Tottenham began their campaign in the revamped Europa League with an impressive 3-0 win over Qarabag, despite playing 83 minutes with ten men.
Radu Dragusin was dismissed for denying Juninho a clear goal-scoring opportunity, but Spurs opened the scoring through Brennan Johnson five minutes later.
Pape Sarr doubled their lead at the start of the second half and Dominic Solanke added a third after Qarabag’s Tural Bayramov had blazed a penalty off the crossbar.
Here’s how we rated the Spurs players…
Made a string of outstanding saves, notably in a one-hand flying stop to deny Elvin Jafarguliyev at 3-0. Raced off his line to spare Ben Davies’ blushes at the end of the first half.
Archie Gray 8
Composed and eye-catching in possession, and made one outstanding run up the pitch. Defended well, even if he was often outnumbered down the right.
Radu Dragusin 2
Deservedly sent off after just seven minutes for bringing down Juninho after failing to control a pass.
Micky van de Ven 8
Made a series of characteristic last-ditch challenges to snuff out Qarabag attacks.
Ben Davies 7
Nearly made the same mistake as Dragusin when he was caught in possession by Juninho, but Vicario was quick off his line to mop up. Linked up well with Son down the left flank.
Yves Bissouma 7
Looked after the ball in the face of the opposition press and was dynamic in possession. Caught Jafarguliyev for the penalty before touching the ball, so could have few complaints.
Pape Sarr 8
A real reminder of his quality as a box-to-box midfielder. Finished coolly to double Spurs lead and played a huge part in the third goal with a run behind Qarabag’s defence. Tireless.
Lucas Bergvall 5
Unfortunate to be sacrificed just 12 minutes into his full home debut to allow Postecoglou to introduce a fourth defender in Udogie.
Brennan Johnson 7
Scored for a third game running with what is quickly becoming a trademark low finish into the far corner. Starting to justify Postecoglou’s faith with consistent performances.
Heung-min Son 7
Needed treatment before walking off apparently injured, which will be a huge concern to Postecoglou. Was lively, and his shot led to Solanke’s close-range goal.
Dominic Solanke 8
Finished with a poacher’s instinct to make it 3-0, and barely broke stride to set up Johnson’s goal with a well-weighted pass. His hold-up play and pressing was excellent.
Subs
Destiny Udogie (Bergvall 12’) 7
His hopes of a rest were dashed by Dragusin’s red card. Played smartly, getting up and down the left flank impressively.
Dejan Kulusevski (Johnson 45’) 8
Effectively had to hold down the right flank and help out in the middle. Put in the corner for Sarr’s goal and involved in some lovely pieces of play.
Timo Werner (Son 71’) 6
Had a couple of openings in the box but made neither count.
Rodrigo Bentancur (Bissouma 71’) 6
Composed at the base of the midfield as 10-man Spurs saw out the game.
Mikey Moore (Solanke 84’) 6
Lively in a late cameo. Will hope to start in this competition soon.
