Anderlecht vs. Tottenham: Winners and Losers from Europa League Game
Stefano Okaka scored the winner in the 75th minute as Anderlecht came from behind to defeat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 on Thursday in Group J of the UEFA Europa League.
Spurs had led through Christian Eriksen's fourth-minute opener, but the hosts hit back through Guillaume Gillet just nine minutes later.
Anderlecht began to take the upper hand as full-time approached, and Okaka turned in Frank Acheampong's cross from close range with 15 minutes left to hand his side the victory.
The result took Anderlecht up to second place, level on four points with Tottenham. The same two teams are scheduled to meet again on Nov. 5 at White Hart Lane.
Here, B/R selects winners and losers from the match.
Winners: Stefano Okaka and Frank Acheampong
1 of 5
Stefano Okaka proved a handful for Tottenham all night, so it was little surprise when the big striker settled matters with his 75th-minute winner.
The 6'1", 172-pound Okaka was especially dangerous on set pieces, throwing his weight around in the box effectively as Spurs' defenders struggled to cope with his physicality. But the goal came from open play, with substitute Frank Acheampong playing a starring role.
Running on to a through ball down the left flank, Acheampong beat his marker and rolled an inch-perfect cross to Okaka, who only had to sweep in from close range.
Both players were highly effective for Anderlecht, with their combination making the difference on the scoresheet.
Loser: Tottenham's Set-Piece Defending
2 of 5
Tottenham struggled to defend set pieces effectively throughout the match. One goal came directly from a corner, and more could—probably should—have followed.
In the 13th minute, Spurs allowed a Steven Defour corner to bounce all the way through the box to Guillaume Gillet. With plenty of time and space to pick his shot, the Belgium international took a touch and volleyed past Hugo Lloris for the equalizer.
The hosts had another chance in the 28th minute after Tottenham couldn't clear a free-kick into their box. This time, Lloris made a good reaction save to keep out Okaka's smashed volley.
Two more set pieces gave Spurs fits in the second half. In the 61st minute, Okaka rose highest to meet a corner, directing a weak header on target. Lloris was momentarily unsighted but made the save.
Seventeen minutes later, Kara Mbodji knocked down a corner, giving Leander Dendoncker a big chance at the far post. Dendoncker could only head off target, which was a big let-off for Spurs.
"I am angry, frustrated, disappointed. I don't know which word to describe me," manager Mauricio Pochettino told BBC Sport. "We are young but if you are the best team on the pitch after 10 minutes and you believe you can win the game you need to win the game. We lost our focus."
Winner: Anderlecht's European Record
3 of 5
Anderlecht entered Thursday's match with a poor recent record in Europe. According to Opta, the Belgian side had won just one of their last 18 games against UEFA competition, losing 10.
The club's record against English opposition was just as poor. According to Bwin, Anderlecht had not beaten a club from England since October 2000.
Any victory in Europe is nice, but Anderlecht manager Besnik Hasi will be savoring this one.
Loser: Tottenham's Recent Record
4 of 5
Tottenham were unbeaten in the Europa League before Thursday, but even so, the club's recent record was a cause for concern.
After losing to Anderlecht, Spurs are now winless in four games, a run that dates to Sept. 26 and the thrilling 4-1 victory over Manchester City.
Spurs have time to recover in the Europa League, but as his comments in the previous slide suggest, Pochettino will be highly frustrated with Thursday's defeat. Tottenham took an early lead following a bright start and dominated possession throughout the match—but still lost.
Pochettino will hope to turn his team's fortunes around this weekend as Spurs visit Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Winner: Group J
5 of 5
Anderlecht's win meant Group J just became tighter.
Monaco currently top the section with five points from three matches, followed by Tottenham and Anderlecht on four points each. Qarabag, seen as a longshot by many, are only two points off the top at the halfway point.
Stay tuned: Group J could be a real thriller.
