Tottenham Hotspur return to winning ways in N17 against Man United, ending an eight-game winless streak at home, thanks to an early goal from James Maddison.
For the first time since 1989 (35 years ago), Spurs have completed a league double over Manchester United. While it wasn’t the most comfortable of victories, Ange Postecoglou’s men were largely in control and the better side on the day.
Good days have returned to Tottenham. After back-to-back cup disappointments and a week of rest, Spurs finally have key players back in the squad and have now won consecutive Premier League matches for the first time since September.
Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso made their Premier League debuts, with Tel starting up front. Vicario and Maddison returned to the XI, while Johnson, Odobert, and Udogie made the bench.
Manchester United’s injury crisis was a major talking point before kick-off, but their starting XI looked strong; though their bench closely resembled what Spurs have had for most of their time since November.
First half: Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Man United
Both sides started at a high tempo, moving the ball quickly from one end to the other. Manchester United came close early on, with Rasmus Højlund testing Vicario before a goal-line clearance from Ben Davies denied the visitors an opener.
Just two minutes later, Spurs struck first. Pedro Porro whipped in a cross to Son at the back post, but Maguire blocked his volley. The ball dropped to Bergvall, whose shot Onana parried, only for James Maddison to slot the rebound into an empty net. A simple tap-in, but clever positioning.
That goal takes his tally to ten for the season, and he celebrated by ‘shushing’ his critics, particularly Roy Keane, who had taken a dig at him earlier in the week.
United almost responded ten minutes later when a misplaced Porro allowed Bruno Fernandes to slip through Alejandro Garnacho. However, the Argentine somehow managed to fire the ball over the bar.
Spurs had a chance to double their lead before the half-hour mark. Maddison sent a long ball to Son, who set up Tel, but the debutant’s first-time strike went straight at Onana.
Maddison and Djed Spence continued to create openings, while Tel continued to strike on target. At half-time, Spurs led 1-0, having edged possession (66%) and xG (1.01 vs United’s 0.65).
Second half: Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Man United
The second half began similarly, with United pushing for an equaliser and Spurs looking to double their lead.
Djed Spence, already impressive in the first half, took his performance to another level. Driving down the left flank, he consistently caused problems for the United defence, setting up Tel and Son for efforts on goal; though neither had the necessary power or accuracy.
Ten minutes after the restart, Vicario produced two outstanding saves, denying both Zirkzee and Garnacho in quick succession.
Despite United’s fatigue, Amorim made just one change, deep into stoppage time, while Spurs’ substitutions kept them looking more energetic.
In the last minute of stoppage time, Tel had the chance to mark his debut with a goal, through a one-on-one with Onana, but the United keeper did well to hold on.
And with that, 105 days after their last home league win, Spurs finally secured 3 points at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Tottenham Takeaways
Spurs finally have their midfield back. After weeks of disjointed performances, Tottenham’s midfield finally looked balanced. James Maddison is the missing piece of the puzzle. He demanded the ball, progressed play well, and even put in a few defensive interventions including that one sliding tackle. Bergvall and Bentancur complemented him well, forming what appears to be Spurs’ most effective midfield trio.
Djed Spence: What a player Spurs have on their hands. Once an outcast, now undroppable. Djed Spence put in a man-of-the-match performance, dominating his flank. He registered 87 touches, nine passes into the final third, won six of his seven duels, and was never dispossessed. Moving forward, he also created a few chances for Tel and Son. With Destiny Udogie back from injury, Ange Postecoglou will have a few selection dilemmas.
The returnees: Maddison deserved his own section even though he too returned from an injury. However, the other returning players had an impact too. Guglielmo Vicario, playing his first game since November, showed exactly what Spurs have been missing. He made six crucial saves and it’s hard to think how Spurs would’ve kept a clean sheet if not for him. Brennan Johnson, though quiet, looked energetic on the left. Wilson Odobert’s late cameo hinted at the excitement he could bring in the coming weeks.
What’s next for Spurs?
This was a much-needed win for Spurs. It takes them to 12th with 30 points, and they’ll remain there for the next two weeks as they sit four points behind Brentford in 11th.
It may seem like the players have returned from injuries a bit too late, especially just after exiting the cup competitions, but better late than never. Spurs still have a lot to fight for in the Premier League and Europa League.
Next up is 18th-placed Ipswich on Saturday, and Spurs will hope to avenge their defeat in the reverse fixture.
COYS!