Vicario and Maddison shine as Spurs defeat Manchester United again.

Re-fit Guglielmo Vicario and James Maddison were the mainstays as Tottenham defeated Manchester United 1-0 to snap their lengthy home losing streak and highlight the issues confronting Ruben Amorim and his injury-plagued team.

In his first appearance since November 23, Vicario repeatedly denied Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund, while Maddison, who had missed the previous five games, pounced when Andre Onana parried Lucas Bergvall's first-half attempt to give Spurs the lead.

With key players returning from the treatment room following months of injury issues, Spurs appeared to be on the verge of turning around in the contest between the Premier League's two worst underachievers this season. They rejoiced after defeating United for the third time this season in all competitions and snapping a seven-game losing streak in the league. This is the first time they've done that since 1989/90.

Spurs, who defeated Brentford and United in back-to-back games in September, are presently in 12th place in the Premier League after winning back-to-back games for just the second time this season.

Amorim's team had their opportunities, most notably when Joshua Zirkzee nodded wide and Garnacho blasted over when unmarked in the box, but they were frequently stretched open out of possession.

Amorim had very little options because Amad Diallo was probably lost for the season, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, and Leny Yoro were all sidelined, and Victor Lindelof was benched by teenagers with no Premier League experience. The fact that he didn't substitute until the ninetieth minute emphasises the issue.

In order to succeed in a season where the FA Cup and Europa League, which also includes Spurs, have become their top priorities, United, who now sit in 15th place in the table, desperately need a spark. However, there doesn't seem to be a major change in their output or performance coming soon.

Spurs' performance gives Postecoglou encouragement.
Ange Postecoglou, the Spurs manager:

"[The outcome] was crucial. Today provided an opportunity to begin addressing the fact that our league position is far from ideal. The players returned, and we had a successful training week.

"It's not that we haven't worked hard; we've had a difficult few months. We can play better if we get the boys back up to speed, so it was crucial to get some traction.

"We had a better press. We made it difficult for Man Utd to leave. In the last third, we were more focused but still lacked fluidity. It was a respectable attempt.

Amorim: I have a really difficult job at Man Utd.
Ruben Amorim, manager of Manchester United:

"They scored in the end, but we didn't. That was the game's main difference. We had numerous opportunities, but ultimately they scored one goal while we failed to.

"Creating scenarios is the first stage. We've played games when we didn't generate circumstances and instead played around the box. In this game, we set up scenarios. One goal, however, was always going to make the difference in this game because both sides were struggling.

"You begin with a single concept. For a long time, we asked about a long week. And we put our beliefs into practice, but you lose players who alter your strategy every day. With Joshua [Zirkzee], I couldn't play as well as I can with Amad [Diallo].

Because Bruno Fernandes is so skilled at changing the play, there are moments when you want him to go to the ball during the build-up. However, it's somewhat difficult to get Bruno to press as well. It's also very difficult to get players to react to the foundation when you are constantly modifying.

"I think it's more difficult to play 4-4-2 in the low block against this team than what we did today. They extend the team and are very transparent. I see what you folks see and what you talk about each week. My work is really difficult here, and I have a lot of issues. However, I remain true to my convictions.