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      Vitesse 1 Tottenham 0: Second-string Spurs shocked by Dutch minnows in Europa Conference League horror show

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      NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO’S selection gamble backfired as his Spurs stiffs lost this battle in Arnhem.The Tottenham boss started a kid called Scarlett up front – which was apt because that was the colour of his face after this defeat.
      Gollini was beaten late on as Spurs were undone by the Dutch sideCredit: AP
      Wittek struck the only goal of the game 12 minutes from the end of the matchCredit: AP

      Nuno’s decision to leave all of his big stars at home did not pay off as his second string were deservedly beaten by the club currently sixth in the Eredivisie.
      Maximilian Wittek’s 78th minute winner was just reward for the Dutchmen’s dominance.
      As for Tottenham, they hardly had a shot on target, with Bryan Gil’s shot against the bar just after the break their only effort of note.
      You wonder what their late legendary striker Jimmy Greaves – whose funeral is on Friday – would have made of playing in a team with tactics like this.
      You had to feel for 17-year-old Dane Scarlett, who was asked to fill Harry Kane’s boots in the Spurs attack.
      Holland recently relaxed some of its Covid restrictions. But the poor kid was still left in isolation on a bad night for the North Londoners.

      There is no doubt whatever Nuno says, he underestimated Vitesse – and paid the price.
      Arnhem is of course famous as being the location of the true story which inspired the classic World War II flick A Bridge Too Far.
      This was arguably a step too far for Nuno as his second string showed no stomach for the fight – unlike their hosts.
      Vitesse came into this clash off the back of two successive league wins, including a 1-0 victory at NEC Nijmegen, which literally brought the house down.
      The visiting Geel en Zwart – yellow and black – supporters jumped up and down so much they caused the stand to collapse.
      Fortunately no one was seriously injured but Vitesse followers were just as raucous on Thursday night as Vitesse celebrated their first sellout crowd at the GelreDome since a 1-1 draw with Ajax SEVEN YEARS ago.
      In the noisy home end a fan waved a giant flag with the words “We’re all mad here”.
      While across the entire front of the stand, the local ultras had made a banner specially for the occasion which read: “For the city, the colours and our club: This is our night!”
      With the hosts in yellow and black striped shirts and white shorts and socks and Spurs in all purple, we at least had two awful kits befitting this tinpot competition.
      Spurs started slowly and their keeper Pierluigi Gollini had to race off his line to deny Nikolai Baden Frederiksen in only the third minute.
      The Londoners escaped again when Jacob Rasmussen’s near-post header from a Wittek corner flew across the goal and narrowly wide of the target.
      The best Nuno’s stiffs could muster in the first half were a couple of Giovani Lo Celso set-pieces. Half-chances at best.
      Things appeared to be looking up after the break when Gil curled a shot against the bar within 90 seconds of the restart.
      But it turned out to be a false dawn as they again went on the back foot.
      Wing-back Eli Dasa went close for the hosts with a 25-yard drive which went inches wide.
      Dasa then had Gollini diving to the other side of his goal with another long-range effort that was saved by the Italian.
      But there was nothing the Spurs stopper could do when Dasa delivered a cross to just inside the box where Wittek showed great technique to send a volley into the bottom corner with 12 minutes remaining.
      With a bench full of kids there was nothing Nuno could do to salvage a situation he had created.
      Vitesse had taken it to the Max.
      Sorry Spurs hardly managed to get out of first gear.
      Nuno changed his entire team from the 11 who started against Newcastle at the weekendCredit: EPA
      Alli started for Tottenham but failed to make any real impactCredit: Getty
      Spurs struggled to find a way past a stubborn Vitesse sideCredit: AP More

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      How Tottenham could line-up in Europa Conference League as Nuno leaves stars at home and Dane Scarlett, 17, set to start

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      NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO has delivered a Hammer blow to the Europa Conference League by leaving all of his top Spurs stars at home for Thurday’s trip to Vitesse Arnhem.The Tottenham chief has decided Sunday’s Premier League clash at West Ham is more important than tiptoeing through the tulips in Uefa’s latest tinpot competition.
      This is how Tottenham could start away at Vitesse Arnhem on Thursday
      Even though he said: “It’s not about that. If someone gets that interpretation, I cannot do anything.
      “It’s a situation that we decided for this specific week.
      “We considered that it’s the best way to go and compete well tomorrow and compete well on Sunday. But there’s no difference. It’s a squad.
      “And we have to make decisions, who goes, who travels, who stays, who needs rest, who needs some days to recover better.
      “All the things that we have to manage inside of all of the squad.”
      Tottenham are top of Group G level with Rennes on four points from their opening two matches, while Vitesse are third on three points.

