Irish Examiner

All clubs miss out on transfers from time to time. My pessimism sprang from somewhere else, somewhere darker and more psychologically deep-rooted.

Supporting Tottenham Hotspur so often means imagining the most ludicrous, embarrassing thing that could possibly befall the club and then knowing, with crystal clarity, that it’s going to happen. Fans of other clubs – Wimbledon, Bury or Morecambe – have had it much worse, but no other club so expertly combines the slapstick and the high-profile. At Tottenham we wait until everyone is watching, then we slip on the banana skin.

Think missing out on the Champions League because of a dodgy lasagne, or blowing a 2-0 lead in a European tie to a team whose manager is in prison. Think the famous “Lads, it’s Tottenham” game, which warped my expectations of football - and indeed life - as an 18-year-old in the stands in growing horror. Far from breaking the curse, the Europa League triumph seems merely to have angered the footballing gods, who swiftly set about restoring the karmic balance via the Morgan Gibbs-White debacle, the heartbreaking injury to James Maddison, and now this.

Missing out on Eze is a worthy addition to the pantheon of pratfalls, although not necessarily because of the player himself. A fine footballer he may be, but Eze isn’t necessarily the right fit for the gap left by Maddison’s injury. Right now, Spurs badly lack passing ability and there are better candidates who are younger, cheaper and have a higher ceiling than Eze. No, there are two reasons this one will stick in the collective psyche of Spurs fans. The first, of course, is that we’ve been done over by that lot up the road, who appear to have been stealthily plotting for weeks, even as details of our haggling over add-ons and chairman-to-chairman talks played out in public.

Arsenal fans won’t tire of reminding us about this all season; in the office, the pub and in the ground. More than that though, this episode encapsulates the reign of Daniel Levy in microcosm. While rivals act decisively, we dither in the hope of a better deal, then miss out entirely. We spend but not quite enough, unwisely, or at the wrong time. We are all mouth – Levy says he wants to win the Premier League and Champions League – and no trousers. When it comes to transfers, the failure of Levy-era Tottenham to match his supposed ambition does not even have in it, to paraphrase the great Bill Nicholson, an echo of glory. Rather it is an echo of incompetence.

Nobody can argue with what Levy has achieved, delivering state-of-the-art facilities, a world-leading stadium and a regular place – albeit a fragile one – at football’s top table. For all the vitriol that is aimed at Levy, many of us are grateful for what he has done. But Levy is like a man who spends thousands of pounds tricking out a car that he never takes out of the garage because of the price of petrol. What was the point if you’re not going to test what it can do?

There remain many reasons to be optimistic about this season. Tottenham have a tactically-astute new manager, taking charge of a squad that is both young and under-rated after last year’s freakshow. The scouting set-up and club administration have been professionalised, putting Tottenham on a good footing for the future.

Yet, as long as the clownish blunders continue, the calls will grow louder for Levy to step aside, to find a new steward for Spurs, one who refuses to allow the club and its fans to be the butt of every joke. The game, after all, is supposed to be about glory.

The Guardian

Yet by 5pm, after Thomas Frank's era as Tottenham's new manager had got off to a winning start with a 3-0 victory over Burnley, there was precious little moaning from the majority of fans.

A comfortable win, a clean sheet, two excellent goals from Richarlison with assists by new signing Mohammed Kudus, and a tactical flexibility from Frank that was missing under his predecessor Ange Postecoglou – what's not to like?

The biggest gripe from protest organisers Change for Tottenham is that the club's owners Enic, embodied by Levy, have no clear transfer strategy nor a willingness to invest in players.

Yet the evidence on the pitch and on the balance sheet tells another story. In the past five years, Tottenham have a net transfer spend of almost €600m, fourth in the league behind Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, all of whom have spent considerably more. Spurs have a net spend that is considerably higher than Manchester City and Liverpool, the two dominant clubs of the past five years and the only two to win the Premier League in that period.

So is Tottenham's lack of league success down to a lack of investment, or poor management and recruitment? Levy has tried to address the former with five managers in five years, the last of which –Postecoglou – finally won a trophy but finished 17th.

Frank proved at Brentford he is a great motivator, man-manager and is more pragmatic, tweaking his tactics according to the opposition. Last Wednesday in the UEFA Super Cup he played five at the back to counter the threat of Paris St Germain's all-star attack, and only lost on penalties, having held the European Champions to a 2-2 draw.

