SportsAntwerp Scale Past Spurs 1-0 To Top Group J

Antwerp Scale Past Spurs 1-0 To Top Group J

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SAN FRANCISCO, October 29, (THEWILL) – English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur slipped to a 1-0 UEFA Europa League defeat away to Royal Antwerp as even Jose Mourinho’s big-name substitutes failed to rescue the game on Thursday.

Dele Alli and Gareth Bale started for Spurs but neither lasted an hour, the former withdrawn among four half-time changes as Mourinho’s men trailed to Antwerp heading into the second period.

Mourinho brought in leading goal-scorer Son Heung-min and then introduced Harry Kane to replace Bale 13 minutes later. Yet, the in-form pair could not come up with a leveller despite a slightly improved second-half showing.

Glo

With Spurs toiling from kick-off, the Belgian Pro League leaders seized the biggest opportunity of the first half to score. DR Congo forward Dieumerci Mbokani stole the ball from Wales left back Ben Davies and raced towards goal. Then, he squared to Lior Refaelov for the Israeli centre forward to control and lash into the net.

Despite a slew of Mourinho changes, Antwerp could have increased their advantage early in the second half. On two different occasions.

Some slack play from English central midfielder Harry Winks allowed goal-scorer Refaelov in, and he could have been on a brace of goals but for a sublime recovery tackle from Colombian centre back Davinson Sanchez. Then, Mbokani missed a sitter when his Japanese teammate Koji Miyoshi found him with the goal at his mercy.

As the game progressed, pressure increased on the Antwerp goal but the hosts were soon again on the counter. What could have doubled the advantage was lost when Norwegian right midfielder Simen Juklerod fired high into the stands with only Hugo Lloris to beat.

The miss kept Tottenham in the match, yet they failed to create a presentable opportunity for Son or Kane before full time making it Mourinho’s first Europa League loss in 16 matches.

Spurs were poor for long stretches and the introduction of several key players into the game did not help to change that very much. The failings at the back on the night might be of greater concern to the manager known for tight defensive play.

With the win, Antwerp became the first Belgian side to beat an English club in Europe. It had not happened since KAA Gent defeated Spurs too in the Europa League in February 2017.

Spurs next face Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday in the English Premier League, while Antwerp can celebrate before a big clash against Anderlecht earlier the same day.

About the Author

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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.

Jude Obafemi, THEWILLhttps://thewillnews.com
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.

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