This was far from the kind of performance Tottenham Hotspur supporters were expecting as the club entered the Europa League knockout rounds. Instead of asserting their authority on the game, Ange Postecoglou’s side looked flat, uninspired, and devoid of creativity until the dying moments of the match.
Rather than taking control of the tie, AZ Alkmaar were the ones dictating play for much of the contest. In fact, the Dutch side will likely feel disappointed that they aren’t heading to North London with a larger advantage, given their dominance on home turf.
For Spurs, the night was filled with subpar performances across the pitch. However, two attacking players stood out for all the wrong reasons—one of them being Mathys Tel.
Mathys Tel’s Disastrous Night in Alkmaar
When Tottenham secured Mathys Tel on loan last month, there was a wave of excitement among the fanbase. The talented French forward, arriving from Bayern Munich, was seen as an exciting addition who could inject dynamism into Postecoglou’s attack. However, outside of a goal in the FA Cup against Aston Villa, Tel has struggled to make an impact since joining the club.
Unfortunately for Spurs, that trend continued in the first leg against AZ Alkmaar. While Tel had fleeting moments where he looked like he could influence the game, he was ultimately a non-factor during his time on the pitch. His lack of involvement was so glaring that Postecoglou made the drastic decision to substitute him at halftime, shifting Wilson Odobert to the wing and pushing Son Heung-min into a central role—though this tactical switch did little to improve Spurs’ attacking output.
The football.london journalist Alasdair Gold was particularly unimpressed, awarding Tel a 3/10 rating for his dismal display. His match statistics further reinforced the criticism:
0.01 combined expected goals and assists
0 shots taken
50% dribble success rate
14 touches in total
50% ground duel success rate
Given these numbers, Postecoglou was absolutely justified in withdrawing him at halftime. However, while Tel’s struggles were evident, he wasn’t the only attacking player who disappointed. Brennan Johnson also endured a torrid evening, yet somehow managed to remain on the pitch for the full 94 minutes.
Brennan Johnson’s Forgettable Performance
Starting on the right flank, Brennan Johnson has been an effective player for Tottenham in spells this season. However, against AZ Alkmaar, he was just as anonymous as Tel. When he did manage to get into promising positions, he either hesitated too long or made the wrong decision, frustrating both his teammates and supporters watching on.
Much like Tel, Johnson earned a 3/10 rating from Gold, with the journalist highlighting his lack of attacking influence and defensive lapses. Most notably, Johnson lost track of Troy Parrott during a corner, a lapse in concentration that ultimately contributed to Lucas Bergvall’s own goal.
Although Johnson wasn’t directly responsible for the own goal, his overall performance was severely lacking. His numbers painted an equally grim picture:
0.20 combined expected goals and assists
0 shots on target
1 key pass in 94 minutes
Failed 4 of 5 dribbles attempted
Lost 60% of his duels
Unsuccessful in all of his crosses and long balls
13 times possession lost
For a player capable of so much more, this was an alarming drop in performance. If Tel’s poor display warranted a halftime substitution, Johnson should have been taken off early in the second half as well.
Where Do Spurs Go from Here?
While the tie is far from over, Tottenham’s 1-0 defeat in Alkmaar has left them with plenty to ponder ahead of the second leg. Postecoglou must find a way to reignite his team’s attacking spark if they are to overturn the deficit at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The underwhelming performances of Tel and Johnson are just one part of the bigger issue—Spurs looked uninspired as a collective. Whether it was a lack of intensity, poor decision-making, or a failure to adjust tactically, the Lilywhites simply didn’t do enough to trouble their Dutch opposition.
With the return leg fast approaching, Postecoglou will need to make some bold decisions. Does he persist with Tel and Johnson, hoping for a reaction? Or does he shake things up, giving other attackers a chance to make an impact?
One thing is certain—Tottenham cannot afford another performance like this if they hope to stay in the Europa League.
As bad as Tel: 3/10 Spurs dud who lost the ball 13x should never have lasted 90 mins
