Tottenham Hotspur stun Manchester United to win first major trophy in 17 years

Wednesday June 21 was a tense day for football fans across the country—me included—as Tottenham Hotspur and Man United travelled to Bilbao for the long-awaited Europa League final. This offered Spurs a rare opportunity to end their infamous trophy drought, as well as giving United a chance to prove themselves after a rather unsuccessful year.

Brennan Johnson, who previously deactivated his Instagram account after receiving an influx of abuse from fans, was able to tap the ball into the net

With both teams sitting at a shocking 16th and 17th in the Premier League table, this year’s final made history as the lowest-ranked European final ever. However, Spurs manager, Ange Postecoglou’s, claims were sure to have echoed in the minds of all fans, “I always win things in my second season,” he declared in September.

Neither side showed much promise in the first half of the match, but Manchester United seemed to show more promise, claiming 2/3 possession, as well as having twice as many shots on target as their North London opponents.

However, this did little to dishearten the Lilywhites, who broke the deadlock to score the final’s only goal, just three minutes before half time. Welsh forward, Brennan Johnson, who previously deactivated his Instagram account after receiving an influx of abuse from fans after a few poor performances, was able to tap the ball into the net after deflecting off of Man United defender, Luke Shaw’s arm.

Micky Van de Ven’s astonishing goal line clearance in the 68th minute kept the dream alive for Spurs

Whilst there was some confusion around whether Johnson made contact with the ball before it entered the goal, Spurs fans around the world—both those in Bilbao and back in the UK—erupted in absolute glee as their dreams of winning a European final seemed just one step closer.

Just 45 minutes stood between Spurs and their first major trophy in 17 years, and with Manchester United equally as desperate for some silverware, it was going to be an incredibly tough second half for Tottenham.

Again, United dominated in the second half, recording 11 shots on target versus Tottenham’s zero. While they may have only managed 20% possession during these last 45 minutes, Spurs’ defensive players highlighted their skill and agility, particularly Dutch centre-back, Micky Van de Ven, whose astonishing goal line clearance in the 68th minute kept the dream alive for Spurs.

Spurs legend and current captain, Heung-Min Son burst into tears at full time, finally having something to show for his 10 years of commitment at the club

It was this, along with goalkeeper, Vicario’s impressive added time save that sealed the win for Tottenham Hotspur, giving them not only a long-awaited trophy, but a place in the Champions League next year—an achievement which seemed near impossible considering their league form this season.

As the final whistle blew, cheers echoed all around the stadium, as Spurs players dropped to their knees in complete disbelief. Spurs legend and current captain, Heung-Min Son burst into tears at full time, finally having something to show for his 10 years of commitment at the club.

For both Amorim and Postecoglou, this match could have been the be-all and end-all of their careers. However, it seems as though both managers will keep their jobs, at least for now, even in spite of their poor league form. The incoming summer transfer window will prove to be a very important opportunity for both to build on their squads, and hope for a more successful 25/26 season.