In a nerve-wracking Europa League Final in San Mamés, Spurs made the first mark on their Manchester rivals from Manchester. They found the net moments before halftime, putting them up 1-0. However, at the 42-minute mark, just before the half, a huge turning point played out. Luke Shaw of Manchester United gifted an own goal to give Tottenham the play advantage as both teams neared halftime.
The game opened up with both sides showing off their dazzling talent. Neither team was able to find the scoreboard in a frantic first five minutes. Shaw’s dismal gaffe reverberated throughout the stadium. Fans and players alike could sense the tension escalating to an outrageous level. Tottenham’s Brennan Johnson, who was involved in the play leading to the goal, was officially credited with the goal by UEFA, despite the fact that it came off Shaw’s foot.
To its credit, Yves Bissouma, Tottenham’s recently-acquired midfielder, made the decisive play. He just missed a life-saving clearance seconds before the eventual goal, preventing his team from going down early. It was the defensive effort that gave Spurs the impetus to go on and eventually take full advantage of Manchester United’s bad luck.
As the game went on, Manchester United very much went off the boil. The team’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana, found himself unable to stop the ball from entering his goal following Shaw’s mistake. The sense of pressure was certainly felt, especially in light of the growing discontent from United fans.
Aside from the alarming injuries, disciplinary concerns were rampant for both teams in the first half. Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven deservedly got a yellow card for pushing Manchester United’s Hojlund in the backside. At the other end, Diallo picked up a yellow card for a persistent foul. Casemiro went in on Fernandes very aggressively. The referee swept the violent play under the rug, angering players on both sides and their fans.
The first half ended after two minutes of stoppage time with no goals netted by either team. As they each marched back to their respective locker rooms, Tottenham held onto their 1-0 advantage. They were inspired by a burning desire to win their first major trophy in over three decades.
“The disrespect for two teams in a European final on this feed is appalling. Yes, they have been poor in the league this season, but this is still a major tournament and 99% of football fans will never see their club on this stage. Banter is all well and good, but show some respect.” – Edward O’Brien
As fans got comfortable going into the second-half, excitement filled the stadium. At the same time, experts and commentators were lamenting the quality of play from both teams thus far. Others pointed out that the highly touted game had turned into a juggernaut of penalty failures and sloppy displays.
“This game has been abject so far. Most of the time has been spent rolling on the floor. Man Utd have mustered an xG of 0.21, whilst Spurs have only had 37% of the ball. Both teams look bereft of ideas and lacking confidence. It’s easy to see why both of these teams are so far down the Premier League table.” – Steven Grundy
The stakes were still high as Spurs tried to hold onto their lead and United pushed for a leveler. We have the match fans eagerly speculated about how this one would be remembered. They never could tell if a random stroke of luck or bad luck would end up determining their fate.
“Sometimes when two teams from the same country and division meet in Europe there’s a decision to be made over how to approach it. Play it like a Premier League game or treat it as you would any other European tie.” – Chris Kempshall
Second half opening minutes Backed by the home crowd, Tottenham’s priority was on doubling or tripling their lead. At the same time, Manchester United battled hard to change the result. Even with valiant pushes from both teams, neither side was able to find any obvious opportunities for the bulk of the second half.
And as each minute ticked by, tension started to rise in the hallowed ground of San Mamés. To a man, both squads could sense the heat rising. They played with a chip on their shoulder not only with the motivation to win, but to redeem themselves for a lackluster domestic campaign.
“That goal is a microcosm of our entire season. Scrappy, awful, ugly, but at the end of it Brennan Johnson appears with a goal.” – Alexandra Ashton
Supporters from both clubs expressed conflicting emotions about their teams’ performances and prospects. Many fans took to social media to complain about the lack of good football that should be played at such a historic event.
And when Spurs held on to that narrow advantage in the dying minutes, their first-leg deficit, along with Manchester City’s, hope blossomed. Conversations about imagined future possibilities permeated the building, inspiring both excitement and trepidation.
“What’s the funniest outcome here? Spurs continuing their streak without a trophy? Or Sir Jim having to cancel the big team barbecue? I’m leaning towards Sir Jim having to throw out all the yellow stickered meat he’s bought following a Spurs victory.” – Jonny Bull