Tottenham v Manchester United | Premier League | Match Highlights

Tottenham finally ended their home league drought with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Manchester United, securing their first Premier League win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since early November. The result was a much-needed boost for Ange Postecoglou’s side, who had struggled for form on their own turf, failing to win in their previous seven home league outings (D2 L5). James Maddison’s decisive goal proved to be the difference, with the attacking midfielder reacting quickest to a rebound from Lucas Bergvall’s shot to steer the ball past André Onana and into the back of the net. The victory lifted Spurs to 12th place in the table, while a dismal season for United continued as they slumped to 15th, further amplifying concerns about their trajectory under Ruben Amorim.

The win was particularly significant for Tottenham, not just because of their poor recent home form but also because it marked Maddison’s first-ever goal against Manchester United, a club he had faced numerous times without finding the net. His crucial strike came in the 13th minute, originating from a well-executed attacking move. Rodrigo Bentancur delivered a deep cross to the far post, where Son Heung-min controlled the ball before striking a volley that fell kindly for Bergvall. The youngster’s effort was well-saved by Onana, but Maddison was on hand to calmly place the rebound past the United goalkeeper, sending the home crowd into rapturous celebration.

Postecoglou was able to recall first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario for the first time since late November, a major boost for Spurs' defensive stability. Meanwhile, United manager Ruben Amorim faced a more challenging situation, naming an extremely inexperienced bench due to a combination of injuries and illness. With Victor Lindelöf (30) being the only player over the age of 19 among the substitutes, United’s lack of depth was glaring. This was further evidenced by the fact that Amorim only made one substitution in the match, bringing on 16-year-old forward Chido Obi-Martin for his senior debut in stoppage time.

For United, the defeat marked their 12th loss of the Premier League season, a worrying statistic that highlighted their struggles. They have only endured more defeats in a single Premier League campaign once before, when they suffered 14 losses in the 2023-24 season. The lack of a clinical edge in front of goal continued to haunt them, as demonstrated by their failure to capitalize on several promising opportunities. Alejandro Garnacho had a golden chance to equalize in the 23rd minute after being played through by Bruno Fernandes, but the young winger blazed his effort over the bar. Moments later, at the other end, Mathys Tel was denied by a strong save from Onana after attempting a near-post finish, ensuring that Spurs maintained their lead going into halftime.

United’s inefficiency in the opening 45 minutes was further underlined by their woeful first-half scoring record. Only Leicester City (7) had netted fewer goals in the opening half of games this season than United (9). Even more damning, United had managed to score just one first-half goal in their last ten league matches combined—a Bruno Fernandes penalty against Brighton in January. This alarming trend persisted as they failed to break Tottenham’s defensive resistance before the interval, leaving them with plenty to do in the second half.

Garnacho continued to be United’s most threatening outlet, and he had two more chances early in the second half, both of which were thwarted by the returning Vicario. In the 55th minute, the Argentine forward drove into the box and unleashed a powerful shot, only for Vicario to make a routine save. Just moments later, Garnacho tried his luck again, aiming a low strike toward the near post, but Vicario was equal to the effort, showcasing his sharp reflexes. These chances underlined United’s growing pressure, yet they still lacked the finishing touch required to change the course of the game.

As United pressed for an equalizer, Tottenham sought to double their advantage. The home side unleashed a flurry of attacks, registering 12 shots between the 49th and 69th minute. However, only two of those attempts were on target, a frustrating statistic given the volume of opportunities they created. Despite the lack of accuracy, Spurs’ attacking intent was clear, as they continued to probe for a second goal that would put the game beyond United’s reach. In total, United faced 22 shots from their opponents, an alarming defensive statistic. The only other time they had faced 20 or more shots in a league game this season was in the reverse fixture against Spurs back in September, where they conceded 24 attempts.

The frantic nature of the contest meant that both teams had opportunities to find the net in the latter stages. Joshua Zirkzee came agonizingly close to leveling the score for United when he rose highest to meet a cross, only for his header to flash just wide of the far post. At the other end, Dejan Kulusevski forced a solid save from Onana, who kept United in the game with a string of important stops. Meanwhile, Spurs defender Djed Spence made a crucial intervention to block a goal-bound effort from Rasmus Højlund, preventing what could have been a dramatic equalizer.

Although United largely refrained from making substitutions, Tottenham’s bench played a more active role in the match. Postecoglou was able to introduce fresh legs, including the returns of Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert from injury. Their presence added more energy to Spurs’ attack, allowing them to see out the game with greater control. With the final whistle, relief and jubilation swept through the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The home fans finally had a reason to celebrate after a prolonged spell of disappointment on their own turf.

For Tottenham, this victory was more than just three points—it was a statement of resilience and a testament to their determination to turn their home form around. It was also a performance that highlighted Maddison’s growing influence within the squad, as he not only scored the winner but also dictated much of the attacking play throughout the game. Postecoglou will undoubtedly take confidence from the result, but he will also be aware that more consistency is needed if Spurs are to climb further up the table.

As for Manchester United, this defeat further deepened their woes. Their inability to score goals, combined with their defensive vulnerabilities, has left them struggling to find a winning formula. Amorim’s side now face an uphill battle to salvage something from their season, and with injuries depleting their squad, their task becomes even more daunting. If United are to avoid their worst-ever Premier League campaign, they will need to find solutions—and fast.

Ultimately, it was Tottenham who emerged victorious, securing a vital win that not only ended their home league hoodoo but also provided a morale boost for their players and fans alike. The performance may not have been perfect, but the result was all that mattered. For now, Spurs can celebrate a long-overdue home victory, while United are left to reflect on yet another setback in what has been a challenging campaign.