Tottenham Hotspur put their miserable domestic season behind them with a 3-1 home win over Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt to move within sight of Thursday's Europa League final.

Brennan Johnson's header after 37 seconds and James Maddison's clever finish gave Tottenham a 2-0 lead at the break, and Dominic Solanke doubled their advantage just after the hour mark.

But Tottenham rarely make it easy and there was a late twist when captain Ulrik Saltnes' deflected effort gave Bodo/Glimt hope for next week's return leg, which will be played above the Arctic Circle.

"We are pleased and I think before the game if you had said we would have a two-goal cushion we would have been happy with that," Johnson said. "We were frustrated to concede but they are a tough team and we are happy with the performance."

Tottenham are on course for their worst Premier League season since 1993-94, with 19 defeats in 34 games leaving them 16th in the table and manager Ange Postecoglou facing an uncertain future at the north London club.

The Australian ex-Celtic manager was widely ridiculed for claiming he always wins a trophy in his second season in charge, but as his side raced to a 3-0 lead in front of a boisterous home crowd, a chance of glory loomed in Bilbao.

Saltnes' late response dampened the atmosphere, and injuries to Maddison and Solanke were worrying, but Tottenham remain in a strong position.

Tottenham will face a stern test of their resolve next Thursday on Bodo's artificial surface.