Richarlison marked his first start after returning from injury with a goal from the spot to put Tottenham 1-0 up against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday.
The Brazil international hadn’t started a game since early May due to a calf problem.
However, after coming off the bench in Premier League games against Leicester City and Everton, he was given the nod by Ange Postecoglou in the Europa League.
After a frustrating first half, Spurs burst into life after the break, spearheaded by exciting winger Mikey Moore.
But it was from the penalty spot where the breakthrough finally came, with Richarlison firing down the middle after both Lucas Bergvall and James Maddison were brought down by AZ centre-back Maxim Dekker.
For a short while, it looked like Richarlison wouldn’t take the spot-kick with Maddison — wearing the captain’s armband for the night — taking the ball off him after a long conversation between the two, only to eventually give it him back.
But there was no bad blood, with the two players seen celebrating together after Richarlison had given Spurs the lead with his first goal since netting against Liverpool in May.
Richarlison goal maintains Spurs’ perfect start
Despite their domestic inconsistencies, Tottenham are still going strong in Europe.
Coupled with wins over Qarabag and Ferencvaros, Spurs remain perfect after three Europa League matches.
Lazio and Anderlecht are the only teams who can boast the same record, with the former top of the new league format on goal difference.
Spurs travel to Crystal Palace in the Premier League this weekend as they seek to restore some consistency to their top-flight play.
Their next Europa League tie sees them make the unenviable trip to Istanbul to take on Turkish giants Galatasaray.