Sky Sports

Tottenham must beat AZ next week to keep their faint silverware hopes alive after Lucas Bergvall's freak own goal gave the Dutch side a 1-0 lead in their Europa League last-16 tie.

Despite resting Heung-Min Son and Djed Spence in their last game against Manchester City eight days ago, Spurs' freshness did little to help them as their hosts dominated from start to finish and were unfortunate not to win by a greater margin.

"Tottenham were miles off it," said former Spurs midfielder Jamie O'Hara on Sky Sports News. "Tottenham's big players didn't turn up."

As it happened | Teams | Match stats

What is the British teams' route to the Europa League final?

Europa League fixtures | Tottenham news & transfers

Despite AZ's superiority, the first leg was only settled by Bergvall's unfortunate intervention 18 minutes in, when he swiped at a corner and looped the ball over a hapless Guglielmo Vicario and in for the hosts' winner.

Former Spurs forward Troy Parrott, who had already seen a shot blocked by Archie Gray, should have doubled AZ's lead before the break but saw his poor finish kept out by Vicario.

The introduction of Wilson Odobert at half-time did little to help Spurs, who mustered an xG of just 0.37 all night - and barely threatened Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro's goal after the break. Odobert came close when he nodded over in the final minute of added time, as Spurs fell to an 18th defeat of the season.

With their season now entirely dependent on their success in the Europa League, next Thursday's return leg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium now becomes a win-at-all-costs encounter for Ange Postecoglou and his side.

Son: Defeat a big wake-up call

Tottenham captain Heung-Min Son to TNT Sport:

"It is very disappointing we perform like this, it is a big wake-up call as next week is the biggest game of the season.

"It was not too much caution, it is always tough playing away in the Europa League and it looked like we did not create anything in the first half.

"It was very sloppy and we did not perform like we should do, everyone is very disappointed with the individual and team performance and we have to look at ourselves, there are no excuses, we were not good enough and nowhere near how we should perform.

"It is only 1-0, it is not finished and we have to do much, much better than we did today."

What's coming up in the Europa League?

Having lost hope in the Premier League and the two domestic cup competitions, Tottenham are now all in on the Europa League.

"AZ Alkmaar is the biggest game of Ange Postecoglou's career," ex-Spurs midfielder Jamie O'Hara told Sky Sports News ahead of Thursday's last-16 first leg in the Netherlands.

Postecoglou's team selection in last week's home league defeat to Manchester City certainly suggested that, with captain Heung-Min Son, Djed Spence - their best performer recently - and star man Dejan Kulusevski all starting on the bench. The latter, however, has become the latest player on the treatment table with a foot issue set to sideline him until April.

Transfer Centre LIVE! | Tottenham news & transfers⚪

Spurs fixtures & scores | FREE highlights▶️

Got Sky? Watch Tottenham games LIVE on your phone📱

Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW📺

The loss to City - Spurs' 14th Premier League defeat of the season, more than their wins and draws combined - leaves them 13th and 13 points off the top five.

Europa League glory is now their only hope of Champions League qualification - and also Postecoglou's last chance of delivering on his bold statement of "always winning things" in his second year.

"Ange Postecoglou rested players [against Man City] and I've heard people moaning about it - the Premier League is gone for Tottenham. It's over. This season's done," O'Hara said.

"It doesn't matter where we finish - 12th or ninth - we're not going to get European football but what we can do is win the Europa League.

"He wants his best players fit, fresh and ready to go. That's all his whole focus is."

Injuries have wreaked havoc in Spurs' domestic campaign but Postecoglou could be boosted by the return of key players for the AZ tie and beyond if they progress.

Defenders Cristian Romero - who was named in Argentina's squad for March's World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil - and Micky van de Ven may feature at some point in the tie, while forwards Dominic Solanke and Richarlison are also pushing to be available.

