Tottenham vs Elfsborg Report

Scorers: Scarlett 70’, Ajayi 84’, Moore 90+5’

Tottenham Hotspur’s progression to the UEFA Europa League round of 16 was propelled by three of their academy graduates, who all scored their first senior goals for the club in a 3-0 victory over Swedish side Elfsborg.

As Spurs finalised a £50 million agreement with Bayern Munich for Mathys Tel, their existing young talents stepped up to deliver a decisive performance, ensuring their side avoided a play-off tie in February.

Dane Scarlett Breaks the Deadlock with First Senior Goal

The breakthrough came in the 70th minute through Dane Scarlett, who has had a challenging season following a loan spell at Oxford United. Initially set for another temporary move after being recalled, Scarlett’s future now looks firmly at Spurs after his impactful performance.

Ange Postecoglou introduced the 19-year-old off the bench in response to an injury to Radu Dragusin, and just four minutes later, Scarlett seized his moment.

Meeting an excellent inswinging cross from Dejan Kulusevski, he directed a powerful header past Elfsborg goalkeeper Isak Petterson to give Spurs the lead.

With his appearance in this match, Scarlett is now ineligible for another loan move this season, but based on his performance, that may not be a concern for Tottenham. His goal provided a crucial breakthrough in a tense encounter and set the tone for an impressive finish.

Damola Ajayi and Mikey Moore Add to Tottenham’s Lead

Scarlett’s contributions didn’t stop at his goal. He also turned provider for Tottenham’s second, setting up fellow academy graduate Damola Ajayi for a brilliant finish.

The 19-year-old, making his debut, replaced Richarlison and wasted no time making his mark. A wonderful solo effort saw him weave through the Elfsborg defence before curling a left-footed effort into the bottom corner.

Postecoglou’s delight was evident as he threw his arms in the air in celebration. But the best was yet to come.

In stoppage time, 17-year-old Mikey Moore put the finishing touches on Spurs’ dominant display.

Winning possession deep in Elfsborg’s half, he carried the ball forward with confidence before slotting past Petterson for his first senior goal. It was a moment of individual brilliance that capped a memorable night for Tottenham’s youth prospects.

Van de Ven’s Return and Dragusin’s Injury Blow

Beyond the goals, the match saw the long-awaited return of Micky van de Ven, who played his first game in eight weeks after recovering from a hamstring injury.

The Dutch defender’s absence had been a major blow for Spurs, and his name was greeted with a huge roar from the home crowd when the line-ups were announced.

Van de Ven started at centre-back alongside Archie Gray, while Ben Davies shifted to left-back. He looked composed and assured in his 45-minute spell before Postecoglou, keen to manage his return carefully, replaced him at half-time.

Unfortunately for Spurs, another defensive setback followed. His replacement, Radu Dragusin, suffered a right knee injury that forced another reshuffle at the back.

The Romanian centre-back’s condition will be a concern for Postecoglou, with key fixtures approaching in both domestic and European competitions.

Tottenham’s Dominance and Elfsborg’s Resistance

Spurs controlled possession throughout the game, but Elfsborg proved stubborn in defence. The Swedish side, playing just their fourth competitive match since November due to their domestic league’s winter break, set up deep with a disciplined 3-4-3 formation that often became a back five.

Tottenham’s early chances were thwarted by Elfsborg’s defensive shape. Heung-min Son saw an effort blocked in the opening minute after a strong run by Moore, while Pedro Porro and Pape Matar Sarr both tested Petterson in the first half.

The Swedish goalkeeper also produced a stunning reflex save to deny Moore from close range, keeping the match goalless at half-time despite Spurs enjoying 83% possession.

With tensions rising, Postecoglou made three changes at the interval, and his side returned with greater urgency.

Davies forced a save from distance, while Kulusevski and Porro linked up promisingly on the right. Elfsborg, however, reminded Spurs of their threat when Besfort Zeneli’s deflected shot spun into the air, leading to an overhead kick attempt from Jalal Abdullai that flew just over.

The game remained on edge until Scarlett’s breakthrough, which opened the floodgates for Spurs’ academy graduates to steal the show.

Spurs Secure Round-of-16 Spot and a Valuable Break

Tottenham’s win not only sealed their passage to the Europa League round-of-16 but also allowed them to skip the play-off round in February. This provides a valuable rest period in what promises to be a gruelling second half of the season.

For Postecoglou, this victory brings reassurance amid an uncertain transfer window. With Mathys Tel’s move from Bayern still in the works, the performance of Scarlett, Ajayi, and Moore showcased the quality already within Spurs’ ranks.

If the club fails to secure Tel’s signing, Postecoglou can take comfort in the development of his young stars.

Final Thoughts

Tottenham’s 3-0 victory over Elfsborg was a night to remember for the club’s academy products. Dane Scarlett, Damola Ajayi, and Mikey Moore all scored their first senior goals, underlining the strength of Spurs’ youth system.

The return of Micky van de Ven was another positive, although Dragusin’s injury added a note of concern.

With their Europa League campaign on track and young talents stepping up, Tottenham will now turn their focus to maintaining momentum in both domestic and European competitions. If this match was any indication, Spurs’ future looks bright.

For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:

Tottenham vs Elfsborg | UEFA Europa League 2024/25