Royal Antwerp 1-0 Tottenham: Spurs lose for the first time since opening weekend

Tottenham fell to their first away loss since July after a mistake by Ben Davies helped Royal Antwerp beat their Europa League opponents to lead Group J.

Flat and uninspired, the Spurs struggled to create chances and José Mourinho made four changes early in the second half in an attempt to inject some urgency into his side.

But it could have been worse for Tottenham, Mbokani somehow shot from three yards before Harry Kane was dispatched in an attempt to rescue the game.

Simen Juklerod also missed a good opportunity for the hosts after the Spurs failed to score for the first time since the first weekend of the season.

Mourinho’s team are three points behind Royal Antwerp in Group J after two games, tied on points with LASK Austria, who beat Ludogorets 4-3.

Lackluster Spurs fail to impress

Having embarked on a 10-game unbeaten streak since losing at home to Everton on the first weekend of the season, this was as bad as the Spurs have in a long time.

Mourinho showed his displeasure by making a series of changes at halftime against a well-organized team.

Dele Alli had his first start since Sept. 24, but he has yet to finish a game this season after being suspended at halftime in two of the three games he’s started.

There he at least created an opportunity for Carlos Vinicius before being replaced, former Manchester United defender Ritchie de Laet made a big challenge before the Spurs player could shoot.

Dutch winger Steven Bergwijn and Argentine midfielder Giovani lo Celso managed the attempts before the break, but both were comfortably handled by goalkeeper Jean Butez.

Kane replaced Gareth Bale, who also hasn’t completed 90 minutes since rejoining a loan from Real Madrid for one season.

The Wales striker is still trying to reach peak fitness after missing several games, but there was little creativity on the part of the four-time Champions League winner in Belgium.

Kane and Son Heung-min have scored 20 goals against each other this season, but even their bench appearances failed to ignite the team, the Spurs were unable to test the home keeper in the second half.

Mourinho’s first defeat in the Europa League since 2016 – the statistics

• This was José Mourinho’s first defeat in a Europa League match since November 2016, ending a 12-match unbeaten streak for the Portuguese manager in the competition.
• The Spurs have never beaten the Belgian opposition (P6 D2 L4), losing on each of their last three visits.
• Royal Antwerp are the first Belgian team to beat an English rival in a European competition since KAA Gent beat Tottenham in the Europa League in February 2017.

Whats Next?

Tottenham will be back in action on Sunday when they host Brighton in the Premier League (19:15 GMT).