There has been the added benefit of a much-needed break following a hectic schedule for a small group of players, with Tottenham having eight days to prepare for the first leg at AZ.

A season-defining week sees Spurs host Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday, live on Sky Sports, then four days later host AZ in the second leg.

"When we play Bournemouth in between AZ, play a B team because the Premier League doesn't matter now, it isn't going to change where we finish. But if we win the Europa League, you get Champions League football," O'Hara said.

"Ange Postecoglou could go down as one of the most successful managers that we've had in recent times if he wins the Europa League.

"Spurs, with their best team, have got the best chance of winning the Europa League, so I had no problem with him resting players against Man City."

Merse: Europa glory would be Spurs' best season ever

AZ are familiar opponents for Tottenham after the north Londoners narrowly beat them 1-0 at home in the league stage of the Europa League in October.

Pascal Jansen's side, which includes ex-Tottenham striker Troy Parrott, suffered a 3-1 defeat at Heerenveen on Sunday and sit sixth in the Eredivisie.

AZ have lost only once at home in all competitions since the start of December and impressively knocked out Galatasaray, who beat Spurs in the league stage, in the play-off round with a 6-3 aggregate win after beating them 4-1 at home in the first leg.

Sky Sports' Paul Merson said: "I watched them [AZ Alkmaar] the other week at Galatasaray in the second leg - they were electric up front.

"They blew Galatasaray away and Galatasaray were fortunate to get a 2-2 draw [in the second leg].

"I don't know how Tottenham will live with them at their ground because it's a big old pitch.

"It's a dangerous game but over two legs I'd expect Tottenham to go through."

The Opta supercomputer agrees with Merson, giving Spurs a 69 per cent chance of progressing to the quarter-finals.

In fact, Postecoglou's side are second favourites (14.5 per cent) behind Lazio (17.2 per cent) to lift the trophy in Bilbao on May 21.

"If you look at the competition, Tottenham, Lyon, Athletic Bilbao and Lazio are the four teams [to win it]," Merson said.

"I think Tottenham have got a chance of winning this.

"If Tottenham win this and get in the Champions League, they've had their best season ever."

Lose to AZ Alkmaar, however, and Spurs' season will be over - and with it an increased pressure on Postecoglou.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

The top stories and transfer rumours from Tuesday's newspapers...

DAILY MAIL

Real Madrid scouts have checked on Adam Wharton since his return to first-team action at Crystal Palace.

Manchester City are reportedly among the leading European clubs keeping a close eye on Cesc Fabregas' future at Como.

Transfer Centre LIVE! Deals, rumours, news on your phone

Transfer news about YOUR Premier League club

Watch FREE Premier League highlights on the Sky Sports app!

Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW 📺

Andre Onana is believed to have made a decision over his Manchester United future amid a slew of criticism into his shaky performances between the sticks for the Red Devils.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

Andrea Berta, the former Atletico Madrid transfer guru, is believed to be among the potential candidates to replace Edu Gaspar as Arsenal's sporting director.

Tottenham Hotspur have given the green light to Cristian Romero's inclusion in the Argentina squad, despite the fact the defender has not played this year.

England have arranged a full tour of Australia, just two months after a disastrous Women's Ashes campaign.

THE SUN

Liverpool have opened talks with Conor Bradley over a new five-year contract. Arne Slot has earmarked the Northern Irish defender as the most likely long-term replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is expected to leave for Real Madrid at the end of the season.

Southampton are planning to axe Ivan Juric at the end of the season and have identified Danny Rohl as their top target.

Former Arsenal defender Kolo Toure says fasting and playing games made him psychologically stronger during the month of Ramadan.

Manchester United are staring at a £100million-plus black hole as the cost of their season of hell is laid bare.

Josh Kroenke has jetted in for talks with Mikel Arteta as the Arsenal boss looks to salvage his season.

DAILY MIRROR

Lyon boss Paulo Fonseca risks a seven-month ban after trying to headbutt a referee seeking to watch the VAR screen during a Ligue 1 clash.