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      The likes of Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and the rest of their first-team regulars were expected to travel to the Netherlands until Nuno said: Stop! Hammer time.
      Tottenham, fifth in the Premier League, travel to West Ham, just one point and two places below them, for a ding-dong London derby on Sunday.
      But Nuno does not believe he is risking his club’s Euro hopes.
      He said: “If you always think about the risk, you cannot decide. Decisions in life, all of them have risk.
      “So it’s about trying to analyse and see what is better for us in terms of our process during the week and for the future.
      “Next week we are going to have another game midweek. So we have to measure all these things. But we respect all the competitions, we respect all the games.
      “And we consider that it’s better for us to start the players that are going to start, leave some players here, work, recover well, so we can be able to compete better on Sunday.
      “Then we have Wednesday, and over and over again. But I repeat myself with the way I started, if you think about risk, you’ll not decide.”
      Nuno Espirito Santo will start a weakened side against Vitesse ahead of Sunday’s clash against West HamCredit: EPA
      Nuno confirmed Dutch flyer Steven Bergwijn will start on his return to his homeland after recovering from injury.
      The Spurs boss said: “Stevie started the season very very well. Very, very well. Unfortunately he got injured in the national team and since then he’s struggled again.
      “Now he’s getting back and it’s about getting him fitter, stronger, faster because he’s a very talented player. Very talented player. Unique inside our squad.
      “He has things that really can really help us. He’s fantastic in 1v1, offensive, he’s fast, he gives us speed. He gives us depth.

      “We need Stevie. I repeat myself: we need Stevie.”
      Bergwijn said: “When I played in Holland, Vitesse was always difficult to play, especially at their stadium. They like to play football and they always have good players.
      “It’s not going to be an easy game but we are Tottenham so we need to win and I think we have enough quality.”
      /football
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      Tottenham vs Mura LIVE REACTION: Kane comes off the bench to hit stunning HAT-TRICK to boost struggling Spurs – latest

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      TOTTENHAM continue their Europa Conference League campaign with a home clash against Slovenian side Mura TONIGHT.Spurs got their challenge off to a slow start last time out against Rennes, drawing 2-2 after an entertaining encounter.

      Kick-off: 8pm
      TV/ live stream: BT Sport 3
      Tottenham XI: Gollini, Doherty, Romero, Rodon, Reguilon, Dele, Skipp, Winks, Lo Celso, Bryan Gil, Scarlett.
      Mura XI: Obradovic, Karnicnik, Marusko, Gorenc, Kous, Lorbek, Horvat, Kozar, Sturm, Marosa, Mulahusejnovic.

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      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      THAT’S ALL FOLKS
      FULL-TIME: SPURS 5-1 MURA
      That’s it from us tonight. Thanks for keeping up with our live coverage of Spurs vs Mura at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Europa Conference League.
      After no wins in their last five games and a dreadful performance against Arsenal at the weekend, this is exactly what Spurs needed to hit the reset button and turn their season around.
      Credit: PA
      A superb opening ten minutes followed by a brilliant second half performance following the introductions of Kane, Son and Moura will give the whole club a much needed boost.
      Though this result does not take away their last three Premier League defeats, it will give Spurs the confidence to take the game to Aston Villa on Sunday.
      Credit: Reuters
      They showed a great deal more creativity and fluidity to their play in the last half an hour tonight than in their last five matches combined and that’s what Nuno will want to see more of going forward.
      Hat-trick hero Harry Kane will be delighted to have finally found his shooting boots and will go into Sunday’s clash hungry for more, still needing to break his duck in this season’s Premier League.
      Credit: Getty
      We hope you enjoyed our live coverage of this highly entertaining European tie. See you next time.
      RELIEF
      You can see exactly how much that hat-trick meant to Harry Kane, who will feel more relief than anything else.
      It’ll be exactly the confidence boost he and the team will have needed ahead of their big clash with Aston Villa at the weekend.