Against newly-promoted Burnley, he swtiched to 4-3-3, rotated his midfield to give two teenagers a chance, and came up trumps. When Spurs travel to Manchester City next weekend, more changes to personnel and tactics are expected.

In terms of recruitment, sometimes it takes time for signings to show their value. Kudus has hit the ground running since his €64m transfer from West Ham. He set up Richarlison's first goal after winning the ball wide on the right and delivering a clever cross from which the Brazilian hooked in a smart finish. Kudus was also the provider on the hour when Richarlison scored what Frank described later as “the goal of the season”, as the Brazilian produced an acrobatic scissor kick from 12 yards.

Frank was full of praise for the Brazilian maverick, whose time at Tottenham has been beset by an injury-wracked body that the club's new medical staff are managing with kid gloves.

“I'm so happy on his behalf and for the performance and medical departments, who did a top job to build him. That will be continuous and something we need to look at throughout the season. There is a long way to go but very positive with him.

“It is fantastic that he is scoring. I have a striker that takes those two chances and helps us win the game. He was very good against PSG and today he was exceptional, with his work-rate, driving the team, link-up play, hold-up play, just dominating and then the two finishes.”

Richarlison was replaced late on by Dominic Solanke, still the club's record signing at €65m although that could be challenged if Eberechi Eze is tempted away from Crystal Palace. Solanke was first-choice centre-forward last season, but he and Richarlison could swap places more if the Brazilian stays fit.

Frank added: “The dream scenario is to have two good strikers. We need that. We're hopefully playing more than 60 games this season, and for that you need two in every position.”

Scott Parker got Burnley promoted on the back of a defence that conceded only 16 goals, but knows they face a massive challenge, even with former Spurs and Manchester City star Kyle Walker in their ranks. “Kyle was magnificent today, but it's so clinical in the Premier League. Tottenham produced an outstanding, world-class finish to see the game away from us. But I saw a lot of positives today.”

TOTTENHAM (4-3-3): Vicario 6; Porro 7, Romero 6, Van de Ven 7, Spence 7; Sarr 7, Gray 7 (Bentancur 71), Bergvall 7 (Palhinha 80); Kudus 7 (Tel 85), Richarlison 8 (Solanke 71), Johnson 7 (Odobert 80)

BURNLEY (5-3-2): Dubravka 6; Sonne 5 (Tchaouna 74), Walker 7, Ekdal 5, Esteve 5, Hartman 6; Cullen 6, Anthony 7 (Edwards 85) Laurent 6 (Ugochukwu 63); Hannibal 6 (Bruun Larsen 63) Foster 6 (Flemming 74)

Ref: Michael Oliver 8

Son Heung-min, Tottenham

Son Heung-Min was always going to leave Tottenham as a legend, even more so now that he has lifted the club’s first trophy since 2008. Spurs extended his contract in January, tying him to the club until the summer of 2026, but that may have been to protect his value. Son has been linked with a switch to Saudi Arabia and, after a difficult season in which he has only scored seven goals in 30 league games and was not picked to start the Europa League final, the club may want to get their highest earner off the books. Supporters would be sad to see the captain go, but this summer feels like the right time for both parties to part ways. There won’t be a better way to bow out.

Emiliano Martínez, Aston Villa

Aston Villa may be forced to sell more players this summer to comply with profitability and sustainability rules. One of those reportedly set to go is Emiliano Martínez, who could be replaced by the Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García. The World Cup winner was visibly upset during the players’ lap of honour after their final home game of the season on Friday night. The 32-year-old soaked up the atmosphere after the 2-0 win against Tottenham, prompting more rumours that a switch to Barcelona, Atlético Madrid or Saudi Arabia may be on the cards.

Darwin Núñez, Liverpool

Liverpool’s fringe players were given their chance to impress after the club wrapped up the title with a few games to spare. Few of them have covered themselves in glory. Darwin Núñez is expected to depart in the summer, having struggled to convince Arne Slot he can lead the line. Núñez did contribute to Liverpool’s success this season, coming off the bench to score two injury-time goals in a win at Brentford in January, but Slot will want an upgrade on a striker who has more yellow cards (eight) than goals (five) in the league this season.

