Progress to the final in Bilbao, and even a first European trophy since 1984, would be vindication for the whole Postecoglou era at the club

Bergvall was excellent after replacing Yves Bissouma at half-time, finally adding fight and an element of control to Spurs’ frantic, wide-open midfield. He nearly halved the deficit with a long-range strike that came back of the post moments before Sarr’s goal.

Ange Postecoglou retains the "full support" of the Tottenham dressing room, according to Djed Spence, who says the players still believe in the head coach's approach despite the abject Europa League defeat by AZ Alkmaar.

Tottenham Hotspur’s struggles this season continued with a disappointing 1-0 defeat against AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their Europa League Round of 16 clash, adding more pressure on manager Ange Postecoglou.