      STANDINGS
      Spurs’ big win tonight puts them in a great position at the top of Group G, ahead of Rennes on goal difference.
      Tottenham travel away to Vitesse on 21st October after the international break for their next game in the Europa Conference League.

      ELSEWHERE…
      Some fascinating ties tonight in the Europa Conference League with Rennes coming from behind to beat Vitesse 2-1.
      Feyenoord narrowly got the better of Slavia Praha in Rotterdam and a big win for Union Berlin against Maccabi Haifa.

      CREATIVE SPARK
      Tonight was a huge night for Lo Celso, who did everything in his power to state his case for a starting position against Villa on Sunday.
      There was a distinct lack of imagination to Spurs’ play against Arsenal at the weekend, with Dele in particular struggling to unlock the Gunners’ backline in a creative role.
      Nuno will have seen the kind of attacking threat Spurs can offer with Kane, Son and Moura up front and Lo Celso given creative license in midfield to open up defences and create chances.
      Credit: Reuters
      MAKE IT A HABIT
      Harry Kane scored his 16th career hat-trick tonight and becomes the first player to score a hat-trick in the Champions League, Europa League and the Europa Conference League.
      After his barren run in the Premier League, he’ll go into Sunday’s tie against Aston Villa with bit more confidence and momentum than before and will be desperate to find the back of the net again.
      Credit: Reuters
      CONSOLATION
      Mura might have been thrashed on the night, but Ziga Kous scored a goal he will never forget against Spurs, with an absolutely sumptuous volley.
      They’ll go back to Slovenia a little deflated after losing by such a big margin, but if you’re going to score past one of the biggest teams in the tournament, this is the way to do it.

      FULL-TIME: SPURS 5-1 MURA
      Nuno will breathe a huge sigh of relief after a nervy ten minutes at the start of the second half where it looked like Mura might be able to find a way back.
      The Portuguese turned to his trusted front three, who delivered the goods and then some.
      He would have preferred not to have needed them, but after earning a confidence boosting 5-1 plus a hat-trick for misfiring striker Harry Kane, he’ll be delighted with the night’s work.
      He might be slightly disappointed that Spurs’ starting XI couldn’t get it done on their own, with Dane Scarlett and Bryan Gil both struggling to impose themselves on the game.
      Dele had a good first half after scoring his penalty and Gio Lo Celso was superb throughout, showing the kind of creative spark he was signed for back in 2019.
      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPP!!!!!!
      FULL-TIME: SPURS 5-1 MURA
      IT’S A HUGE RESULT FOR SPURS AND HARRY KANE TAKES THE MATCH BALL HOME
      BOSS NUNO WILL BE OVER THE MOON AFTER NEEDING A CONVINCING WIN TONIGHT, WHICH HIS BIG PLAYERS DELIVERED
      SPURS 5-1 MURA
      90+3 – Both sides waiting for the ref to blow his whistle but Mura have a player down injured, which will delay the full-time whistle slightly.
      A huge night for Harry Kane, who scored three real poacher’s goals.
      🔁 59′ Harry Kane is subbed on⚽️ 68′ Kane (3-1)⚽️ 76′ Kane (4-1)⚽️ 88′ Kane (5-1)Just 19 minutes and 25 seconds between Harry Kane’s first and third goal 🎩✨#UECL pic.twitter.com/CvzKf6IfDE— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) September 30, 2021

