Mousa Dembele's scoring streak continued against Anderlecht as Tottenham left it late at White Hart Lane.
Tottenham moved top of Group J
in the Europa League
courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Anderlecht, in-form
Mousa Dembele scoring the winner in stunning fashion
three minutes from
time.
After Imoh Ezekiel had cancelled out Harry
Kane's first-half opener, Anderlecht appeared on course for a deserved
point at White Hart Lane before a powerful Dembele strike from the edge
of the area ensured a vital victory for Tottenham.
Monaco's
draw with Qarabag earlier on Thursday ensured a tight group remained
firmly in the balance prior to Kane's opener against the run of play 28
minutes in, although Spurs appeared sluggish just three days after their
Premier League victory over Aston Villa.
And
Mauricio Pochettino's men were punished when Jan Vertonghen failed to
clear an inswinging cross from the left, seemingly unaware of Ezekiel's
presence, allowing the substitute to finish past Hugo Lloris.
With
momentum firmly behind Anderlecht, Spurs feared a repeat of their 2-1
defeat in the reverse fixture. However, Belgium international Dembele
had the final say as he scored for the third match running with an
impressive effort to put the hosts in control of their group with two
games left.
Anderlecht were the more dangerous
early on in north London, Belgian defender Vertonghen twice required to
thwart Stefano Okaka inside the first five minutes.
Steven
Defour and highly rated playmaker Youri Tielemans both went close soon
after - the hosts gradually finding their feet before the half-hour mark
albeit while struggling to click in the final third until Erik Lamela
jinked in from the left and prodded an effort wide.
The
Argentinean's endeavour sparked Spurs into life as Kane gave his side
the lead soon after with a superb finish from the edge of the area.
Christian
Eriksen was the main architect as he found the England striker, who
fired past Silvio Proto and into the far corner to continue his
resurgence in front of goal.
Dele Alli had penalty appeals turned down following a challenge from Guillaume Gillet as Spurs closed the half strongly.
However,
Lloris was busy early in the second half, keeping out efforts from
Defour and Tielemans as Anderlecht went in search of a way back into the
game.
Fit-again Son Heung-min was introduced
following his recovery from a foot injury prior to Ben Davies striking
the crossbar, but Anderlecht eventually gained a deserved equaliser.
Ezekiel
lost his marker and, when Vertonghen failed to deal with the delivery,
the Anderlecht forward slotted home and looked to have gained his side a
point, only for Dembele to continue his goalscoring streak.
Son
rolled the ball into the substitute's path, with Dembele unleashing a
powerful strike past Proto that could prove crucial in ensuring a
last-32 spot, sending Spurs into Sunday's north London derby with
Arsenal off the back of a win.
Tags
SOCCER