By David Awopetu
José Mourinho’s Tottenham are on the brink of qualification for the Europa League knockout stage thanks to a 4-0 win against Ludogorets while Nicolas Pepe inspired Arsenal to a 3-0 win at Molde and Jamie Vardy scored a dramatic injury-time goal to put Leicester into the last 32.
Jose Mourinho described Dele Alli as a “team player” after the out-of-favour playmaker’s performance against Ludogorets.
Alli shone in a Spurs team that repeated the dominance they displayed in the 3-1 win in Bulgaria three weeks ago to move within a point of reaching the competition’s last 32.
In another encounter, Nicolas Pepe reacted to Sunday’s red card against Leeds by helping the Gunners to cruise into the last 32 of the Europa League.
Pepe was accused by manager Arteta of letting down his team-mates after being sent off at Elland Road in the Premier League but Arsenal’s record signing responded with the opening goal in a fine individual display against Molde.
The £72m signing from Lille curled a powerful strike into the top corner just after the break in Norway – having minutes earlier struck the bar.
Leicester, the other English representative had Jamie Vardy to thank as the striker scored a dramatic injury-time goal to send Leicester into the knockout stage with a draw against Braga.
The substitute turned home Marc Albrighton’s cross as the Foxes came from behind three times to draw.
