Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League campaign took a positive turn as three academy graduates scored to secure a 3-0 win over Swedish qualifiers Elfsborg, a much-needed victory for a team under pressure.
After a series of frustrating Premier League results, the match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium provided a much-needed morale boost, not just for the club’s senior players but for the supporters and coaching staff as well.
For more than an hour, Spurs struggled against Elfsborg, with their European fortunes hanging in the balance. The team’s challenges were compounded by yet another injury, with substitute Radu Dragusin joining a growing list of casualties.
However, the breakthrough came from an unlikely source. Teenager Dane Scarlett, 20, broke the deadlock with a header that gave Spurs a 1-0 lead.
Just minutes later, another youngster, 19-year-old Damola Ajayi, made an instant impact, scoring on his debut just three minutes and 39 seconds after coming on.
His composed finish doubled the lead, sending the Spurs faithful into raptures. The night got even better when Mikey Moore, at just 17 years and 172 days old, sealed the win with a brilliant low shot.
The London-born Moore became the youngest English player to score in major European competition, breaking a record previously held by Spurs legend Jimmy Greaves.
For the club’s supporters, the sight of young talent making their mark was a moment of pride. Former Spurs striker Peter Crouch, speaking to TNT Sports, couldn’t help but reflect on the significance of these performances.
“A fan just said to me then – just play the kids, we don’t need to buy anyone,” Crouch quipped. Moore, Ajayi, and Scarlett all delivered on the big stage, showing that Tottenham’s academy could be the key to their revival.
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou praised his young players’ contributions, acknowledging the vital role they played in the victory.
“I just said it was made in Tottenham tonight,” Postecoglou said after the match. “It’s brilliant for the club, and I’m sure there are academy coaches and players who won’t sleep tonight because they are pretty excited.”
Postecoglou had recognized early on that he would need to rely on his younger squad members throughout the Europa League campaign, and the trio of goalscorers delivered on that trust.
Scarlett, who had recently returned from loan spells in the Championship, including a stint at Oxford United, has been likened to former Spurs striker Harry Kane, who also spent time on loan before becoming a club legend.
Ajayi, who joined the academy from Bromley, was also praised for his performance, with Postecoglou and Crouch both highlighting the impressive impact he made so early in his senior career.
Moore’s performance, in particular, drew praise from both teammates and pundits alike. Earlier in the season, James Maddison had likened him to Brazilian superstar Neymar, and after his standout performance in the Europa League, the comparisons continued to surface.
Moore’s fearless play and natural talent showcased why he’s considered one of Tottenham’s most exciting prospects. The victory over Elfsborg not only secured Tottenham’s place in the Europa League last 16 but also served as a reminder of the club’s rich history of nurturing young talent.
With four Premier League matches, an EFL Cup semi-final, and an FA Cup tie ahead, the club will be hoping that these young players can continue their promising rise and help lead Spurs back to winning ways.
