92% accurate passes, 100% aerials, 100% long balls: National media praise 22yo Tottenham star after ‘tireless’ performance vs Qarabag
Tottenham Hotspur secured an impressive 3-0 victory over Qarabag in their opening Europa League group stage match on Thursday evening. Despite facing early adversity, Spurs displayed resilience and tactical discipline to earn all three points in front of their home crowd.
The match took a dramatic turn just seven minutes in, when Spurs were reduced to 10 men. Defender Radu Dragusin was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge, leaving Tottenham to battle with a numerical disadvantage for the vast majority of the game. In response, manager Ange Postecoglou quickly reshuffled his side, bringing on Destiny Udogie to shore up the defense, with youngster Lucas Bergvall making way. Udogie’s introduction helped stabilize the team, allowing Spurs to control the game despite being a man down.
Brennan Johnson, who has been in fine form recently, wasted little time in giving Tottenham the lead. In the 12th minute, the forward capitalized on a defensive lapse by Qarabag, breaking the deadlock with a clinical finish to put Spurs 1-0 up. Johnson’s goal was crucial, providing the team with a much-needed morale boost after the early red card.
Tottenham continued to press, and their persistence paid off just before the half-hour mark when Pape Matar Sarr doubled their lead. The midfielder’s goal was a reward for his dynamic play, as he was a constant presence in both attack and defense. Sarr, who has been used as a substitute in the Premier League this season, made a strong case for more regular starts with his commanding performance.
Sarr’s influence didn’t stop there. The 22-year-old played a key role in Tottenham’s third goal, showcasing his vision and pace. After making a superb run behind the Qarabag defense, Sarr set up Dominic Solanke, who slotted the ball home to make it 3-0 and seal the victory for Spurs. Solanke’s goal was the final nail in the coffin for Qarabag, who struggled to contain Tottenham’s attacking threat throughout the match.
This performance by Sarr is sure to catch the attention of manager Ange Postecoglou, particularly with a crucial Premier League clash against Manchester United on the horizon. Sarr has been used sparingly in the league so far, often coming off the bench, but his performance against Qarabag sends a strong message that he is ready to contribute more significantly to the starting lineup. While Postecoglou is likely to stick with his preferred midfield trio of Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Dejan Kulusevski for the match against United, Sarr has certainly put his name in the conversation for future starts.
In addition to his goal, Sarr’s all-around performance was impressive. He completed 92% of his passes, demonstrating his composure and efficiency in possession. He also excelled in his defensive duties, winning 100% of his aerial duels and long balls, further showcasing his ability to contribute on both ends of the pitch. His tireless work rate did not go unnoticed, with national media outlets offering high praise. *Standard Sport* described Sarr as ‘tireless’ in their player ratings, while *football.london* remarked that he was ‘much better’ in the second half, highlighting his growing influence as the match progressed.
However, despite the scoreline, Tottenham’s performance was far from flawless. Playing with 10 men for nearly the entire match undoubtedly had an impact, and Spurs were fortunate that Qarabag failed to capitalize on several scoring opportunities, including a missed penalty. Postecoglou will be keenly aware that his side needs to tighten up defensively, especially with Manchester United next on the schedule. United, who have drawn their last two games, have been much more solid defensively this season, and Spurs will need to be at their best if they hope to leave Old Trafford with a positive result.
Looking ahead, the win over Qarabag provides Tottenham with a solid foundation in their Europa League campaign, but there are lessons to be learned. With tougher challenges to come, both in Europe and domestically, Postecoglou will need to balance his squad carefully and ensure that his team is ready for the grueling schedule ahead. The standout performances from players like Sarr and Johnson are encouraging signs, but the road ahead will require continued focus and improvement from the entire squad.