Andrew Robertson, Liverpool

Liverpool’s pursuit of full-backs has kicked up a notch since they clinched the title. They are close to signing Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen for €35m and are pushing forward with a move for Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, which may mean that Andrew Robertson is deemed surplus to requirements. Liverpool won the league convincingly, and have the second best defensive record behind Arsenal, but the 31-year-old has not been as effective as in previous campaigns. It may be the right time for a refresh.

Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City

Kevin De Bruyne’s 10-year stay at Manchester City ends this summer. The Belgian said goodbye at the Etihad earlier this week and will leave the club with 16 winners’ medals. Even at 33 years of age, he will have no shortage of suitors. He may want to stay in the Premier League and prove that City were wrong to let him go, but a switch to MLS has been rumoured, as has a move to Serie A, with Napoli a possible destination.

Ederson, Manchester City

Ederson may follow De Bruyne out the door at the Etihad, with Manchester City linked with Porto’s penalty-saving machine Diogo Costa. Ederson’s distribution and impressive work with his feet have made him ideal for Pep Guardiola’s style, but his shotstopping capabilities have let the team down. The 31-year-old could be on his way to the Saudi Pro League this summer.

Christopher Nkunku, Chelsea

Christopher Nkunku moved to Chelsea in 2023 with high expectations. However the Frenchman has started just 11 Premier League games in two years, with injuries and a lack of form holding him back forward. Reports in January suggested that Chelsea were prepared to swap Nkunku for Mathys Tel prior to the latter’s switch to Tottenham. A return to Germany, where the 27-year-old shone for RB Leipzig, is not out of the question, with the versatile forward’s time at Stamford Bridge likely drawing to a close.

Mohammed Kudus, West Ham

West Ham pulled off quite the coup when they signed Mohammed Kudus from Ajax in 2023. He hasn’t been the most prolific forward – the Ghana international has scored just 12 league goals for the club – but he still has a legion of admirers. Kudus does his best work when given the chance to run at opponents; only Jérémy Doku (107) has completed more dribbles than the 24-year-old (91) in the league this season. If he goes, a move to Saudi Arabia may suit Kudos and West Ham.

Alejandro Garnacho, Manchester United

“Until we reached the final, I played every round. And I played 20 minutes today. I’m going to try to enjoy the summer and see what happens next,” said Alejandro Garnacho after Manchester United’s defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final. The Argentinian was dropped in favour of Mason Mount, a decision that hasn’t gone down well with the young forward. A summer departure looks increasingly likely after his thinly veiled dig at manager Ruben Amorim. While a move to Chelsea has been reported, he could go abroad, with Napoli previously linked with the 20-year-old.

Spurs' domestic struggles mean the Australian has presided over the club's worst ever Premier League campaign with a record tally of 21 defeats, but he also stands on the brink of the holy grail - eagerly-awaited silverware.

The embattled head coach conducted a fiery press conference at San Mames ahead of the showdown with Manchester United.

Asked about the fine line between "infamy" and "legendary status", Postecoglou, referencing a newspaper article which said he was "teetering between hero and clown" depending on the outcome against United, snapped: "I'll tell you one thing, irrespective of what happens tomorrow, I'm not a clown and I never will be.

"I'm really disappointed that you would use such terminology about a person who for 26 years without any favours from anyone has worked his way to a position where he's leading out a club in a European major competition (final)."

With Tottenham down in 17th in the Premier League, Postecoglou admitted last month the "general sentiment" was he would leave, even if he ended the club's 17-year trophy drought, but he felt his work in north London was far from finished.

"I don't think my job is done here," Postecoglou said.

"I really feel like we are building something and what a trophy does is hopefully accelerate that. So I still think there is work to be done.

"It is quite obvious with the challenges we've had this year, which I think are well chronicled,. There is some reasoning in the context of that, but also there has been some growth I would like to see through.

"Whether that happens or not is not that important right now, but far from it is this job finished. I certainly feel there is some growth there that we can take this club to where it needs to be.

"I've been in this position before where the big game was the last game I managed. It's not unusual territory for me.

"I have always navigated it pretty well because, for me, nothing is more important than my responsibility for this football club and its fans that tomorrow me, the players, our mind is only on one thing and that is to create something special."

Postecoglou played down Lucas Bergvall's chances of being fit to face United after an ankle injury, with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski (both knee) also sidelined, but Pape Sarr is available.