      SPURS 5-1 MURA
      90 – Three minutes added on. Spurs looked a little bit nervous after coming out for the second half, but the mood inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has well and truly changed now.
      The fans are singing and have clearly enjoyed this second half performance from their team, who have shown exactly what they can do when they reach full flow.
      SPURS 5-1 MURA
      87 – Mura thought they’d gotten themselves back in it when they scored in the 53rd minute, but the introduction of Spurs’ big guns put this. oneto bed very quickly.
      Harry Kane scored a hat-trick in less than 20 minutes and Lo Celso has been absolutely spectacular in his creative role in midfield.
      Some of the passes from the Argentine, including the one for that assist for, Kane have been outrageous.
      GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLL!!!!!!!!
      SPURS 5-1 MURA
      HAT-TRICK FOR HARRY KANE
      ANOTHER POACHER’S GOAL FOR THE SUBSTITUTE, WHO RECEIVES THE BALL FROM LO CELSO 12 YARDS FROM GOAL
      ONE TOUCH TO STEADY HIMSELF AND HE BURIES IT IN THE BOTTOM CORNER
      SPURS 4-1 MURA
      84 – Spurs looking very comfortable now and it’s got more of a training ground exercise feel to it, with the home side putting some lovely passing moves together and making it incredibly difficult for Mura.
      Nuno will be quite happy for his side to just keep the ball moving and see this one out without anyone getting injured or over-exerting themselves.
      MURA SUBSTITUTION
      OFF: Marosa.
      ON: Cipot.
      SPURS 4-1 MURA
      81 – Mura really haven’t been able to get on the ball and get into the Spurs half to create a meaningful chance in this last 20 minutes.
      Spurs fans are willing their team to score more and are demanding that they shoot whenever they’re even remotely close to the Mura goal.
      SPURS SUBSTITUTION
      OFF: Sergio Reguilon.
      ON: Emerson Royal.
      SPURS 4-1 MURA
      77 – Spurs have been superb since the introductions of Kane, Son and Moura and Lo Celso has really come to life in midfield.
      It was a slick, free-flowing attacking move that sliced through Mura in one fell swoop for Spurs’ fourth.
      More the kind of football Spurs fans were hoping to see tonight.
      MURA SUBSTITUTIONS
      OFF: Lorbek, Kous.
      ON: Ouro, Mandic.
      GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!
      SPURS 4-1 MURA
      HARRY KANE MAKES IT FOUR AND GETS HIS SECOND
      HE WAS FOUND BY SON IN THE BOX AFTER A LOVELY MOVE INVOLVING REGUILON AND LO CELSO
      THE STRIKER MADE NO MISTAKE FROM CLOSE RANGE AND IT’S GAME OVER NOW
      SPURS SUBSTITUTION
      OFF: Oliver Skipp.
      ON: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
      SPURS 3-1 MURA
      70 – Spurs look so much more in control now they’ve introduced their dynamic front three.
      Now they’ve got their third goal, which should put the game to bed, Nuno Espirito Santo looks a lot calmer on the touchline.
      GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLL!!!!!!!!
      SPURS 3-1 MURA
      LUCAS MOURA PUTS A LOVELY BALL INTO THE BOX TO FIND HARRY KANE
      THE ENGLAND CAPTAIN IS ONE ON ONE WITH THE MURA KEEPER AND MAKES NO MISTAKE, IT’S IN THE BACK OF THE NET
      SPURS 2-1 MURA
      67 – There’s far more fluidity to Spurs’ play now. You have to feel for Dane Scarlett, who didn’t really get a sniff of goal tonight.

      SPURS 2-1 MURA
      65 – It’s absolutely tipping it down at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the surface is really nice and slick now.
      Kane takes an early free-kick from inside the opposition half to catch out the Mura backline and Son is almost found in the box but for a good interception from the Mura keeper.
      Close from Spurs there.
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      Nuno Espirito Santo admits mood in Tottenham camp is bad after Arsenal loss and poor run is giving him sleepless nights

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      NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO admits the mood in the Tottenham camp is bad – and it is giving him and his stars sleepless nights.The new Spurs boss is already under pressure following their 3-1 defeat at Arsenal in Sunday’s North London derby.
      Nuno Espirito Santo admitted the mood in the Tottenham camp is ‘bad’
      It was the Lilywhites’ third successive Premier League defeat following 3-0 losses away at Crystal Palace and at home to Chelsea.
      And as they prepare to face Slovenian minnows NS Mura in the Europa Conference League, Nuno admitted today: “Obviously the mood is not good. We are sad, disappointed.
      “It’s a feeling we have to realise is with us. It goes home with us, it doesn’t allow us to sleep, but it can only make us stronger to react.
      “And the reaction is tomorrow.”
      Former Wolves boss Nuno was only appointed on June 30 and some fans on social media are already calling for his head.
      But he shrugged it off, telling reporters on his Zoom call: “The criticism is normal. You’ve been in football, I’ve been in football, everybody on screen knows how this industry works.

