Spurs needed to overturn a one-goal deficit to reach the quarter-finals and they came up with just that in front of a boisterous crowd
Tottenham Hotspur will face Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals of the Europa League after beating AZ 3-2 on aggregate, prevailing 3-1 in the second leg on Thursday night.
Ange Postecoglou's job would have been under serious threat had Spurs suffered an early elimination from the competition given their floundering Premier League form, but his side came up with the goods to book their spot in the next round.
Spurs made the most of a fine opening to the game by breaking the deadlock inside half an hour. Son Heung-min forced a turnover out of defender Wouter Goes, with the loose ball rolling to Dominic Solanke, and he selflessly teed up Wilson Odobert to score his first goal for the club.
Shortly after the break, Tottenham went ahead on aggregate and doubled their lead on the night. A swift breakaway saw Son cut inside off the left and lay the ball back for James Maddison who found the far corner with a fine curling effort.
The hosts ought to have had another soon after when Son combined well with Pape Matar Sarr inside the AZ box, but the South Korean dribbled the ball out of play when the time was right to shoot and the chance went begging.
The job wasn't done yet for Tottenham though and they were nearly pegged back by a clever AZ corner routine, which saw ex-Southampton midfielder Jordy Clasie roll a shot narrowly wide from 20 yards.
And Spurs were made to pay when AZ scored against the run of play. Troy Parrott, a Tottenham academy graduate, did well to hold play up, but the chance appeared to be gone when Odobert backtracked to win possession. However, Lucas Bergvall's pass inadvertently came back off the Frenchman's heels and into the path of Peer Koopmeiners, who lashed home to bring the Dutch side level.
With just over 15 minutes remaining, Tottenham went ahead on aggregate again. A flowing move from back to front saw Djed Spence scamper to the byline and cut the ball back for Solanke, whose deft flick was tapped in at the back post again by Odobert.
Guglielmo Vicario came up with a smart save to keep out Parrott and Yves Bissouma made a precious block from the rebound as Spurs clung on for victory.
GOAL rates Spurs' players from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…
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Guglielmo Vicario (6/10):
Nearly conceded possession on the goal line a la Fraser Forster against Manchester United in December, but cleared just in time. Made an important stop to thwart Parrott at 3-1.
Pedro Porro (5/10):
The clear weak link in the back four, but at least atoned by winning the ball back leading to Maddison's goal shortly after the interval.
Cristian Romero (7/10):
Screamed in the face of former team-mate Parrott early doors to set the tone. Had a couple of hairy moments playing from the back but ultimately Spurs needed his confidence to progress the ball.
Micky van de Ven (7/10):
An absolute marvel of a human, sweeping up AZ attacks singlehandedly with his searing pace. Withdrawn on the hour mark as Spurs continue to manage his minutes, and his importance was highlighted when they conceded soon after he was taken off.
Djed Spence (6/10):
A performance not really in keeping with his recent rise to prominence, sometimes chasing shadows. Still useful in the final third and progressing the ball at least.
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Lucas Bergvall (8/10):
The only blemish on a wonderful midfield performance from the teenager was his unfortunate pass off of Odobert's heels which led to Koopmeiners' goal, which threatened to turn the tide. Otherwise was absolutely outstanding and is getting better week on week. Picked up a minor injury and was replaced by Davies.
Pape Matar Sarr (6/10):
Proved the ideal foil for Bergvall at a time where Postecoglou could do with finding a stable midfield.
James Maddison (8/10):
Ran the show in the second half, popping up with a goal and then leading the charge which led to Odobert's clincher. Taken off for Bissouma to see out the game.
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Wilson Odobert (9/10):
At long last, the young French winger had his moment in a Tottenham shirt. Combined the back-post poaching instincts Postecoglou desires in his wingers with the agile excellence missing from his positional rivals. Given a standing ovation when withdrawn for Johnson.
Dominic Solanke (8/10):
Tottenham are a completely different team when Solanke's fit and leading the line. Never stopped running and produced two selfless assists for Odobert.
Son Heung-min (7/10):
A strange mixed bag for the captain. Energetically wasteful when Tottenham needed a goal before realising he had the beating of his man whenever he wanted it, though wasn't always able to get a yard of separation in his advancing years.
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Archie Gray (5/10):
Replaced Van de Ven on the hour, which proved a thankless task given how different the pair are. Ended the game in midfield after Bergvall came off.
Yves Bissouma (6/10):
Came on for Maddison. Made a crucial block in his short time on the pitch.
Brennan Johnson (5/10):
Introduced for Odobert.
Ben Davies (6/10):
On for the injured Bergvall.
Ange Postecoglou (7/10):
His matchday programme message ended with a simple line: "The time for talking is over – we need to deliver on the pitch." His side certainly did just that.