The big choice for the Australian ahead of his 100th game in charge of Spurs is who will provide creativity in a three-man midfield alongside Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur.

Wilson Odobert was used in the attacking midfield role at Aston Villa, but another alternative is to drop Dominic Solanke slightly deeper.

Despite continuous discourse over his future, Postecoglou will not lose focus on Tottenham's chance to taste European success for the first time since their 1984 UEFA Cup victory.

"Whatever happens beyond tomorrow is kind of irrelevant when you think about the opportunity that exists right now," Postecoglou said.

"That opportunity is to provide something special for the football club, for the supporters and for everyone who has worked so hard.

"Not just this year, but for the 15, 16 years, however long it has been without a trophy and also the 41 years without a European trophy.

"I'm pretty good at just making sure all my focus is on giving this football club the best opportunity that it's had for a while to do something special."

Meanwhile Brennan Johnson played down Tottenham's past wins over United but is confident they will formulate a new plan to secure Europa League glory.

Spurs have defeated United three times this season and twice since Ruben Amorim took over from Erik ten Hag in November.

A 3-0 win for Tottenham at Old Trafford in September pushed Ten Hag towards the exit door before Amorim watched his new team go down 4-3 in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals in December, while the most recent battle in February finished 1-0 to the north London club.

But Johnson insisted: "I think we know, going into the final, we can't rely on the fact that we've beaten them a few times this season.

"I think it's about now coming up with a plan because each time we've beaten them has been down to different reasons.

"I feel like we've done good work preparing for Man United so now it's about coming up with how we want to win, things we want to do, things we want to stop them from doing so it's a new opportunity.

"We want to prepare and be as confident as we can. When times have been tough and we've had to go to some tough places in Europe and got some really good results, it brings the squad together a massive amount.

"The quarter-final, the semi-final, these games have been massive for us. Unbelievable victories, real togetherness and yeah, it just make us stronger and more together."

Just three points now separate the five clubs jostling for the three qualification slots still available but Forest, who ended a two-game losing streak, once more top that mini-league thanks to first-half goals from Elliot Anderson and Chris Wood.

Spurs, who saw Richarlison pull one back late on, could also be in the Champions League next term of course, by winning the Europa League. Astonishingly so given that this was their 18th Premier League defeat this season and they lie 16th in the table.

Postecoglou rested regular picks with next month's semi-final with Norwegian dark horses Bodo/Glimt in mind and although Spurs could claim to be superior overall and especially in the second half, the result won't have made the embattled Australian any new friends among an already-divided fanbase.

There is no doubt though that Forest fans love Nuno Espirito Santo, the man Spurs sacked after just four months in 2021 for the crime of being ninth.

And on Sunday last term's relegation escapees can enjoy another unexpected bonus in the shape of a Wembley FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City.

Forest had occupied third spot from December 29 until six days ago but wins for Newcastle, City and Chelsea saw them kicked down to sixth before kick-off.

The game's first chance saw Gugliemo Vicario bat away Morgan Gibbs-White's long-ranger - and Forest used the corner to take a fifth-minute lead.

It took two Spurs men to clear to where Anderson was lurking just outside the box and though hit powerfully his drive required a deflection off Rodrigo Bentancur to outfox Vicario with a bounce right in front of the goalkeeper.

Another shot went through the Italian five minutes later but a sliver of shoulder belonging to 'scorer' Wood was labelled offside by VAR.

Wood's reply was to nod home Anthony Elanga's cross in the 17th minute and again Vicario was culpable, by coming for a punch and failing to connect. It was the striker's first Forest goal in seven games and certainly one of the easiest of his 19 for them so far this season.

Spurs had chances to reduce the arrears but Mathys Tel blazed wide and Richarlison was off target with two headers. Inevitably the half-time whistle was met with home boos.

Postecoglou subbed centre-back pairing Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero at the break, the latter so he couldn't be sent off having assaulted Anderson three times in the first half.

Gibbs-White, sent clear by Wood, slashed an opportunity for 3-0 wide before Harry Toffolo, making his first Premier League appearance of 2025, hooked away Dejan Kulusevski's glancing header from Pedro Porro's corner just as it was crossing the line.