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      “When you don’t play good, criticism is something you have to deal with. We understand it, it’s up to us to react and change it.
      “All the jobs are tough in our profession. There are no easy jobs as managers, no easy tasks.
      “I’m not worried about the judgements. What I’m worried about is how we can play better.
      “The judgement, the criticism, the opinion is all part of it. We have to deal with that. That doesn’t interfere with the way we work.
      “I’m very simple. My focus is how we can improve. In terms of the fans, now is not the moment to ask them. We need their support.
      “It’s the moment to deliver, so they feel good with the team, they see a solid team playing good.”
      When you don’t perform the way you want, the best and first step is to analyse yourselfNuno Espirito Santo
      Nuno slated his players after the defeat to the Gunners, accusing them of not following his orders.
      Some of them were said to be unhappy with his criticism of them.
      Asked how they reacted, Nuno said: “You’ll have to ask them. But when you don’t perform the way you want, the best and first step is to analyse yourself. Take a look inside and go from there.
      “What we’re feeling and what we felt on Sunday is bad. Very bad.
      “We’re not happy and this feeling stays with us every minute of our days until we go out of that and put it right.”

      Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo reflects on 3-1 loss to Arsenal More

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      Tottenham warned by Uefa over Pierluigi Gollini’s GLOVES used in Europa Conference League which breach logo regulations

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      TOTTENHAM were given a warning by Uefa – because Pierluigi Gollini’s GLOVES breached logo regulations. Alarm bells were ringing in the governing body’s HQ following Spurs’ 2-2 draw at Rennes on September 16.
      Pierluigi Gollini’s Reusch goalkeeper gloves breached Uefa’s strict logo size rulesCredit: Getty
      They deemed the Reusch logo to be too big and therefore breaking the strict rules in place.
      Repeat offences would likely see the North London club fined.
      Despite the extra big branding, they could not help Gollini – aka Rapper with Gloves after dabbling in the music industry – prevent the French side from scoring twice.
      Thankfully for the Italian, an own goal and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg bailed him out to earn the point.
      Ex-Atalanta stopper Gollini, 28, has been the cup goalkeeper for Tottenham so far this season – playing three games in Europe and sending Spurs through in the Carabao Cup following his penalty shootout heroics against Wolves.
      Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are back in Conference League action on Thursday when they host Slovenian outfit NS Mura.

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      Elsewhere, Leicester City were slapped with a £17,250 fine after fan violence at the end of their Europa League draw with Napoli.
      Supporters of both sides clashed at the King Power Stadium towards the end of the game with missiles thrown and a dozen arrests made.
      Uefa hit the Foxes with two charges, for ‘crowd disturbances’ and ‘throwing of objects’ and have now confirmed the fine.
      Napoli, who faced the same two charges plus causing ‘damage’ to the King Power Stadium, were fined just under £13,000.
      Finally, Uefa also confirmed Aaron Wan-Bissaka must serve a two-game Champions League ban for his red card in the defeat at Young Boys.
      Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo reflects on 3-1 loss to Arsenal More

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      Rennes 2 Tottenham 2: Hojbjerg rescues Spurs from Conference League embarrassment as Nuno’s side outplayed in opener

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      NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO had told Tottenham to forget about the past, but in the end it was the same old story.The new Spurs boss saw his stars make the same mistakes they did under their predecessor Jose Mourinho as once again they failed to impress on the road in Europe.
      Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg rescued a point for Tottenham at Rennes
      Spurs fielded a strong team including Harry Kane but were unable to win in FranceCredit: AFP
      In the end it took a late equaliser from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg for the North Londoners to plunder a point in their Conference League group opener away to a team that have only won one of their five French top-flight matches this term.
      It may have been a hard-fought draw – especially given the circumstances of so many injuries and absentees – but it was far from convincing.
      But the 150 travelling Spurs who had battled Covid restrictions and filled him forms galore to be inside the Roazhon Park and the thousands more watching on TVs back home, like the rest of us had seen it all before.
      There is certainly nothing new about watching a Tottenham team away in Europe struggle against  supposedly inferior opponents who roared on by a vociferous home crowd, raise their game in a bid to upset one of the glamour clubs from the English Premier League.
      Last night here in Brittany they managed to get away with it, but only just.
      And with Rennes reputed to be their toughest rivals in Group G this could well turn out to be a decent point. But a decent performance it was not.
      Rennes gave Spurs a good run for their money in the Europa Conference LeagueCredit: Reuters
      Rennes were leading with 15 mins left before Hojbjerg’s equaliserCredit: Reuters

