TOTTENHAM END 17-YEAR TROPHY DROUGHT WITH SCRAPPY EUROPA LEAGUE WIN OVER MAN UNITED
Read Time:2 Minute, 59 Second
Agency Report
Brennan Johnson’s fortunate, scrambled goal helped Tottenham Hotspur secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final on Wednesday, ending a 17-year trophy drought for the North London club.
Spurs had not lifted European silverware since 1984, and Johnson’s first-half strike ensured they would finally break their barren run, earning a spot in next season’s Champions League. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s failure to qualify for Europe next season marks a severe financial blow for the club, who are also struggling in the Premier League.
Despite Tottenham’s historic win, manager Ange Postecoglou’s future at the club remains uncertain after a turbulent domestic season, with Spurs languishing just below United in the Premier League’s lower reaches. The Australian coach, who had promised to win a trophy in his second season at the helm, had a point to prove, and it was a defiant victory on the big stage.
“This is what it’s all about, this club hasn’t won a trophy for 17 years. Honestly, this means so much,” said Johnson in an emotional interview after the match. “Ever since I came here, it’s been, ‘Tottenham are a good team, but they never get it done.’ Well, we got it done!”
Fans from all corners of the globe packed Bilbao’s San Mames Stadium, with some taking long and difficult journeys to avoid extortionate prices. Yet, they were treated to a final lacking in quality despite the intensity, as both teams struggled with confidence, having endured miserable Premier League campaigns.
Harry Maguire made a crucial block early on to deny Tottenham’s Pape Sarr after Johnson’s pace caused problems down the right wing. United, on the other hand, had their own moments, with winger Amad Diallo testing Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
The match’s breakthrough came just before the interval in the 42nd minute, when Tottenham midfielder Sarr curled in a cross that bounced off Shaw’s shoulder and found Johnson’s boot. The ball slowly crossed the line, with United goalkeeper Andre Onana helpless to prevent it.
Spurs sat deep in the second half, trying to protect their lead and look for counter-attacking opportunities. One nearly came when Yves Bissouma played in Dominic Solanke, but the striker failed to control the pass and wasted the chance.
Manchester United had their best opportunity to equalize when Vicario failed to claim a dangerous set-piece. Rasmus Hojlund’s header was cleared off the line in spectacular fashion by Micky van de Ven, preserving Tottenham’s slender advantage.
As the clock ticked down, Spurs introduced captain Son Heung-min, who had surprisingly started on the bench, for the weary Richarlison. United threw on Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee in a last-ditch attempt to salvage the match, but they were unable to break Spurs’ resolute defense.
Shaw had one final chance to redeem himself for his part in Johnson’s goal, but his header was saved by Vicario, ensuring Tottenham’s historic victory.
The win marked a huge achievement for Spurs, who now look forward to playing in next season’s Champions League. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s trophy hopes were dashed, and they will miss European football for the first time since the 2014-15 season.
This Europa League triumph sees Tottenham join an exclusive list of clubs with three Europa League titles, including Sevilla, Inter Milan, Juventus, Liverpool, and Atletico Madrid. For Spurs, this victory represents a fresh chapter and a much-needed morale boost after a challenging season.
AFP
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0