This tense victory over AZ Alkmaar was not without complications for Tottenham, who were a long way below their pulsating best on a night when Timo Werner’s crisis of confidence reached new depths, but Ange Postecoglou could still find positives in a clean sheet, a fearless second-half display from young Mikey Moore and James Maddison’s selflessness giving Richarlison the chance to score a goal for the first time since May.
It was certainly a curious scene after Lucas Bergvall won the penalty that decided the game shortly after half-time. Richarlison was quick to arrive and snatch the ball, only to be persuaded to hand it over to Maddison. The pecking order, it seemed, would be respected. It was only when it occurred to Maddison that Richarlison, starting for the first time in almost six months, would benefit more from the confidence boost of a rare goal that he decided to give the ball back to the Brazil striker.