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      Tottenham are going to have to produce much better if they are going to live up to their billing as one of the favourites to be the inaugural winners of this competition.
      Tanguy Ndombele was handed his first appearance of the season and his first start since April 21 – as he was reunited with Rennes coach Bruno Genesio, a man he played under at Lyon.
      Tottenham’s record £65m buy, who has been frozen out by Nuno, gave us a reminder of what he can produce when he puts his mind to it as his clever backheel started the move which resulted in Rennes defender Loic Bade turning Lucas Moura’s cross into his own net to put the Londoners ahead in the 11th minute.
      The Rennes home supporters made it a tough environment for SpursCredit: AP
      A heated game saw Steven Bergwijn subbed off injured in the first halfCredit: Reuters
      The Ligue Un side should have been level eight minutes later but left-back Adrien Truffert headed a rebound over an unguarded net after Pierluigi Gollini had done well to beat away Benjamin Bourigeaud’s powerful drive.
      But there was nothing the Italian stopper could do to keep out Flavien Tait’s low curling shot from the edge of the box, following a one-two with Serhou Gerassy, which made it 1-1 in the 23rd minute.
      Worse was to follow for the visitors when Steven Bergwijn, making his first appearance since hurting his ankle playing for the Netherlands in the last international break, limped off injured on the half hour mark to be replaced by Hojbjerg.
      Lucas Moura was at the heart of any Spurs attackCredit: Rex
      Kane did not play the full 90 minutes with Nuno looking ahead to ChelseaCredit: Reuters
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      He was then followed down the tunnel 10 minutes after the break by Moura, who looked as though he had also picked up a knock, and Harry Kane, who was taken off in case he collected one.
      With both teams struggling to keep hold of the ball, Rennes looked to have clinched the win when Gaetan Laborde made it 2-1 with a 72nd tap-in after Gollini could only parry Kalmaldeen Sulemana’s shot.
      But Spurs, to their credit refused to throw in the towel and Hojbjerg made amends for an earlier miss with a neat finish four minutes after Matt Doherty’s deflected cross had left the home defence flat-footed.
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      Tottenham will overtake Arsenal in Uefa rankings for first time since Prem was created thanks to Conference League

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      SPURS are guaranteed to be ranked by Uefa above Arsenal for the first time since the formation of the Prem – as a direct result of their appearance in the Conference League.Gunners fans and others have mocked their North London rivals for taking part in the new competition for Euro minnows.
      Tottenham are set to go above Arsenal in the Uefa rankingsCredit: Reuters
      But with Mikel Arteta’s team failing to play in any European competition this term, the bonus points for reaching the group phase has taken Spurs ahead of them into 12th place in the Uefa calculations, based on results over the past five years.
      Each win in European competition is worth two points, with a draw counting for one and bonus points for progressing through various stages.
      Spurs, with that bonus for beating Portuguese outfit Pacos de Ferreira, start their campaign against Rennes on Thursday on 80.5 points, half a point ahead of Arsenal.
      That gap can only grow over the rest of the season.
      The only previous campaign in which Spurs have been ahead of the Gunners in the Euro rankings was 1991-92, in England’s second season back after the five-year ban for the Heysel Disaster.
      Then the Gunners failed to reach the inaugural group stage of the European Cup after a defeat by Benfica while Spurs reached the last eight of the Cup Winners Cup where they were edged out by Feyenoord.

      Ever since, the Gunners have been part of the European elite, ranking as high as fourth during the Arsene Wenger years.
      But four straight seasons out of the Champions League have now been followed by a total failure to be part of European football, allowing Spurs to move from 20th and nine places behind Arsenal in 2017 to being above them now.
      Meanwhile, England is set for a period of domination at the head of the Uefa rankings.
      Under the “country ranking” system that sees all points earned by clubs from a nation divided by the number of competing sides, England took top spot last term for the first time since 2012.
      But with the 2016-17 season – when English sides collected an average of just 14.928 compared to last season’s 24.357 – now out of the calculations, the prem sides begin with a massive EIGHT point advantage over Spain.

      It is the biggest lead Prem sides have ever had, with a five point advantage the previous largest margin during the five seasons between 2007-08 and 2011-12 when England was previously top of the table.
      The four Champions League qualifiers – Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United – are all in the top eight of the club rankings, although Europa League contenders Leicester and West Ham are joint 75th as a result of the English national average ranking.
      But with expectations of another huge season for all four Prem sides and doubts over the medium term prospects of cash-strapped Real Madrid and Barcelona, the chances of that lead growing are huge.

