Brennan Johnson netted for the fifth game in a row, helping a youthful Tottenham secure a hard-earned 2-1 win over Ferencvaros in the Europa League.
Ange Postecoglou included four teenagers in the starting lineup, with 17-year-old Mikey Moore making his full debut and playing a key role in Pape Sarr’s opener in the 23rd minute.
Sarr’s second goal of the competition came after a brilliant run by Moore, and after weathering late pressure from Ferencvaros, Johnson sealed the win with a left-footed strike just four minutes from time. Though Barnabas Varga volleyed home in the 90th minute to make it a nervy finish, Spurs held firm to secure their fifth consecutive victory.
Postecoglou made seven changes from the weekend’s win at Manchester United, giving full debuts to academy products Moore and Will Lankshear. The atmosphere in Budapest was intense, with Ferencvaros fans in full voice, but Spurs settled after an early scare when Varga sent a shot over the bar.
Moore, who became the youngest player to appear for Tottenham in the Premier League back in May, grew into the game, showing his skills with a fine dribble and a sharp cross. Lankshear headed over a Timo Werner cross shortly after, and Sarr had a low shot saved following a great pass from Yves Bissouma.
Ferencvaros briefly thought they had scored 16 minutes in when Adama Traore headed in Eldar Civic’s cross, but it was ruled offside after a lengthy VAR check. The hosts applied more pressure, and Guglielmo Vicario had to make a fantastic save to deny Varga.
Moore continued to shine, eventually getting Cristian Ramirez booked before setting up Sarr’s goal. After an incisive dribble past Ramirez, Moore’s cross intended for Lankshear found Sarr, who smashed it in from close range. Tottenham nearly doubled their lead soon after, with Pedro Porro hitting the post.
The second half saw a brief delay due to smoke from flares lit by Ferencvaros fans, but Spurs regrouped, with Cristian Romero forcing a save and Lankshear firing over. Spurs created several chances but couldn’t capitalize, with Lankshear getting tackled and Werner missing the target after a brilliant through ball from Moore.
Postecoglou brought on Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, and Johnson after 65 minutes. Johnson nearly secured the win with 10 minutes to go, hitting the crossbar after being set up by Archie Gray. Ferencvaros pressed for an equalizer, with Cebrails Makreckis firing wide and Gray blocking Abu Fani’s shot.
Johnson finally put the game to bed in the 86th minute, curling a shot into the bottom corner after receiving a pass from Maddison. Though Varga scored in the 90th minute to make it 2-1, Spurs held on for their second win in the Europa League group stage.
Who was your man of the match?
Mikey Moore
Yves Bissouma
Pape Matar Sarr
Brennan Johnson
Comments