Johnson and Solanke on target as 10-man Spurs ease past wasteful Qarabag
Brennan Johnson, Pape Sarr and Dominic Solanke were all on target as 10-man Tottenham got their UEFA Europa League campaign underway with a 3-0 win over Qarabag.
The hosts endured a series of twists early in the evening as a 35-minute delay to kick off due to severe travel disruption was followed by a straight red card for Radu Dragusin on eight minutes.
It didn’t seem to faze The Lilywhites as they stole in front just four minutes later when Johnson slotted home his third goal in his last three outings after good work from Solanke.
Ange Postecoglou’s men made it two just seven minutes into the second half when Sarr volleyed home following a right-wing corner.
However, Qarabag remained a major threat, with Juninho hitting the post and Toral Bayramov striking the crossbar with a missed penalty.
The Azerbaijani minnows somehow failed to register on the scoresheet and Solanke made sure of the points 22 minutes from time with a simple tap-in.
The only sour note on a positive night for Spurs was the withdrawal of captain Son Heung-Min ahead of Sunday’s Premier League visit to Manchester United.
Talking Point – Tottenham survive delay and red card to begin trophy bid in positive fashion
It’s fair to say this was a rather eventful evening that marked Spurs’ return to European football following a one-year absence.
The uncertainty over kick off, the lapse by Dragusin and then the impressive showing from the 10-men made for a rollercoaster affair, with Qarabag having their moments along the way too.
Given the twists and turns, Postecoglou will be delighted to have come through a night of potential banana skins on a positive note.
Tottenham are regarded as one of the favourites and strongest sides in the competition, with many a supporter earmarking this as a trophy that could end their long draught.
Postecoglou has claimed he always wins silverware in his second season, so could this be the year for The Lilywhites as they bid to land a trophy they also won in 1972 and 1984?
There’s a long road ahead and quite probably less bizarre evenings to navigate, but this was a solid start given the circumstances.
Player of the match
Dominic Solanke (Tottenham). The striker worked tirelessly, holding the ball up well and chipping in with a goal and an assist. Saw his start to life with Spurs hindered by injury but is beginning to show his worth in a white shirt now.
Player ratings
TOTTENHAM: Vicario 8, Van de Ven 8, Gray 8, Dragusin 3, Davies 7, Bissouma 8, Sarr 8, Bergvall n/a, Johnson 8, Solanke 8*, Son 7. Subs: Udogie 8, Kulusevski 7, Bentancur 6, Werner 6, Moore n/a.
QARABAG: Kochalski 7, Huseynov 7, Bayramov 7, Mustafazada 7, Cafarquliyev 6, Silva 7, Zoubir 7, Romao 7, Andrade 7, Benzia 7, Juninho 8. Subs: Addai 6, Andrade 6, Jankovic n/a, Huseynov n/a.
Match Highlights
08’ – TOTTENHAM RED CARD! Radu Dragusin pulls down Juninho after the forward pinched the ball on the centre circle. He was clean-through so the referee has no option but to send him off.
12’ – GOAL! – Tottenham 1-0 Qarabag: (Johnson). Johnson coolly slots a low finish into the far corner after a fine challenge from Solanke allowed him to tee up the Welshman inside the penalty area.
52’ – GOAL! – Tottenham 2-0 Qarabag: (Sarr). The 10-men double their advantage. It’s a smart volley at the far post from Sarr after Mateusz Kochalski had flapped at a right-wing corner.
58’ – QARABAG PENALTY MISS! – Bayramov sends Vicario the wrong way but blasts his spot kick over the top via the crossbar.
68’ – GOAL! – Tottenham 3-0 Qarabag: (Solanke). It’s a tap-in for Solanke after the goalkeeper spilled Son’s 25-yard shot.
Key Stat