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      Nuno reacts to Spurs’s 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace More

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      Tottenham 3 Pacos de Ferreira 0 LIVE REACTION: Harry Kane notches brace on victorious return to side – updates

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      TOTTENHAM beat Pacos de Ferreira 3-0 in the second leg of their Europa Conference League clash to seal a place in the group stages.
      RESULT: Tottenham 3 Pacos 0
      TV/Live stream: Premier Sports
      Tottenham XI: Gollini, Dier, Romero, Davies, Doherty, Winks, Lo Celso, Sessegnon, Lucas, Bergwijn, Bryan, Kane

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      THAT’S ALL FROM TOTTENHAM
      Tottenham made it through to the Europa Conference League group stage thanks to a comfortable 3-0 win over Pacos de Ferreira at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
      Spurs opened the scoring early in the ninth minute when Harry Winks stole the ball in midfield and delivered a brilliant cross to Bryan Gil down the left wing.
      Gil then produced a beautiful pass of his own as he found Harry Kane in the middle of the penalty area and the star striker easily beat Andre Ferreira by sending the ball down the bottom left corner.
      The north Londoners almost doubled their lead in the 34th minute when Gil’s deflected shot rattled Ferreira’s left-hand post.
      But Tottenham got their cracker just a minute later when Giovani Lo Celso broke into the penalty area, got a shot that was blocked but the ball rolled back to Kane who didn’t miss in front of open goal.
      Lo Celso put the tie to bed during the second half on 70 minutes thanks to an expertly-taken free-kick from a tight angle down the right flank that caught Pacos’ defence and goalkeeper off guard.
      That’s all from us here at SunSport, have a great night!
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      FANS LOVE KANE
      There was a question on how Tottenham fans would welcome Harry Kane back to the team.
      Reports suggested Kane told Spurs’ hierarchy he wanted to leave during the summer and even delayed his return to training after an extended holiday.
      However, the home supporters gave the star striker a warm welcome once his name was announced before kick-off.
      They also sang “You’re Spurs and you know you are”, and then gave the England captain a standing ovation when he was replaced moments after Giovani Lo Celso’s goal
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      BRY-MAN
      Tottenham ace Bryan Gil shone bright tonight against Pacos de Ferreira at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
      Gil was constantly dangerous down the left flank where Spurs created most of their opportunities.
      The winger worked very well with Ryan Sessegnon and even set Harry Kane’s opener.
      The Spain international also came close to scoring twice but was denied by two deflections, one of which saw the ball hitting Andre Ferreira’s post

      WHAT’S NEXT?
      Tottenham will find out their opponents in the Europa Conference League draw tomorrow on Friday at 11am.
      The draw will take place in Istanbul, Turkey and the first games will be played in mid-September.
      Spurs are now among the favourites to win this competition, which will guarantee the winner a place in next season’s Europa League.
      Of course, that is something the north Londoners can get for themselves in the Premier League should they finish in the top six.
      Pacos de Ferreira, on the other hand, have seen their European journey come to an end tonight
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      KANE IS BACK
      Harry Kane is back in style for Tottenham by scoring his first two goals of the season and leading them to the Europa Conference League group stage.
      Kane produced a brace in just 25 minutes and showed he is back to his old ways in north London.
      The star striker was linked with a move from Spurs after delaying his return to training while Manchester City kept tabs on him.
      But the England captain has confirmed he will not be leaving Tottenham in the summer and is concentrated on gaining success with the club of his heart.
      The fans welcomed the 28-year-old back with open arms as well as a massive ovation and he had the following message after full-time:

