Brennan Johnson’s first-half goal proved vital in a 1-0 triumph over Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final at San Mamés on Thursday, effectively ending a 17-year trophy drought. Guiding the team to a historic European championship, Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou fulfilled on his pledge to bring success in his second season.
Though United and Spurs finish 16th and 17th respectively, Tottenham’s European victory provides a much-needed boost in morale and direction for the North London team even if the Premier League suffers.
Although the victory might not ensure Postecoglou’s future at the helm, it marks his name in the annals of the club alongside illustrious managers Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw, both of whom guided Tottenham to European glory before.
The result represents a major setback for Manchester United given they will be missing European football for the first time since the 2014–2015 campaign.
Spurs’s first piece of trophy since their League Cup victory in 2008 and their first European title since 1984. Apart from relieving a protracted wait, the triumph guarantees a spot in the UEFA Champions League for next season and generates an estimated £100 million in income.
Emotional after the last whistle, Postecoglou admitted the weight of past mistakes. Unfortunately, breaking the loop is more difficult the longer the wait. I sensed anxiety all over the club. You never really know what it feels like until you remove that monkey from your spine.
Although our group is somewhat young, I hope this experience shapes their perspective and helps them grow. Spurs benched captain Son Heung-min in a dramatic gesture while United boss Ruben Amorim began Mason Mount ahead of Alejandro Garnacho in attack.
Early on United looked dangerous, Bruno Fernandes challenging goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario with a menacing shot and creating pressure from a corner. Though both teams had early chances, the breakthrough came when Pape Matar Sarr produced a low cross from the left. Near the goal line, Brennan Johnson and Luke Shaw clashed; the ball deflected off Shaw before Johnson could get the last touch to pass André Onana.
After a blunder by Vicario, United had a great opportunity to level through Rasmus Højlund but the Danish forward missed. Amorim’s team controlled possession in the second half, but in the final third they lacked accuracy and they were finally unable to breach Spurs’ strong defence.
