Odobert and Bergvall Star in a Night that Shows Postecoglou’s Spurs are Still Very Much Alive

The second leg of Tottenham’s encounter with AZ was a crucial match for Ange Postecoglou, vital for both his team’s season and his own future. The Australian manager and his squad rose to the occasion.

As hundreds of supporters and I navigated the drizzly streets from Seven Sisters station to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, an unmistakable tension hung in the air, and rightly so.

This evening was set to not only determine Spurs’ season but also likely shape the broader future of the club. If they failed to end their pursuit of a trophy and a spot in next season’s European competition, it would be hard to see Postecoglou surviving the summer.

This feeling was intensified by the fact that the injury crisis, which had been cited as a reason for their less-than-stellar performances, largely seemed to have eased. Dejan Kulusevski missed out, and Rodrigo Bentancur was sidelined due to suspension, but most of the key players were fit and ready to feature in the starting XI.

“The time for talking is over – we need to deliver on the pitch,” Postecoglou stated in the pre-match programme, and he couldn’t have been more correct. No more excuses; it was a decisive moment.

As the full moon rose above the stadium, the palpable tension transformed into an electrifying atmosphere, ignited by a hearty rendition of Oh When The Spurs Go Marching In, and the home side responded magnificently.

From the whistle, they commanded the game, taking the lead through Wilson Odobert in the 26th minute, bringing the aggregate score level.

Though they didn’t overwhelm their opponents thereafter, Spurs maintained mastery and edged ahead early in the second half with a composed finish from James Maddison.

Even after AZ capitalised on a defensive error to level the match, Tottenham persevered, regained control through Odobert, and didn’t look back.

Read a full report of Tottenham’s triumph here.

Postecoglou, undoubtedly, let out a sigh of relief at the final whistle. This victory was not only essential for the Aussie, but the convincing performance likely restored Daniel Levy’s confidence in him as well.

With a team finally nearly at full strength, quality was evident in every department.

The focal point of the night was Odobert, who netted his first goals since returning from an injury sustained back in September.

Both goals were expected finishes, but he displayed remarkable awareness to be in the right places and exhibited poise in front of goal.

His impact extended beyond merely scoring, as he troubled AZ with his directness and worked tirelessly off the ball.

“I’d be surprised if I have to explain what I saw in him if you didn’t see that today,” Postecoglou told me in the post-match press conference.

“I’m really pleased for him to have scored tonight. He’s worked diligently to return to the team.

“Joining a new club this year was a big transition for him, and it hasn’t quite gone to plan due to his injury.

“It’s been frustrating for me not being able to showcase him given his potential for development, and this is just the beginning; he’s still working towards full fitness.”

Odobert and Lucas Bergvall were involved in AZ’s goal, but it’s ironic as Bergvall himself was another standout for Spurs.

His potential has been apparent all season, and with a solid defensive foundation thanks to the returns of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, the 19-year-old thrived, dictating play from midfield.

Nearly every pass he made found its target (44/48), and he dazzled the crowd with his ability to maneuver around opponents under pressure. Defensively, he consistently won back possession, producing a thoroughly impressive performance in the midfield’s engine room.

If AZ managed to breach their midfield trio, Van de Ven was on hand to resolve matters with his unparalleled athleticism.

Whenever the visitors penetrated Spurs’ defensive line, the Dutch defender outpaced his rivals effortlessly and exhibited composure as he drove the ball out after regaining possession, putting his team back in the attacking phase.

It was not coincidental that Spurs conceded soon after he was substituted; Postecoglou acknowledged their struggles in his absence.

The manager might also concede that their reliance on him is excessive, but he is a rare defensive asset that few teams can match when fit.

With him and Odobert back in the fold, coupled with Bergvall’s impressive contributions and Son Heung-min’s return to form, Tottenham appeared to be a world-class team again.

Although it may not have been as historically significant a European night against a Dutch opponent as their famous encounter with Ajax in the Champions League semi-finals, if this performance kick-starts Postecoglou’s project and sets them on a path to their first European trophy since 1984, its importance could be just as profound.