Ange Postecoglu annoyed by Tottenham start despite Europa League opening win

Tottenham eventually eased to a 3-0 home win in their opening game of the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League campaign.

Spurs secured a spot back on the European stage this season as part of a revamped Europa League which includes extra games included in the new league phase.

However, delays were the key feature of their first night back, after waiting a week to start the tournament, due to EFL Cup commitments.

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Kickoff was also delayed by 35 minutes, due to traffic issues close to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and that seemed to knock Ange Postegoclu's team out of their stride.

A nervy opening from the hosts was made worse after eight minutes, as defender Radu Dragusin was shown a straight red card, for a deliberate foul on Juninho.

Despite playing the majority of the contest with ten men, Spurs reacted superbly, as Brennan Johnson slammed them in front shortly after.

Pape Sarr doubled their advantage after the break, before Dominic Solanke netted his first-ever European goal, to wrap up the result in North London.

Postecoglu was left frustrated after the game with the Australian coach at a loss to explain why his team started so poorly.

"I felt we started really sloppy. We talked about starting with a high-tempo and it was almost like the delay got to us", he said.

"We were passive in our passing and when that happens someone switches off. The reaction after that was good, but I'm not happy with the start."

Spurs have no time to dwell on a mixed night as they head to Manchester United in Premier League action on September 29.