Richarlison scored from the penalty spot to help Tottenham maintain their perfect start in the Europa League with victory over AZ Alkmaar.

In his first start for Spurs this season after injury trouble, the Brazilian briefly argued with James Maddison about who should take the penalty after Maxim Dekker had kicked out at Lucas Bergvall in the box.

Captain Maddison relinquished the responsibility and Richarlison confidently sent the ball straight down the middle to hand Tottenham the decisive goal in the 53rd minute.

"Initially we both wanted to take it," Maddison told TNT Sports.

"I'm a senior player, I was captain today, I was going to take it, but I thought Richarlison has come back from an injury, it's difficult for a striker - a first goal gives confidence."

Ange Postecoglou's side had struggled to break down AZ's defence until then and could not make the most of their few clear-cut first-half chances.

Mikey Moore glanced a close-range header wide early on, while Timo Werner's problems in front of goal continued with two lacklustre efforts before he was replaced by Brennan Johnson for the second half.

But Spurs were much improved after the interval, with exciting English teenager Moore playing a starring role at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham came under pressure in parts, with Fraser Forster at full stretch to stop a looping header from Alexandre Penetra.

Former Spurs forward Troy Parrott, who moved to the Dutch side in July, had the chance to equalise with 15 minutes remaining but drilled his strike straight at Forster.

AZ were forced to play the last five minutes with 10 men, though, as David Moller Wolfe received a second yellow card.

Tottenham also had a late penalty appeal rejected when goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro appeared to bring down full-back Destiny Udogie.

The result leaves Spurs on nine points from three games in the Europa League, although tougher tests lie in store with Galatasaray and Roma to follow in November.