THE GUARDIAN

Manchester United are exploring an early termination from a 10-year lease agreement at their London offices in Kensington in the latest cost-cutting measure proposed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

THE TIMES

The minority Everton shareholders, who fear the recent takeover of the club has led to a dramatic collapse in the value of their stakes, have had a request to meet the new owner, The Friedkin Group (TFG), rejected.

THE ATHLETIC

The Football Association (FA) has defended the ball used during Manchester City's victory over Plymouth Argyle, following criticism from Pep Guardiola.

DAILY RECORD

Celtic are continuing to keep close tabs on Motherwell star Lennon Miller ahead of a potential summer bid.

Kyogo has been tipped for a quick-fire Rennes exit this summer after being overlooked by his new boss again.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Having lost hope in the Premier League and the two domestic cup competitions, Tottenham are now all in on the Europa League.

"AZ Alkmaar is the biggest game of Ange Postecoglou's career," ex-Spurs midfielder Jamie O'Hara told Sky Sports News ahead of Thursday's last-16 first leg in the Netherlands.

Postecoglou's team selection in last week's home league defeat to Manchester City certainly suggested that, with captain Heung-Min Son, Djed Spence - their best performer recently - and star man Dejan Kulusevski all starting on the bench.

Transfer Centre LIVE! | Tottenham news & transfers⚪

Spurs fixtures & scores | FREE highlights▶️

Got Sky? Watch Tottenham games LIVE on your phone📱

Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW📺

The loss to City - Spurs' 14th Premier League defeat of the season, more than their wins and draws combined - leaves them 13th and 13 points off the top five.

Europa League glory is now their only hope of Champions League qualification - and also Postecoglou's last chance of delivering on his bold statement of "always winning things" in his second year.

"Ange Postecoglou rested players [against Man City] and I've heard people moaning about it - the Premier League is gone for Tottenham. It's over. This season's done," O'Hara said.

"It doesn't matter where we finish - 12th or ninth - we're not going to get European football but what we can do is win the Europa League.

"He wants his best players fit, fresh and ready to go. That's all his whole focus is."

Injuries have wreaked havoc in Spurs' domestic campaign but Postecoglou could be boosted by the return of key players for the AZ tie and beyond if they progress.

Defenders Cristian Romero - who was named in Argentina's squad for March's World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil - and Micky van de Ven may feature at some point in the tie, while forwards Dominic Solanke and Richarlison are also pushing to be available.

There has been the added benefit of a much-needed break following a hectic schedule for a small group of players, with Tottenham having eight days to prepare for the first leg at AZ.

A season-defining week sees Spurs host Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday, live on Sky Sports, then four days later host AZ in the second leg.

"When we play Bournemouth in between AZ, play a B team because the Premier League doesn't matter now, it isn't going to change where we finish. But if we win the Europa League, you get Champions League football," O'Hara said.

"Ange Postecoglou could go down as one of the most successful managers that we've had in recent times if he wins the Europa League.

"Spurs, with their best team, have got the best chance of winning the Europa League, so I had no problem with him resting players against Man City."

Merse: Europa glory would be Spurs' best season ever

AZ are familiar opponents for Tottenham after the north Londoners narrowly beat them 1-0 at home in the league stage of the Europa League in October.

Pascal Jansen's side, which includes ex-Tottenham striker Troy Parrott, suffered a 3-1 defeat at Heerenveen on Sunday and sit sixth in the Eredivisie.

AZ have lost only once at home in all competitions since the start of December and impressively knocked out Galatasaray, who beat Spurs in the league stage, in the play-off round with a 6-3 aggregate win after beating them 4-1 at home in the first leg.

Sky Sports' Paul Merson said: "I watched them [AZ Alkmaar] the other week at Galatasaray in the second leg - they were electric up front.

