Tottenham vs Elfsborg as it happened: Youngsters shine as Spurs avoid Europa League play-off
Tottenham Hotspur booked their berth in the Europa League's last 16 with a 3-0 victory over Swedish side Elfsborg on Thursday, with youngsters Dane Scarlett, Damola Ajayi and Mikey Moore netting their debut goals for the London club.
The victory spares Ange Postecoglou's injury-hit team the two-legged knockout round. It was not all good news for the manager as Radu Dragusin had to leave the pitch with an apparent knee injury.
Spurs thoroughly dominated the game, but struggled to break a well-organised defence down, before Scarlett finally broke the deadlock in the 70th minute when Dejan Kulusevski curled the ball into the middle of the six-yard box and the 20-year-old striker headed it into the bottom corner.
The 19-year-old Ajayi netted in the 84th minute when he played a one-two with Scarlett before slotting it into the corner. Moore, 17, celebrated his first goal in a Spurs shirt seconds before the final whistle, driving forward and then beating his man before lashing a shot into the far corner.
Tottenham vs Elfsborg latest news
Tottenham seal top eight spot in Europa League as youngsters shine
Spurs player ratings: Scarlett changes game as Moore and Ajayi dazzle
Who can Tottenham face in Europa League last-16 knockout stage?
Tottenham sent powerful reminder of what the future holds
Postecoglou explains Van de Ven substitution in Tottenham injury update
Postecoglou beams as Europa League win is 'made in Tottenham'
Good night!
23:32 , Jonathan Gorrie
Thanks for joining Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Tottenham’s win over Elfsborg.
Find our report, ratings, analysis and reaction below!
Postecoglou beams as Europa League win is 'made in Tottenham'
23:30 , Jonathan Gorrie
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou says the whole club should be proud after academy graduates Dane Scarlett, Damola Ajayi and Mikey Moore all scored in the 3-0 win over IF Elfsborg in the Europa League.
Scarlett, 20, and Ajayi, 19, opened their accounts for the club within moments of their introductions in the second half, while Moore also scored his first Spurs goal with a well-taken third in stoppage-time. A comfortable win ensured Postecoglou's side booked their place in the knockouts with a fourth-place finish in the Europa League table.
Postecoglou explains Van de Ven substitution in Tottenham injury update
23:05 , Jonathan Gorrie
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has confirmed Micky van de Ven’s substitution at half-time against Elfsborg was pre-planned.
The defender made his long-awaited return to the starting lineup as Spurs beat the Swedish side 3-0 on a fantastic night for the club’s youngsters.
Dane Scarlett, Damola Ajayi and Mikey Moore all scored their first goals for the club as Postecoglou’s side finished fourth in the Europa League table.
They will now avoid an unwelcome two-legged play-off later this month and are instead granted automatic entry into March’s last-16 round, where Spurs could face either Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, AZ Alkmaar or FC Midtjylland.
Tottenham sent powerful reminder of what the future holds
22:45 , Jonathan Gorrie
Tottenham booked their place in the Europa League knockouts with a 3-0 win over Swedish club IF Elfsborg, sealed by goals from academy graduates Dane Scarlett, Damola Ajayi and Mikey Moore.
Scarlett and Ajayi both scored within minutes of their introductions in the second half before Moore added a third in stoppage-time.
Here are three Spurs talking points from the match…
Who can Tottenham face in Europa League last-16 knockout stage?
22:18 , Jonathan Gorrie
Tottenham have confirmed their place in the last 16 of this season's Europa League.
In the new league phase format, the top eight teams progress straight through to the last 16 and avoid two extra games in a knockout round play-off tie.
Spurs did most of the hard work heading into their final league-phase match against Elfsborg and finished the job at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday night to guarantee a top-eight finish.
In stark contrast to their Premier League form, the north London outfit are enjoying a rather impressive European campaign to date.
Winning their opening three matches against Qarabag, Ferencvaros and AZ Alkmaar meant they could afford to take two points from a possible nine against Galatasaray, Roma and Rangers to seal a play-off place, at the minimum, after beating Hoffenheim last week.
Spurs player ratings: Scarlett changes game as Moore and Ajayi dazzle
22:08 , Jonathan Gorrie
Academy graduates Dane Scarlett, Damola Ajayi and Mikey Moore scored their first goals for the club as Tottenham beat Swedish side IF Elfsborg 3-0 to book their place in the Europa League knockouts.
Scarlett, who was recalled from a loan at Championship club Oxford United earlier in the month, had only been on the field for four minutes when he rose to break the deadlock from Dejan Kulusevski’s cross in the 70th minute.
And Ajayi, 19, had barely had a touch when he drove towards the edge of the box, played a one-two with Scarlett and finished well into the bottom corner.
Moore, 17, who started the came, added a fine third in stoppage-time following a jinking run.
