5
Came on for Udogie but was unable to really get up to speed.
Dominic Solanke (on for Son 71′, off for Scarlett 91′) – 5
Unable to consistently win duels against the AZ defenders, suffered an injury late on. Solanke joined Tottenham in the summer, but suffered yet another injury setback.
Pape Sarr (on for Maddison 71′) – 5
Failed to get involved enough after coming off the bench.
Dane Scarlett (on for Solanke 91′) – 6
Not on the pitch long enough to have an influence.