"They blew Galatasaray away and Galatasaray were fortunate to get a 2-2 draw [in the second leg].

"I don't know how Tottenham will live with them at their ground because it's a big old pitch.

"It's a dangerous game but over two legs I'd expect Tottenham to go through."

The Opta supercomputer agrees with Merson, giving Spurs a 69 per cent chance of progressing to the quarter-finals.

In fact, Postecoglou's side are second favourites (14.5 per cent) behind Lazio (17.2 per cent) to lift the trophy in Bilbao on May 21.

"If you look at the competition, Tottenham, Lyon, Athletic Bilbao and Lazio are the four teams [to win it]," Merson said.

"I think Tottenham have got a chance of winning this.

"If Tottenham win this and get in the Champions League, they've had their best season ever."

Lose to AZ Alkmaar, however, and Spurs' season will be over - and with it an increased pressure on Postecoglou.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Erling Haaland's 20th Premier League goal of the season took Man City to a 1-0 win at Tottenham and back into the top four.

The Norwegian turned home from close range from Jeremy Doku's cross 12 minutes in and that proved to be enough - although he also saw a stoppage-time strike in the second half scrubbed off for a handball given by ref Jarred Gillet.

That could have been a controversial moment, with it unclear whether the ball did actually hit the striker's arm during a challenge from Kevin Danso and VAR unable to conclusively overturn the call - but Pape Sarr headed over his glorious chance at the other end in the final seconds.

"The referee was quicker to disallow it than VAR," City boss Pep Guardiola said of the incident. "I'm pretty sure if VAR took a lot of time it was because there was a lot of doubt the referee didn't have."

City should have been further ahead at the break, with the electric Doku teeing up Haaland for another good chance and then a big opening for Savinho, who bumped his sitter over the bar.

As it happened | Teams | Match stats

Live Premier League table | Watch PL highlights for free

Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW 📺

Spurs finally stepped up their levels after the interval - aided by the belated introduction of Heung-min Son, Dejan Kulusevski and Djed Spence, who surprisingly began on the bench - but Guardiola's side rode the storm with the help of a sharp stop from Ederson.

After Stefan Ortega's heroics in this fixture last season to help City clinch the title, it was Ederson's turn to deny Son with a super save late on, getting down low to maintain the clean sheet.

City's attacking threat was massively reduced in that second half until Haaland's late surge but their positive response to Sunday's defeat to Liverpool has them back in the Champions League qualifying spots at the expense of Chelsea.

Tottenham - who also threatened through Wilson Odobert after a 39-minute gap between their two first-half efforts - failed to make it four Premier League wins on the spin and sit 13th.

Their Europa League last-16 tie with AZ Alkmaar begins next week and looked to be the priority on Wednesday, given Ange Postecoglou's team selection. This was their second-youngest Premier League XI. His players will need to be sharper from the start and carry more threat in the final third if they are to make a success of that remaining shot at silverware.

Postecogloou: We looked more like ourselves

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou:

"First half we were a little bit too eager to get forward, we were too wasteful. City can pick you off at different times. We didn't handle that part of the game well. They scored and had chances to get further ahead. Second half we dominated the game and were pretty relentless. Just missing a goal and fell a bit short.

"It's disappointing to lose. But it did look more like us today. We played aggressive football. We never tapered off at all."

On not starting Son, Kulusevski and Spence: "I can't be sitting here bemoaning not having a squad then not use it. Deki [Kulusevski], Sonny and Djed have played an enormous amount of time. Having them to have a little bit of a breather I thought would be more helpful for us. We're going to have some real options we're going to need."

Guardiola: An incredible result for our Champions League qualification hopes

Man City boss Pep Guardiola:

"The game was open in the second half because we didn't close it in the first. That was the problem that happens many times this season. We've given away an incredible amount of goals. Today fortunately we finish good. For the Champions League qualification it is an incredible result for us."

More like the old Man City? "Never this season will be old City! Old City was too good. But we'll be back."

