• Tromso 0-2 Tottenham, Europa League

Tottenham topple Tromso to top group

Andre Villas-Boas collected a much-needed win © Getty Images

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Tottenham have secured top spot in Group K in the Europa League after beating Tromso 2-0.

With Anji and Sheriff sharing the spoils in a 1-1 draw earlier in the evening, Spurs knew that whatever the result they would guarantee finishing in first spot.

And they delivered under-pressure manager Andre Villas-Boas a victory, with an own goal from Adnan Сausevic and Mousa Dembele's strike coming in the second half.

Those were the positives from a sub-zero night at the northern tip of Norway, but there were also a few negatives for the North London club and their under-pressure manager.

Roberto Soldado again looked isolated up front, the visitors' momentum was slow and Nacer Chadli missed a big sitter in the first half.

If Spurs beat Anzhi Makhachkala in a fortnight's time, they will have won all six of their Europa League group matches.

But the reality is that neither Anzhi, Sheriff nor this Tromso team are anywhere near good enough to play in the Barclays Premier League.

They are certainly nowhere near as good as the Manchester United team who head to White Hart Lane on Sunday.

Villas-Boas, who rejected claims his job was under threat on Wednesday, will no doubt try to put a positive spin on the game, but it is important to remember that Tromso were relegated from Norway's top flight three weeks ago.

The Norwegians caused the visitors many problems, and will feel that they should have beaten Brad Friedel at least once, but at least Spurs can head back to London having put an end to their damaging losing streak.

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