Matz Sels made two good saves to deny Richarlison before the Brazilian finally found the net in the 87th minute by heading home Pedro Porro's cross. Forest held out however.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (4-3-3): Vicario 5; Porro 6, Romero 5 (Danso 46, 6), Van de Ven 6 (Davies 46, 6), Spence 6; Kulusevski 6 (Solanke 67, 5), Bentancur 6, Sarr 6 (Bergvall 81); Odobert 5 (Johnson 67, 4), Richarlison 7, Tel 5.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST (4-3-3): Sels 7; Williams 7, Murillo 7, Milenkovic 7, Toffolo 7; Dominguez 6 (Yates 58, 5), Anderson 7, Danilo 6 (Hudson-Odoi 58, 5); Elanga 6 (Morato 46. 5), Wood 7 (Awoniyi, 75), Gibbs-White 7 (Sosa 90).

Referee: Peter Bankes 6

The German side took the lead through hotshot Hugo Ekitike after five minutes to threaten more misery for Ange Postecoglou and his men, but Spurs show great spirit to equalise through Pedro Porro and dominate the game. If it had not been for some wasteful finishing and an exceptional performance from Eintrach's stand-in goalkeeper Kaua Santos, the home side could have taken a healthy lead to Frankfurt next week.

Instead they will have to hope they can avoid sloppy mistakes, show the same spirit and find their finishing boots if they are to reach the semi-finals.

Shortly before kickoff, the big screens around the stadium showed an impressive montage of Tottenham's glory years in Europe, winning three trophies in 22 years, and the club's trumpeter led a rousing version of 'When the Spurs go marching in'. The stadium announcer asked supporters to make themselves heard for the club's biggest game of the season, and there was a sense of all or nothing for Ange Postecoglou and his men.

Barely five minutes in, the mood among Tottenham's fans was punctured as Etikite, Eintracht's outstanding forward, put them 1-0 ahead. James Maddison was caught in possession midway inside the Frankfurt half and Ellyes Skhiri set Ekitike away down the left wing. The French striker cut inside Porro, advanced towards the penalty area unchallenged and placed a low shot in the far corner of goal. It was stunningly simple and symptomatic of how defensively fragile Tottenham are.

Frankfurt's large and noisy band of fans, who hardly let up with their songs and drumbeats throughout the game, went into overdrive, while home supporters were stunned.

But Tottenham got themselves back into the game by being patient and persistent. Porro hit a long crossfield pass to Heung Min Son, who took the ball down perfectly but hit his ensuing cross into the arms of Santos.

Dominic Solanke had a glancing header saved, and later chipped in a cross that was headed over his own bar by Arthur Theate. Solanke's more significant contribution came in the 26th minute when he chased down a hopeful forward punt and laid the ball into Maddison's path. The England midfielder jinked to the byline and cut the ball back for Porro to divert it over the line with a cheeky backheel.

Spurs came out fired up for the second half and could have scored three times inside 15 minutes. Lucas Bergvall crashed a shot against the crossbar from 30 yards, Santos made a superb save to keep out Son's curling shot, and then Rodrigo Bentancur headed against the bar from the ensuing corner.

Bentancur had another header saved and Solanke spooned a shot high over the bar, before failing to find Johnson wih a low cross in front of goal. Both Postecoglou and Dino Toppmoller made a rash of substitutions in the closing stages to protect their positions, and there was still time for Santos to deny Tottenham once again, tipping Micky Van de Ven's header over the bar in stoppage time.

Spurs still have a chance of progressing, but they will need to make the most of their chances in Germany next week.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR: 4-3-3 Vicario7; Porro 6, Romero 6, van de Ven 7, Udogie 6 (Spence 79); Bergvall 8, Bentancur 7, Maddison 7 (Sarr 79); Johnson 6, Solanke 6 (Richarlison 87), Son 6 (Tel 79).

FRANKFURT: 4-2-3-1 Santos 8; Kristensen 6, Koch 6, Theate 6, Brown 6; Skhiri 6, Tuta 6; Gotze 4, Larsson 6, Bahoya 6 (Chaibi 70); Ekitike 7 (Wahi 89) Ref: Szymon Marciniak (Poland) 5/10

Southampton can no longer catch Wolves in 17th place, and this return to the Championship after just one season back in the Premier League is no surprise. One might have expected a show of defiance and at least a little energy in an effort to put off the inevitable relegation, but they were poor once again, and a late strike from Mateus Fernandes came from one of their few shots on goal.

