Tottenham's unbeaten beginning to their Europa League campaign ended on Thursday night.

Mauricio Pochettino's men squandered an early lead against Anderlecht to eventually be beaten 2-1 by the Belgian side in Brussels.

It was a strong Spurs side which took to the pitch at Constant Vanden Stock Stadium and Pochettino's decision to go that way paid dividends inside five minutes when Christian Eriksen pounced a fortuitous rebound and slotted beyond Silvio Proto.

Anderlecht, however, were able to equalise less than 10 minutes later when Guillaume Gillet neatly volleyed home a corner from Steven Defour.

Erik Lamela saw a goal disallowed for offside on the half-hour mark after Stefano Okaka had tested Hugo Lloris before Spurs had a couple of half chances late in the half.

Potation brought on Harry Kane with about 30 minutes remaining in a bid to steal a win on the road but the North Londoners were unable to find an elusive go-ahead goal only to see Anderlecht take the lead in the 75th minute when Frank Acheampong crossed for Okaka to sweep home.

Bosnia Hasi's men were able to snuff out any Tottenham foray in the remaining time to complete their first win of the group campaign which as them sitting third in Group J, behind Spurs on goal difference, and point in arrears of Monaco who accounted for bottom-placed Qarabag 1-0 in the principality.

Spurs will now prepare to host Anderlecht at White Hart Lane on November 5 as they strive to overcome the Belgians and enhance their chances of progressing to the next phase of Europe's second tier club competition.

2015/16 UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE - GROUP J

Anderlecht (BEL): 2 (Guillaume Gillet 13', Stefano Okaka 75')
Tottenham (ENG): 1 (Christian Eriksen 4')
Constant Vanden Stock Stadium, Brussels, Belgium