Tottenham player ratings vs AZ: Two big-hitters score 3/10 as Postecoglou’s side humbled

Ange Postecoglou’s side slipped to a first-leg defeat away to AZ Alkmaar, leaving them with work to do in the return fixture next week. The Europa League represents Spurs’ last chance for a trophy this season, as well as their only likely route into the .

Spurs had found themselves behind at the break when a shanked Lucas Bergvall clearance sailed into the top corner of Guglielmo Vicario’s goal, but overall it was a dismal opening 45 minutes for the visitors. Former Spurs academy product Troy Parrott was denied a second just before the break, with failing to register a shot on target throughout the entirety of the first half.

did at least manage to limit their hosts to fewer chances in the second half, but at the opposite end of the pitch, Spurs were blunt in attack. The capital club have now lost 18 matches across all competitions this season.

Express Sport hands out player ratings following Spurs’ defeat to AZ Alkmaar…

Guglielmo Vicario – 7

Couldn’t have done anything about Bergvall’s own goal and responded when called upon to make two stellar saves either side of the break. The Argentine might’ve been a touch worried about his No.1 spot when Antonin Kinsky arrived in January, but he’s had no issues in reestablishing himself as first choice following his recent injury.

Djed Spence – 6

It’s been quite the turnaround, considering he wasn’t even involved in ‘s original Europa League squad. A fixture of Postecoglou’s side in recent weeks, the Englishman was his lively self on the right-hand side, but did get beaten on several occasions.

Archie Gray – 6

It’s difficult to imagine the teenager would’ve been expecting to play centre-half during his maiden season with Spurs, but such has been their struggles with injuries this season, that’s where he finds himself. Tidy as always on the ball and didn’t look too troubled while running the opposite way.

Kevin Danso – 6

Much like his makeshift centre-back partner, the recent arrival defended on the front foot and enjoyed a hands-on battle with AZ striker Parrott.

Destiny Udogie – 5

Didn’t offer much of a threat in attack for Spurs and was careless in possession at times. Doesn’t look like the same player who was being touted as one of the best young fullbacks in Europe only a matter of months ago.

Rodrigo Bentancur – 5

Chasing shadows in midfield for most of the evening and put his side at further risk by picking up a needless yellow card in the second leg. It means the Uruguayan will now sit out next week’s second leg in London.

Lucas Bergvall – 5

Ultimately, he was to blame for Spurs falling behind with the clumsy mistimed clearance, but following on from that error, the Swede did respond well. Threatened with a couple of efforts across the two halves and showed plenty of character to make sure he didn’t let the own goal impact his performance.

James Maddison – 3

It was a night for the Englishman to price his worth and put a struggling Spurs team on his back. Instead, he was ineffective in the final third and sloppy in possession at times. Hooked with 20 minutes to play after failing to create a single chance for the north Londoners.

Brennan Johnson – 6

By no means did he light it up in attack, but compared to his team-mates, he was at least looking to run at players after receiving the ball. The worry for the Welshman is that the goals appear to have dried up from earlier in the season.

Mathys Tel – 5

Hooked as part of ‘s half-time reshuffle following a dismal opening 45 minutes. That’s now one goal in six matches for the mecurial young talent, who, apart from a tidy finish in Spurs’ defeat against Aston Villa, has shown very few signs of promise in a shirt.

Son Heung-min – 3

Not for the first time this season, Spurs’ talisman looked a shell of himself in attack. Started the game out wide, before being drafted into the middle at half-time. The change made little difference, given the South Korean fluffed his best and only real chance of the match. Subbed off for when were searching for an equaliser.

Substitutes:

Wilson Odobert – 5

Came off the bench at half-time but didn’t make himself known. Had perhaps Spurs’ best chance of the match when he rose inside the box late on to head high over the crossbar.

Pedro Porro – 6

Offered more of a threat on the right-hand side but lacked quality with a couple of his deliveries. Will no doubt start in the second leg.

– 6

Gave Spurs a focal point in attack and gave the AZ defenders something to think about but didn’t have long enough to impact the game. Looked in some pain after being taken off late on.

Pape Matar Sarr – 6

Added a touch of energy in midfield.

Dane Scarlett – N/A