3 Things We Learnt From Thursday Night’s Europa League Action

The Europa League often flies under the radar compared to its big brother, the Champions League, but last night’s action was a reminder of just how thrilling it can be. With European heavyweights like Roma, Tottenham, Manchester United, Porto, and others all taking to the field, fans were spoiled for choice. Now that Gameweek 3 is in the books, let's dive into the three key takeaways from last night’s captivating Europa League drama.

1) Mikey Moore has to Start Games Over Misfiring Timo Werner 

Tottenham came into their Europa League tie against AZ Alkmaar on the back of a convincing 4-1 win over West Ham. Therefore, many expected Spurs ease past their Dutch opponents. However, Alkmaar dogged defense made it a very uncomfortable night for Tottenham players and fans alike. While Spurs did secure their third straight win in this season’s UEL thanks to a penalty by returning Richarlison, they weren’t convincing by any stretch of the imagination. Timo Werner’s display was a prime example of his frustratingly inconsistent spell in North London – full of energy and promise but lacking that crucial finishing touch.  

The German winger was a threat down the left flank, regularly finding himself in good positions and creating chances. Yet, his inability to convert those opportunities into goals was glaring. Werner's confidence in front of goal seems to have hit rock bottom. He hasn’t found the back of the net since March, when Spurs demolished Aston Villa 4-0. However, it’s not for the lack of trying. Earlier in the season, Timo missed two guild-edged opportunities against Manchester United. Last night, he spurned another big chance. After being played through on goal with an exquisite trivela pass by Lucas Bergvall, Werner fluffed his lines and shot the ball straight at Alkmaar’s goalkeeper.  

Following his toothless first-half showing, Ange Postecoglou hooked him at halftime for Brennan Johnson, which facilitated 17-year-old Mikey Moore’s switch to left wing. And the difference in Tottenham’s performance was night and day. The Spurs academy graduate was a constant menace after the break, confidently taking on defenders with his pace and trickery. Moore provided the cutting edge which Werner failed to Deliver in the first-half. Although Moore wasn’t involved in Tottenham’s solitary goal, he was one of the best players on the pitch. Following the match, Spurs’ skipper James Maddison said, “From minute 45 to 65… we thought we had Neymar on the left wing!” While comparisons with Neymar are a bit premature, Moore’s performances this season have Spurs fans excited. And based on last night’s performance, it might be time for the young winger to leap ahead of Werner in the pecking order.  

2) Erik Ten Hag on Borrowed Time at Old Trafford 

For how long can fans witness uninspiring football that doesn’t deliver results? The answer: not for much longer. Erik Ten Hag has had ample time and opportunities to shape this Manchester United squad in his vision, but so far, that vision isn’t looking too promising. It would be an understatement to suggest that the Red Devils look nowhere near capable enough of qualifying for a Champions League spot, let alone win a trophy this season. And last night’s performance against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce was another reminder of United’s shortcomings under Ten Hag. 

After last night’s result, United have now failed to secure a win in their last six European games. Moreover, Ten Hag’s men have just one win to their name in their last seven matches. This run of form has compelled United to the 21st place in Europa League standings, having accumulated 3 points from three games. Such performances are not good enough for a club of Manchester United’s stature. Ten Hag has already lost the trust of the United faithful, and it’s only a matter of time before the patience of United’s hierarchy runs out if such performances continue. Surely after their 1-1 draw against Fenerbahce, Ten Hag doesn’t have much time to rescue his job at Old Trafford. United’s next three games—a Premier League clash with West Ham, a Carabao Cup tie against Leicester City, and a grudge match against Chelsea—could prove decisive for both his future at Old Trafford and the direction of United’s season. 

3) Porto Have Struck Gold 

Radamel Falcao, Luis Diaz, Hulk, Benni McCarthy – these are the names of former Porto players who got their big money move after balling out for the Dragons. The Portuguese giants have garnered a reputation for finding diamonds in the rough before polishing them and selling them for huge profits. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that they struck gold once again this summer transfer window. Porto pounced on the opportunity to sign 20-year-old Samu Omorodion for a bargain fee after his transfer to Chelsea collapsed. And so far, neither party is regretting their decision to join forces.  

It was a blessing in disguise that Omorodion’s proposed move to Chelsea fell through, as he would have sat on the bench, waiting for his opportunity. However, at Porto, the Spanish striker has become an instant starter. Since joining Porto, Samu Omorodion has scored 8 goals (four in Europa League and four in Liga NOS) in just eight games. His electrifying form has fans buzzing, and the €15 million Porto invested now looks like pocket change as his market value has soared to an estimated €35-40 million. 

What makes this even sweeter for Porto is that, despite Atletico Madrid retaining a cut of any future sale, they stand to make a tidy profit if Omorodion continues to dominate the way he has. His rapid rise hints at something special, with Porto proving yet again they are masters of unearthing stars-in-the-making. For Samu Omorodion, the missed Chelsea move was no setback; it was the perfect start to what’s shaping up to be an exciting journey, and Porto just might be the ideal stage for the beginning of his legend. The world is his oyster, and he’s only getting started.