Spurs ease into Europa League last 16
Tottenham Hotspur 3 - 0 Elfsborg
Tottenham battled through yet another injury setback to book their place in the last 16 of the Europa League, with teenage sensation Mikey Moore capping off the victory over Elfsborg in style.
Already missing 12 players due to injury and ineligibility, Spurs suffered another blow when substitute defender Radu Dragusin went off injured in the second half with the game still goalless.
However, 20-year-old Dane Scarlett lifted the mood at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, heading the hosts into the lead in the 70th minute. Fellow substitute Damola Ajayi, 19, then doubled the advantage, before 17-year-old winger Moore sealed the win in stoppage time with a stunning low finish after a surging run.
In doing so, the London-born youngster (17 years and 172 days) made history, breaking Jimmy Greaves’ long-standing record (set at 17 years and 245 days in October 1957) to become the youngest-ever English goalscorer in a major men’s European competition.
Spurs had struggled to break down Elfsborg’s stubborn defence in the first half. Moore came closest to finding the net before the break, latching onto a clever pass from Son Heung-min, only to be denied by a sharp reflex save from Isak Pettersson.
The Swedish side, playing their 16th game in the competition after starting in the first qualifying round, had a golden opportunity of their own in the second half when Jalal Abdullai went close. But once Scarlett put Spurs ahead, there was no looking back.
Ange Postecoglou’s side finish the league phase in fourth place with 17 points, securing direct passage to the last 16 and avoiding a play-off tie in February. They can now focus on domestic matters before resuming their European campaign in March, where they will face one of Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, AZ Alkmaar, or Midtjylland.
UEFA Europa League and Conference League: 24/25
A positive glimpse into the future
Tottenham Hotspur 3 - 0 Elfsborg highlights can be found here youtu.be/gPARa5jVHN8?... More reaction to come here - eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com/p/uefa-europ...
— European Super Football (@superfootball.bsky.social) 2 February 2025 at 13:09
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This was a glimpse into how Tottenham's new generation might be shaping up as three of the club's highly rated youngsters scored their first senior goals for the club.
Scarlett's guided header came after a lovely cross by Dejan Kulusevski, before Ajayi's confident finish put Spurs in control. Moore's delightful effort showed just why he is being tipped for a bright future by so many.
With injuries biting, Tottenham will hope to be in a healthier position on all fronts by the time they play their next game in the Europa League on 6 March.