A comfortable victory ensured Spurs finished in the top-eight of the league phase and will go straight into the last-16, avoiding a two-legged play-off next month.
Here’s how we rated the Spurs players…
Tottenham seal top eight spot in Europa League as youngsters shine
21:56 , Jonathan Gorrie
Tottenham youngsters Dane Scarlett, Damola Ajayi and Mikey Moore scored the goals as Spurs beat Elfsborg to finish in the top eight of the Europa League table.
Spurs now progress straight into the last-16 and avoid a two-legged play off.
FT: Tottenham 3-0 Elfsborg
21:56 , Jonathan Gorrie
90 mins: What a night for the new generation at Spurs!
GOAL! Tottenham 3-0 Elfsborg | Mikey Moore '90
21:54 , Jonathan Gorrie
90 mins: GOAL!
Brilliant strike from Mikey Moore caps off a fine night for the Spurs youngsters!
GOAL! Tottenham 2-0 Elfsborg | Damola Ajayi '83
21:45 , Jonathan Gorrie
83 mins: GOAL!
What a moment for young Ajayi, who scores a brilliant goal at the near post just minutes after coming on!
Tottenham 1-0 Elfsborg
21:36 , Jonathan Gorrie
76 mins: Spurs are unlikely to shut up shop here but their passing has looked a lot crisper since the goal.
GOAL! Tottenham 1-0 Elfsborg | Dane Scarlett '70
21:30 , Jonathan Gorrie
70 mins: GOAL!
Spurs have their breakthrough! Scarlett glances in a header after a fine ball from Kulusevski.
Tottenham 0-0 Elfsborg
21:25 , Jonathan Gorrie
65 mins: Dragusin straight down the tunnel, with Scarlett onto replace him.
Not ideal...
Tottenham 0-0 Elfsborg
21:23 , Jonathan Gorrie
64 mins: Dragusin came back on very briefly but has gone down for treatment once again.
Tottenham 0-0 Elfsborg
21:21 , Jonathan Gorrie
61 mins: A worry for Spurs as Dragusin goes down needing treatment...
Tottenham 0-0 Elfsborg
21:17 , Jonathan Gorrie
57 mins: Good save denies Bergvall’s glancing header after good work from Porro.
Tottenham 0-0 Elfsborg
21:12 , Jonathan Gorrie
52 mins: Spurs living dangerously!
Abdulai attempts an overhead kick after Zeneli sees a shot blocked. That would have raised some nerves!
Tottenham 0-0 Elfsborg
21:06 , Jonathan Gorrie
Bissouma, Kulusevski and Dragusin on for Van de Ven, Bentancur and Son
Tottenham 0-0 Elfsborg
21:04 , Jonathan Gorrie
Back underway!
HT: Tottenham 0-0 Elfsborg
20:48 , Jonathan Gorrie
A frustrating first-half for Spurs, albeit it’s currently enough to send them through in the top eight.
Tottenham 0-0 Elfsborg
20:45 , Jonathan Gorrie
43 mins: Frustrating for Spurs. They’re seeing a lot the ball but are struggling to break a well-organised defence down.
Tottenham 0-0 Elfsborg
20:40 , Jonathan Gorrie
39 mins: Great defending from Archie Gray to deny Elfsborg on the counter.
Tottenham 0-0 Elfsborg
20:38 , Jonathan Gorrie
37 mins: The visitors aren’t creating much but Spurs keep messing up their half chances.
That will not settle any nerves in the stadium...
Dan Kilpatrick at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
20:34 , Jonathan Gorrie
S on has comfortably been Spurs' biggest threat so far, the Korean repeatedly taking on his man and getting to the byline. Spurs are struggling to find the breakthrough against a very defensive opponent but they continued to look sharp.
Tottenham 0-0 Elfsborg
20:33 , Jonathan Gorrie
32 mins: Brilliant save as Son gets to the byline and pulls back for Sarr, though his effort is saved.
The captain is the one raising the tempo here!
Tottenham 0-0 Elfsborg
20:29 , Jonathan Gorrie
28 mins: A loose pass from Bergvall wastes a Spurs counter. Big Ange is furious.
Tottenham 0-0 Elfsborg
20:24 , Jonathan Gorrie
22 mins: Lovely bursting run from Son gets Spurs to the byline but Porro cannot generate enough power on his header.
Dan Kilpatrick at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
20:18 , Jonathan Gorrie
As Postecoglou predicted, van de Ven's return has given everyone connected to Spurs a lift and restored some balance to this Spurs team. The hosts have started brightly but are missing a final ball so far.
Tottenham 0-0 Elfsborg
20:12 , Jonathan Gorrie
10 mins: Spurs want a penalty after Davies brought down in the box but nothing given.
Tottenham 0-0 Elfsborg
20:08 , Jonathan Gorrie
07 mins: Positive enough start from Spurs but they’re yet to have truly tested their opponents.
