Match Report: Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 Elfsborg | OneFootball

On Thursday evening, Spurs welcomed Elfsborg to the Totttenham Hotspur stadium, for the final game of the inaugural 'league phase' of the UEFA Europa League.

For the task at hand, Ange opted for an XI of; Austin; Porro, Gray, van de Ven, Davies; Bergvall, Bentancur, Sarr; Moore, Richarlison, Son.

Five and a half minutes into the game, Porro carried the ball through the right half spaces, before whipping a ball into Richarlison, who could not connect properly. Unlike for the goal against Leicester City, the ball from Porro was a bit overhit. Good movement from the striker in any case.

In the first half hour, Spurs had plenty of the ball, but mostly half chances. Their best chance of the half came after 32 mins. After once again good work down the left from Son, who cut the ball back for Sarr — whose goalbound strike was well blocked, and cleared for a corner.

After 38 minutes, Son again got to the byline, cutting the ball back well for Moore, whose near post effort was well saved, and put out for a corner. The following set piece resulted in a counter, with a shot being well defended and blocked by Gray.

That would be that for the first half, and the sides would go into the break goalless.

At half time, Ange made three subs — Son, van de Ven, and Bentancur made way for Kulusevski, Dragusin, and Bissouma. In particular, Son and van de Ven had good halves, but it definitely felt like sensible management from Ange to manage their minutes. Shame that Kulusevski will never get a chance to fully rest.

Seven minutes into the second half, Spurs nearly conceded. A shot inside the box was blocked by Dragusin, with the rebound being acrobatically struck over the bar with a bicycle kick. Spurs needed to wake up.

Twelve minutes into the second period, a ball in by Porro was met by a diving header from Bergvall, though the goalkeeper was equal to it. Probably the best opening of the second half.

On the hour mark, Dragusin went down injured. After some treatment, and then trying to run it off, he fell to the floor. As a result, Scarlett replaced him. This means he cannot go on loan again this season— assuming he doesn’t go back to Oxford United.

Only a few minutes later, an inswinging cross from Kulusevski was met by Scarlett, who superbly guided a header into the back of the net. Great movement, great finish. What a moment for him. It’s been a tough time for the 20-year old, so it’s great to see him get a goal in a game like this.

With ten minutes remaining, Ange made his fifth and final change of the game, as Oyindamola Ajayi replaced Richarlison.

It would prove to be the dream debut. With six minutes remaining, the youngster carried the ball from the right hand side, before feeding the ball to Scarlett. The striker laid the ball back to his fellow substitute, who gently swept the ball into the bottom corner, with a really well taken finish. An incredible moment for him.

In the last few seconds of stoppage time, Moore did superbly well to hold off a challenge, before slaloming towards goal, and placing a superb strike beyond the goalkeeper and into the bottom corner.

That would be that. 3-0 to Spurs, and automatic qualification to the last 16 secured. No two extra games to play in February. What an incredible night for the academy. Brilliant stuff all round.