Spurs beat Antwerp to ensure top spot in Group J

Second half goals from Carlos Vinicius and Giovani Lo Celso ensured Tottenham were crowned victors of Group J in the Europa League.

A chorus of songs for Gareth Bale and Ledley King started proceedings in north London as Tottenham fans enjoyed their return to the stadium.

Lucas Moura’s low effort was the first signal of attacking intent from the Lilywhites as Jose Mourinho decided to operate with Sergio Reguilon and Matt Doherty as wing-backs.

Most of the early attempts came from range as Spurs attempted to breach a stern Royal Antwerp defence, a feat they were unable to achieve during a 1-0 away defeat in late October.

Soon after, Lo Celso’s neat turn created space in the box but his curling effort was well blocked. Corners appeared a route of potential success, as second-choice goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand failed to collect multiple Tottenham deliveries.

Spurs’ best chance of the half fell to Vinicius, who when set through on goal by compatriot Moura, could only fire straight at Beiranvand.

Antwerp were holding their own in the English capital as the sides went into the break level at 0-0.

Reguilon’s departure at half-time prompted the switch to a back four as Steven Bergwijn entered the match. Antwerp knew a point would seal top of the group and the first accusations from Jose Mourinho to the fourth official about time-wasting arrived on 48 minutes.

Tottenham were left furious by the referee’s decision not to send off defender Abdoulaye Seck for a foul on Moura. Having escaped a yellow card for a foul on Reguilon in the first half and already on a caution, Spurs were dismayed that the centre-back didn’t receive his marching orders.

The subsequent free-kick would go some way to alleviating those grievances when one of Gareth Bale’s trademark free-kicks looked to be flying towards the top corner. The ball could only be tipped onto the post by the Antwerp ‘keeper, with Carlos Vinicius on hand to tap home into an empty net.

Immediately after the opener, Mourinho introduced Harry Kane, Heung-Min Son and Tanguy Ndombele as a signal of Spurs’ intent to win the fixture.

Son’s run and shot almost doubled the lead as Spurs shifted up a gear after the Premier League’s most deadly duo were on the pitch.

The second was added on 70 minutes. Substitute Moussa Sissoko’s interception fell to Kane, who duly fed Lo Celso to touch and score. A fist pump to air followed from the Argentine and his Portuguese manager, Tottenham’s job for the evening done.

Screams of ‘Gio’ rained from the south stand as the energetic midfielder evaded multiple Antwerp players, the 24-year-old a standout performer for Spurs.

Late chances followed to add to the score for Kane and Davinson Sanchez but 2-0 it would finish on a cold Thursday evening in N17, Tottenham progress as winners of Group J and will find out their round of 32 opponents in Monday’s draw.

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