Spurs sputter in surprising defeat to Gent

Paris - Tottenham Hotspur has work to do in its Europa League Round of 32 tie against Gent after losing 1-0 in the first leg in Belgium on Thursday.

The only goal of the game came just before the hour mark when French striker Jeremy Perbet scored at the second attempt from a Danijel Milicevic cutback, as Gent coach Hein Vanhaezebrouck celebrated his 53rd birthday with a win.

Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris pushed a Milicevic shot onto the post while Harry Kane had earlier struck an upright at the other end.

It was a disappointing performance from Mauricio Pochettino's men, who must now look to turn the tie around in next week's return if they are to avoid being eliminated from a second European competition in barely two months.

Spurs, who are third in the Premier League, were knocked out of the Champions League in the group stage.