Tottenham 0-0 Elfsborg
20:02 , Jonathan Gorrie
01 mins: Decent opening for Spurs as Moore’s shot is deflect out to Son, who sees his effort saved.
Tottenham 0-0 Elfsborg
20:01 , Jonathan Gorrie
KICK-OFF!
Tottenham set to sign Man City youngster Dan Batty after medical
19:41 , Jonathan Gorrie
Tottenham are set to sign teenager midfielder Daniel Batty from Manchester City to bolster their academy numbers.
The 18-year-old underwent a medical on Thursday and is set to join the London club on a free transfer with various add-ons.
Batty joined City’s academy at Under-8 level and has progressed through the age groups.
Confirmed Elfsborg lineup
19:28 , Jonathan Gorrie
Elfsborg XI: Pettersson, Holmen, Henriksson, Yegbe, Hedlund, Besfort Zeneli, Thomasen, Hult, Rapp, Abdulai, Qasem
Subs: Bundgaard Sorensen, Aronsson, Arber Zeneli, Gudmundsson, Holten, Larsson, Frick, Kaib, Richtner, Ostman, Buhari, Uppenberg
Confirmed Tottenham lineup
19:06 , Jonathan Gorrie
Tottenham XI: Austin; Pedro Porro, Van de Ven, Davies, Gray; Bergvall, Sarr, Bentancur; Son, Moore, Richarlison
Subs: Forster, Whiteman, Dragusin, Bissouma, Kulusevski, Lankshear, Scarlett, Kyerematen, Cassanova, Ajayi, Olusesi, Hardy
Dejan Kulusevski launches Ange Postecoglou defence and says Spurs problems are 'bigger than that'
18:40 , Jonathan Gorrie
Dejan Kulusevski has launched an unequivocal defence of Ange Postecoglou and says Tottenham’s poor form is down to bigger factors than the Australian or his players.
Postecoglou is under pressure with Spurs down in 15th in the Premier League after a run of one win in 11 top-flight matches, though they will reach the Europa League knockouts with a victory over IF Elfsborg on Thursday and are still in both domestic cups.
Tottenham in advanced talks with Bayern Munich over £50m Mathys Tel deal
18:21 , Jonathan Gorrie
Tottenham are in advanced talks with Bayern Munich over a permanent deal for forward Mathys Tel, with optimism a fee of around £50million can be agreed.
Spurs are still waiting for the green light from the 19-year-old, who is attracting interest from a host of other Premier League clubs including Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Aston Villa.
Tottenham handed biggest January boost amid push for new signings
17:59
As January draws to a close, Ange Postecoglou's mid-winter selection crisis is finally showing signs of easing – not in the form of new signings, but with Micky van de Ven's return to the squad for Thursday's Europa League finale against IF Elfsborg.
"Let’s see how much we can get out of him," Postecoglou said. "He's had a good week, 10 days training with the team and is in good condition, so he is fine."
Tottenham vs Elfsborg: Latest Europa League odds today
17:53 , Jonathan Gorrie
Tottenham – 2/7
Draw – 19/4
Elfsborg – 15/2
Odds via Betway and subject to change.
Tottenham vs Elfsborg: Europa League score prediction today
17:32 , Jonathan Gorrie
Injury crisis or not, anything less than a win would be considered another nadir for Spurs this season. Postecoglou’s side will again be down to their bare bones, but there is enough quality - tired or not - to see off the fifth-best team in Sweden.
Spurs will hope to build a comfortable lead in the first half so Postecoglou can rest some of his exhausted players ahead of a trip to Brentford on Sunday.
Spurs to win, 2-0.
Tottenham team news vs Elfsborg today
17:31 , Jonathan Gorrie
Spurs’ injury woes have somewhat improved with Richarlison being passed fit after being forced off early against Leicester. Pape Matar Sarr is also expected to be “OK” after Ange Postecoglou confirmed the midfielder should not have played during the loss on Sunday.
Brandon Austin will again play in goal with Antonin Kinsky ineligible, sitting out the game along with Djed Spence and Sergio Reguilon. Will Lankshear could get the nod up front, though Heung-min Son is the more obvious choice to lead the line despite being clearly in need of a rest.
James Maddison has been ruled out of the game for Tottenham, although Micky van de Ven is back in Spurs training. Cristian Romero has been back in training for a week too but is unlikely to be risked.
Tottenham vs Elfsborg: TV channel and live stream for Europa League tonight
17:31 , Jonathan Gorrie
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on TNT Sports 2. Coverage starts at 7.30pm GMT ahead of an 8pm kick-off time.
Live stream: Fans can catch the contest live online via the Discovery+ app and website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick at the ground.
Welcome
16:58 , Jonathan Gorrie
Good evening and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Tottenham’s Europa League clash with Elfsborg.
Kick-off from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is at 8pm GMT tonight.