Spurs, by contrast ,could have won by more, but once Brennan Johnson had put them 2-0 ahead well before half-time, Ange Postecoglou's men were content to play within themselves, conscious the game on Thursday is so important if they are to salvage something from a poor season.

At least they can go into the game with confidence, with Johnson's return to goalscoring form and a stoppage time penalty from Mathys Tel, on as a late substitute.

Spurs were comfortably in control on a sunny afternoon punctuated with chants of protest by some fans against Daniel Levy.

Cristian Romero powered in bullet headers twice inside the opening half-hour and was denied each time by Aaron Ramsdale, the goalkeeper stopping the ball with his face the second time and requiring treatment. Tottenham fans showed little sympathy for the former Arsenal keeper.

Spurs were ahead by this stage, with a goal straight from the training pitch. Having received a pass from defence in the centre-circle, James Maddison worked it out to Heung Min Son on the left. The overlapping Djed Spence took it on and his cutback was met by Johnson, who fired high past Ramsdale.

Johnson was to score again before half-time, but in between came yet another interminable delay while VAR agonised over whether Lucas Bergvall's 33rd minute strike should be allowed to stand. The Swede volleyed home after Romero headed back across goal, but it took the VAR team five minutes of line-drawing to suggest Romero had been fractionally offside. Clear and obvious it was not, irritating it certainly was.

Johnson scored his and Tottenham's second goal in the 42nd minute. Maddison was the provider with a dinked header forward, and Johnson nipped in behind the napping defenders to flick the ball past Ramsdale with the outside of his right boot.

The second half was an exercise in Tottenham Fernandes gave the travelling Saints fans hope with a goal in the final minute f normal time, taking down a cross from the left before swivelling and shooting through the legs of Spence and past Guglielmo Vicario.

But minutes later Wellington brought down Johnson and Tel converted the penalty to make it 3-1.

TOTTENHAM (4-3-3): Vicario 7, Porro 6, Romero 7, Davies 6, Spence 7; Bergvall 8 (Bissouma 80), Bentancur 8 (Sarr 57), Maddison 7 (Gray 80); Johnson 8, Solanke 7 (Tel 87), Son 6 (Odobert 57).

SOUTHAMPTON (4-3-3): Ramsdale 6; Walker-Peters 6, Bednarek 5, Harwood-Bellis 6, Manning 5 (Wellington 64); Dibling 6 (Sugawara 73), Aribo 5 (Smallbon e 64), Ugochukwu 5 (Stewart 83); Fernandes 6, Archer 5 (Onuachu 73), Sulemana 7

Referee: Michael Salisbury

On a night billed as win-or-bust for Postecoglou and his side, they overcame a 1-0 deficit from the first leg last week to win 3-1, with a James Maddison strike in between Odobert's first two goals for Tottenham.

The 20-year-old French winger, signed from Burnley last August, has missed most of the season with a hamstring injury but was back with a bang to see Spurs through to a last eight showdown with Eintracht Frankfurt.

It was far from comfortable, though. Tottenham had not troubled AZ's goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro until Odobert scored his first in the 26th minute. The goal was an error from the Dutch team, with a loose back pass putting Wouter Goes under pressure in the right-back position.

Nevertheless it was Heung Min Son's determination to close down the defender that forced a rebound into the path of Dominic Solanke, who was loitering in the penalty area with intent. The Spurs striker could have tried a tricky shot but smartly chose to lay the ball square across goal, where Odobert met it with a left-footed shot into the roof of the net from 12 yards.

Spurs were level on aggregate and fired up. Son looked like he wanted to prove a point with a couple of driving runs into the penalty area, the first ending with Lucas Bergvall curling a shot over the bar, and the second with Odobert slicing the ball high into the air.

From the start, the Dutch side seemed content to try containment rather than go looking for another goal to build on their 1-0 lead. Ernest Poku, so dangerous in the first leg, had precious few opportunities to show his pace or trickery, and when he had a half-chance, Guglielmo Vicario smothered the ball at his feet.

Troy Parrott, AZ's top scorer with 17 goals before kickoff, got little change out of the returning Micky Van de Ven and Cristian Romero, who caught the Dubliner with a thunderous challenge early on.

And within three minutes of the restart, James Maddison put Spurs ahead in the tie for the first time in the tie. Pedro Porro won the ball in the Tottenham half and sent Odobert away. The winger played the ball forward to Maddison, who exchanged passes with Son before steering a precise shot past Owusu-Oduro.

