In this UEFA Europa League fixture, the key factor contributing to Tottenham Hotspur's narrow 1-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar was their disciplined defensive performance coupled with strategic offensive plays. Tottenham capitalized on their set pieces, as evidenced by the lone goal, which originated from a corner kick executed shortly into the second half. Corner kicks were an influential aspect of the game, with Tottenham having six opportunities to AZ Alkmaar’s four, demonstrating their effectiveness in converting these chances into goals.

AZ Alkmaar's attempts to gain an edge were repeatedly undermined by their lack of discipline. The accumulation of four yellow cards, culminating in a red card, significantly hampered their ability to mount a cohesive attack, particularly in the latter stages of the match. This lack of composure directly contributed to their eventual downfall, as they were unable to maintain the offensive pressure needed to break down Tottenham's defense.

The strategic use of offsides also played into Tottenham's favor, catching AZ Alkmaar off guard and disrupting their forward momentum when crucial. Spurs were caught offside four times compared to Alkmaar's two, reflecting a more aggressive posture aimed at stretching their opponent’s defensive line. Despite committing more fouls, AZ Alkmaar's inability to adapt effectively to the referee's standards of play further restricted their opportunities to reclaim control of the match.

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