Tottenham vs. Anderlecht: Winners and Losers from Europa League Game
Tottenham Hotspur moved to the top of UEFA Europa League Group J with a 2-1 victory over Anderlecht on Thursday night at White Hart Lane.
Mousa Dembele scored a scorching winner in the 87th minute to send Spurs into first place with seven points through four matches. Harry Kane had given Tottenham a first-half lead, but Imoh Ezekiel equalized for Anderlecht in the 72nd minute.
Here, B/R selects winners and losers from the match.
Winner: Mousa Dembele
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Mousa Dembele fired in an 87th-minute winner with an outstanding strike. After Tottenham worked the ball around the edge of the box, Dembele unleashed an unstoppable effort into the top corner to give Spurs all three points.
The Belgian made sweet contact on his strike, hitting his half volley with perfect timing. It was a fantastic strike that was worthy of winning any game.
"Anderlecht are a great team but it was great from Mousa to pull the finish out of the bag and get us the three points," Tottenham striker Harry Kane told BT Sport (h/t BBC Sport).
Dembele has now scored in back-to-back games and appears to be hitting a patch of strong form. If he can continue it, he could be a vital piece of the puzzle for Tottenham.
In the short term, the Belgian's form is good news for Spurs, who travel to rivals Arsenal this weekend for the north London derby.
Losers: Europa League Visitors to White Hart Lane
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Before Thursday's kickoff, OptaJoe noted on Twitter that Tottenham had won 13 of their last 18 home matches in the Europa League, losing just once. After this latest victory, Spurs have now won 14 of 19 at White Hart Lane in the competition.
That's a fine record, no matter the opposition. Tottenham's home record is a real strength in continental competition, and it should see them through what was always going to be a tough Group J.
Up next in the Europa League is a tricky trip to Qarabag, but Spurs finish the group stage with a home game against Monaco, who are currently just one point behind Tottenham in second place. Four points from those two games should be enough for Mauricio Pochettino's side to top the table.
Winner: Harry Kane
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Harry Kane scored again on Thursday, giving Spurs a first-half lead with an expert finish. First, the England man showed great awareness to make a clever run at the perfect moment. Then, after receiving a pass from Christian Eriksen, he picked out the bottom corner with a powerful shot across goal.
It was Kane's first strike in the Europa League this season but his fifth in his last three games in all competitions. After a slow start to the campaign, Kane now appears to be back in top form.
"Kane is really leading the line well tonight, looking back to his usual self," B/R contributor Thomas Cooper tweeted. "Strong, sharp, making smart choices all over the pitch."
Loser: Tottenham's Ability to Hold the Lead
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Yes, Tottenham won the match. And, yes, this is a nit-picky complaint. But for the third time in as many Europa League matches, Spurs were pegged back after taking the lead.
This time, Pochettino's men were able to fight back and claim a late (and deserved) winner. But losing the lead again—and in the second half—must be a source of concern.
Winner: Imoh Ezekiel
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Imoh Ezekiel entered the match as a substitute in the 69th minute and needed just three minutes to score for Anderlecht.
The 22-year-old made an instant impact with a well-taken goal and kept posing a threat for the visitors for the rest of his relatively brief cameo. His efforts weren't enough to give Anderlecht a win, but he'll be happy with his contribution on the night.