Finally AZ started to attack in earnest. Poku got clear of the last line of defence, but Van de Ven used his astonishing spped to make a recovery tackle. When the big Dutchman went off to be replaced by Archie Gray on the hour mark, he received a standing ovation from home supporters.

But within minutes AZ levelled the tie after a mix-up in the Tottenham defence. Odobert did well to intercept a pass towards Peer Koopmeiners, but a lack of communication with Bergvall allowed the Dutch midfielder the chance to shoot, which he did with power past Vicario.

The scores were level on aggregate, the game was a knife edge, and nerves kicked in.

Then Odobert struck again. It was a flowing move from one goalmouth to the other, perfectly illustrating 'Angeball' at its best. Vicario, Gray and Romero played short passes out of defence to Maddison, who drove forward through midfield. The ball was shuttled down the left via Son to Spence, who drilled in a low cross that was flicked on by Solanke to Odobert, who converted from close range at the far post.

Still there were chances for AZ to equalise. Kees Smit went on to add height to their forward line, but headed over from close range when Parrott looked to be in a better position to score. Smit then upset his team-mates when he volleyed wastefully wide in the closing stages.

The final whistle was greeted with relief as much as celebration, as Tottenham's fans realised their season is still very much alive.

Tottenham (4-3-3): Vicario 7; Porro 7, Romero 6, Van de Ven 8 (Gray 61), Spence 8; Sarr 6, Maddison 7 (Bissouma 77), Bergvall 7 (Davies84); Odobert 8 (Johnson 78), Solanke 6, Son 7.

AZ (4-3-3): Owusu-Oduro 6; Maikuma 6 (Meerdink 84), Goes 5 (Belic 89), Penetra 6, Moller Wolfe 6; Clasie 6, Buurmeister 6 (Smit 65), Koopmeiners 7; Sadiq 5 (de Wit 46), Parrott 6, Poku 6.

Leading by two goals with 25 minutes to play, and the better side from the start, Andoni Iraola said it was “a missed opportunity” for his men, while Postecoglou can reflect on his positive second-half substitutions sparking a Spurs resurgence.

After Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson had put the Cherries in charge, Pape Matar Sarr and a penalty from Heung Min Son brought Tottenham back to get a draw that eases the pressure on Postecoglou.

“It was chaotic, and we added to the chaos,” he said. “We looked nervous in the first half, but showed a strong mindset to come back, and hopefully can show the same on Thursday.”

The biggest surprise was that it took Bournemouth 42 minutes to score, so poor were Spurs in the opening half. Cristian Romero's return from a three-month injury layoff was greeted with a roar by Spurs supporters, but within minutes it was clear that the Argentine was ring-rusty.

Only 20 seconds had elapsed before he passed sideways to Evanilson, whose low shot was well saved by Guglielmo Vicario.

Ten minutes later Romero gave the ball away again, and when Rodrigo Bentancur did the same, Vicario again saved well to deny Justin Kluivert.

Spurs were a shambles in defence, and their problems were primarily of their own making, losing possession time and time again. Tavernier's goal, three minutes before half-time, was a case in point.

Pedro Porro led a break into the Bournemouth half, but his tame pass towards Brennan Johnson was easily cut out by Milos Kerkez, who charged down the left flank before delivering a delicious, curling cross to the far post that Tavernier converted with a sliding finish.

It was exactly what Bournemouth deserved for their bright, smart football, with Iraola showing why he he is being talked about as a possible successor to Postecoglou.

The Spurs manager had opted for a workmanlike midfield, dropping James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall along with captain Son, but it meant Spurs carried little attacking threat.

Spurs were booed off at half-time, and Postecoglou responded by sending on Bergvall and Son, who went close with a shot that was tipped round the far post. Justin Kluivert had a goal ruled out for offside after a VAR review, before setting up Evanilson to make it 2-0 with a delightful clipped finish in the 65th minute, lifting his shot over Vicario.

That should have been it, but Spurs showed there is spirit in the side, despite their travails. Sarr pulled one goal back a minute later with what appeared to be a mis-hit cross from the right that flew in off Kepa's far post.

Maddison, another substitute, then put Son in, and when Kepa sent the Korean flying, referee John Brooks pointed to the penalty spot.