      STATS
      Tottenham dominated a staggering 70.6 per cent of possession against Pacos de Ferreira.
      Spurs also registered a total of 18 shots, six of which were on target throughout the second leg.
      Pacos, on the other hand, produced six shots, half of which were on target.
      The north Londoners dominated in the air as well as they won 76.2 per cent of aerial duels
      FT: TOTTENHAM 3-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      Tottenham made it through to the Europa Conference League thanks to a Harry Kane masterpiece against Pacos de Ferreira at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
      Spurs opened the scoring early in the ninth minute when Harry Winks stole the ball in midfield and delivered a brilliant cross to Bryan Gil down the left flank.
      Gil then produced a beautiful pass of his own as he found Kane in the middle of the penalty area and the star striker easily beat Andre Ferreira by sending the ball down the bottom left corner.
      The north Londoners almost doubled their lead on 34 minutes when Gil’s deflected shot rattled Ferreira’s left-hand post.
      But Tottenham got their cracker just a minute later when Giovani Lo Celso broke into the penalty area, got a shot that was blocked but the ball rolled to Kane who didn’t miss in front of open goal.
      Lo Celso put the tie to bed during the second half on 70 minutes thanks to an expertly-taken free-kick from a tight angle down the right flank that caught Pacos’ defence and goalkeeper by surprise
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      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
      THAT’S FULL-TIME IN TOTTENHAM!!!!!
      TOTTENHAM 3-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      90+1 CHANCE!
      Pacos get their best opportunity to score as Silva delivers a wonderful cross from the left flank and finds Santos whose header is stopped by Gollini
      TOTTENHAM 3-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      90 Three more minutes of stoppage time to go until full-time.
      Still enough time for Tottenham to increase their lead
      TOTTENHAM 3-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      87 Tottenham are basically through to the Europa Conference League group stage.
      But Spurs don’t seem to be done, Son especially is trying very hard to get on the scoresheet!
      TOTTENHAM 3-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      84 SUBSTITUTION
      Tottenham manager Nuno introduces Alli, who replaces Lucas for the last few minutes
      TOTTENHAM 3-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      83 CHANCE!
      Tottenham star Son tries a shot from a dangerous position but Ferreira denies him and then sees the ball hitting his left-hand post!
      TOTTENHAM 3-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      82 CHANCE
      I think ‘attempt’ is a better term to use on this one.
      Tottenham star Hojbjerg picks a beautiful corner-kick from the left flank and tries a shot but completely misses the target
      TOTTENHAM 3-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      80 Surely Lo Celso’s goal did it for Tottenham!
      Pacos have ran out of energy and solutions, while Gollini hasn’t found himself worried throughout the entire evening!
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      TOTTENHAM 3-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      78 WHAT A CHANCE!
      Tottenham come close again with Bergwij who shoots from a tight angle down the left flank and hits Ferreira’s right-hand post!
      TOTTENHAM 3-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      76 SUBSTITUTION
      Final roll of the dice by Pacos manager Simao, who makes a triple change.
      Fernando, Santos and Uilton replace Antunes, Estaquio and Lucas Silva respectively
      TOTTENHAM 3-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      75 Here’s how Tottenham scored their third goal against Pacos.
      What a marvellous shot by Lo Celso!
      Spurs in a commanding position! 💪Lo Celso’s whipped free kick is deflected in for an own goal and it’s now 3-1 on aggregate ⚪ pic.twitter.com/ufiOs7EvLI— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) August 26, 2021

      TOTTENHAM 3-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      72 SUBSTITUTION
      Tottenham boss Nuno makes a double switch as Bergwijn and Son replace Gil and Kane respectively.
      Kane receives a massive ovation on his way out despite the recent transfer saga
      TOTTENHAM 3-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      70 Tottenham may have just put the tie to bed with a wonderful free-kick by Lo Celso!
      The Argentina international outsmarts Pacos’ defence and goalkeeper with an expertly-taken spot-kick from the right wing.
      The Pacenses’ backline fail to head the ball away and Antunes inadvertently sends the ball to his own net

      GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLL!
      TOTTENHAM MAKE IT THREE WITH LO CELSO!!!!!
      TOTTENHAM 2-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      70 SUBSTITUTION
      Pacos manager Simao makes a double change as Helder Ferreira and Tanque replace Delgado and Denilson respectively
      TOTTENHAM 2-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      67 CHANCE!
      Tottenham star Lo Celso sets Gil with a beautiful pass down the left flank but the former Sevilla starlet’s shot just misses Ferreira’s bottom right corner!
      TOTTENHAM 2-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      65 WHAT A CHANCE!
      Tottenham star Hojbjerg breaks down the left flank and finds Lo Celso in the middle of the penalty area.
      The Argentina international makes a wonderful turn but his shot is stopped thanks to a wonderful save by Ferreira
      TOTTENHAM 2-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      64 YELLOW CARD
      Another booking, this time to Pacos star Pires who pulls Lo Ceslo down to the ground during a counter-attack with a tactical foul
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