Tottenham Hotspur – AZ Alkmaar 1-0: Spurs remain perfect in the Europa League season

It wasn't Tottenham Hotspur's cleanest game, but the team prevailed in week three of the Europa League season with a 1-0 win over AZ Alkmaar at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday.

Spurs took on the Eredivisie side and welcomed one of their own, Troy Parrott. The striker made a permanent move to the Dutch team and performed well in his first season.

With Ange Postecoglou making eight changes since the weekend's win over West Ham, the team looked sluggish in the first half as the team didn't particularly put together the best patterns of play.

Because Spurs brought in a lot of players who aren't necessarily in the starting lineup every week, they had to do a lot more work in the first half to get comfortable with what fans are used to from Postecoglou's team.

Playing against younger players Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Mikey Moore in all three phases of the pitch, the trio had strong moments in the game to prevent AZ Alkmaar from causing major problems.

The brightest moment in the first half was a cross from Timo Werner from the left wing to the back post for Moore. As Moore tried to time his run and header, he missed with the front of his head, causing it to bounce off the right half of his head and out of the pitch.

Although the attacking half of the pitch didn't make any outstanding plays, Fraser Forster in net kept the team in check with a great save from a corner and another when he got off his line to the top of the 18 yard box, to keep him AZ has a great chance.

With neither team able to score in the first half, Spurs made a half-time substitution: Brennan Johnson came on for Werner and Moore moved to his more usual left-wing role.

Once he took his place, Moore dominated the opening minutes of the second half on the wing, dribbling past several Alkmaar defenders and adding even more flair to his presence as a tremendous talent.

Spurs had their best chance of the game with a penalty.

Rodrigo Bentancur sent a lovely, over-the-top ball to the top of the box while James Maddison quickly brought the ball down. With the ball under control and Bergvall next to him looking for a first-time shot, the Swedish teenager's attempt was taken out from behind, with the referee pointing to the penalty spot.

At the start, Maddison had to pry the ball out of Richarlison's hands as the Brazilian looked to get back on the scoresheet after an injury-plagued start to the season. Maddison took a moment for the pin to stick, then passed the ball to Richarlison and the Brazilian converted the chance when he sent the goalkeeper the wrong way and made a dink down the middle.

Spurs had chances to extend their lead in the second half but failed to do so, leaving Alkmaar chances to potentially say goodbye to north London with a point.

But the Spurs and Forster defense stood out with tough tackles, crucial blocks and saves in and around the penalty area.

With all three points, Spurs are one of three clubs – Anderlecht and Lazio – to achieve a perfect 9/9 rating in this new Europa League format.

Tottenham are back in action on Sunday with an away game against Crystal Palace in the Selhurst Part.