Son sent him the wrong way to snatch a draw Spurs barely deserved.

Tottenham (4-3-3): Vicario 7; Porro 5, Romero 4 (Van de Ven 61), Danso 6, Spence 7; Sarr 6, Bissouma 5 (Bergvall 46), Bentancur 5 (Maddison 61); Johnson 5 (Son 46), Solanke 5, Odobert 6.

Bournemouth (4-4-2): Kepa 6; Cook 7, Hill 7, Huijsen 7, Kerkez 8 Tavernier 7 (Brooks 81), Christie 6 (Scott 71), Adams 6, Kluivert 7; Evanilson 7 (Ouattara 71), Semenyo 6 Sinisterra 89).

Referee: John Brooks 7

Ange Postecoglou lives to fight another day, as Spurs showed some of the fighting spirit they have lacked in recent weeks to come back from 2-0 down to hold Bournemouth, who were ultimately frustrated as they chase a place in Europe.

Leading by two goals with 25 minutes to play, and the better side from the start, Andoni Iraola's men must see this as a missed opportunity, while Postecoglou can reflect on his positive second-half substitutions sparking a Spurs resurgence.

After Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson had put the Cherries in charge, Pape Matar Sarr and a penalty from Heung Min Son brought Tottenham back into get a draw that eases the pressure on Postecoglou.

Spurs are still in the bottom half of the table, and their only hope of success rests on progressing in the Europa League. Trailing 1-0 to AZ Alkmaar, they face the second leg at home on Thursday and must hope to play like they did in the second-half here, not the first.

The biggest surprise was that it took Bournemouth 42 minutes to score, so poor were Spurs in the opening half. Cristian Romero's return from a three-month injury layoff was greeted with a roar by Spurs supporters, but within minutes it was clear that the Argentine was ring-rusty.

Only 20 seconds had elapsed before he passed sideways to Evanilson, whose low shot was well saved by Guglielmo Vicario. Ten minutes later Romero gave the ball away again, and when Rodrigo Bentancur did the same, Vicario again saved well to deny Justin Kluivert.

Spurs were a shambles. Southampton have found out the hard way that the risks outweigh the rewards of trying to play out from the back without the right players to do so, but Ange Postecoglou persists with this approach.

Once again Tottenham's problems were primarily of their own making, losing possession time and time again. Tavernier's goal, three minutes before half-time, was a case in point.

Pedro Porro, another senior player whose performances have dipped alarmingly, led a break into the Bournemouth half, but his tame pass towards Brennan Johnson was easily cut out by Milos Kerkez, who charged down the left flank before delivering a delicious, curling cross the far post that Tavernier converted with a sliding finish.

It was exactly what Bournemouth deserved for their bright, smart football, with Iraola showing why he he is being talked about as one of Tottenham's target to replace Postecoglou.

The Spurs manager had opted for a workmanlike midfield, dropping James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall along with captain Son, but it meant Spurs carried little attacking threat.

Dominic Solanke, who scored 21 goals for Bournemouth last season before his record-breaking transfer to Tottenham, was given precious little service, and one glancing header that was easily saved by Kepa was his only effort on goal.

Spurs were booed off at half-time, and Postecoglou responded by sending on Bergvall, and Son, who went close with a shot that was tipped round the far post. Justin Kluivert had a goal ruled out for offside after a VAR review, before setting up Evanilson to make it 2-0 with a delightful clipped finish in the 65th minute, lifting his shot over Vicario.

That should have been it, but Spurs showed there is spirit in the side, despite their travails. Pape Matar Sarr pulled one goal back a minute later with what appeared to be a mis-hit cross from the right that flew in off Kepa's far post.

Maddison, another substitute, then put Son in, and when Kepa sent the Korean flying, referee John Brooks pointed to the penalty spot. Son sent him the wrong way to set up frantic final ten minutes.

Tottenham Hotspur (4-3-3): Vicario 7; Porro 5, Romero 4, Danso 6, Spence 7; Sarr 6, Bissouma 5, Bentancur 5; Johnson 5, Solanke 5, Odobert 6.

Bournemouth (4-4-2): Kepa 6; Cook 7, Hill 7, Huijsen 7, Kerkez 8 Tavernier 7, Christie 6, Adams 6, Kluivert 7; Evanilson 7, Semenyo 6.

Referee: John Brooks 7.