On Haaland's disallowed goal: "The referee was quicker to disallow it than VAR. Because we won, no matter. Honestly I didn't see the action on TV. It was not clear. Champions league is quicker. If [VAR is slow] it's because they have a lot of doubt. I'm pretty sure if VAR took a lot of time it was because there was a lot of doubt the referee didn't have."

Story of the match in stats...

What's coming up in the Premier League?

Erling Haaland's 20th Premier League goal of the season took Man City to a 1-0 win at Tottenham and back into the top four.

The Norwegian turned home from close range from Jeremy Doku's cross 12 minutes in and that proved to be enough - although he also saw a stoppage-time strike in the second half scrubbed off for a handball given by ref Jarred Gillet.

That could have been a controversial moment, with it unclear whether the ball did actually hit the striker's arm during a challenge from Kevin Danso and VAR unable to conclusively overturn the call - but Pape Sarr headed over his glorious chance at the other end in the final seconds.

"The referee was quicker to disallow it than VAR," City boss Pep Guardiola said of the incident. "I'm pretty sure if VAR took a lot of time it was because there was a lot of doubt the referee didn't have."

City should have been further ahead at the break, with the electric Doku teeing up Haaland for another good chance and then a big opening for Savinho, who bumped his sitter over the bar.

As it happened | Teams | Match stats

Live Premier League table | Watch PL highlights for free

Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW 📺

Spurs finally stepped up their levels after the interval - aided by the belated introduction of Heung-min Son, Dejan Kulusevski and Djed Spence, who surprisingly began on the bench - but Guardiola's side rode the storm with the help of a sharp stop from Ederson.

After Stefan Ortega's heroics in this fixture last season to help City clinch the title, it was Ederson's turn to deny Son with a super save late on, getting down low to maintain the clean sheet.

City's attacking threat was massively reduced in that second half until Haaland's late surge but their positive response to Sunday's defeat to Liverpool has them back in the Champions League qualifying spots at the expense of Chelsea.

Tottenham - who also threatened through Wilson Odobert after a 39-minute gap between their two first-half efforts - failed to make it four Premier League wins on the spin and sit 13th.

Their Europa League last-16 tie with AZ Alkmaar begins next week and looked to be the priority on Wednesday, given Ange Postecoglou's team selection. This was their second-youngest Premier League XI. His players will need to be sharper from the start and carry more threat in the final third if they are to make a success of that remaining shot at silverware.

Postecogloou: We looked more like ourselves

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou:

"First half we were a little bit too eager to get forward, we were too wasteful. City can pick you off at different times. We didn't handle that part of the game well. They scored and had chances to get further ahead. Second half we dominated the game and were pretty relentless. Just missing a goal and fell a bit short.

"It's disappointing to lose. But it did look more like us today. We played aggressive football. We never tapered off at all."

On not starting Son, Kulusevski and Spence: "I can't be sitting here bemoaning not having a squad then not use it. Deki [Kulusevski], Sonny and Djed have played an enormous amount of time. Having them to have a little bit of a breather I thought would be more helpful for us. We're going to have some real options we're going to need."

Guardiola: An incredible result for our Champions League qualification hopes

Man City boss Pep Guardiola:

"The game was open in the second half because we didn't close it in the first. That was the problem that happens many times this season. We've given away an incredible amount of goals. Today fortunately we finish good. For the Champions League qualification it is an incredible result for us."

More like the old Man City? "Never this season will be old City! Old City was too good. But we'll be back."

On Haaland's disallowed goal: "The referee was quicker to disallow it than VAR. Because we won, no matter. Honestly I didn't see the action on TV. It was not clear. Champions league is quicker. If [VAR is slow] it's because they have a lot of doubt. I'm pretty sure if VAR took a lot of time it was because there was a lot of doubt the referee didn't have."

Story of the match in stats...

What's coming up in the Premier League?