A bit more time enjoying Hoffenheim’s hospitality and all of Tottenham’s problems probably would have faded away. After all Christian Ilzer’s struggling side certainly seemed intent on doing everything in their power to ease Spurs back to good health here, displaying such incompetence in defence that it would be wise not to conclude that Ange Postecoglou is out of the woods just yet.

What to make of a neurotic victory over the team sitting fourth from bottom in the Bundesliga? The positive for an injury-hit Spurs is that they were stylish at first, going up 2-0 with goals from James Maddison and Son Heung-min. They also saw off a fightback from Hoffenheim after half-time, Son securing the points with a clinical strike, and were resilient enough to boost their chances of avoiding a two-legged playoff to reach the Europa League knockouts by surviving a nervy finale with five teenagers on the pitch at the end.

• Europa League updates from the 5.45pm GMT kick-off
• Live scores | Tables | Read Football Daily | Email Simon

1 min: Peeeep! Spurs get the game going.

Right then, all the preambles have been ambled and there’s nothing but a quick team huddle between us and kick-off.