New Delhi: Tottenham Hotspur have managed to get themselves into tricky situations and then some more throughout this season. Their win 4-3 in the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Manchester United goes on to show just how unpredictable and chaotic the team has been.
At the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Ange Postecoglou’s side started well, with Dominic Solanke scoring in the 15th minute. Manchester United, for their part, were immediately trying to equalize, with Christian Eriksen’s shot on target in the 22nd minute being blocked by Yves Bissouma. United created quite a few chances throughout the first half; however, the hosts took the 1-0 lead into the break.
INTO THE SEMI-FINALS!!! pic.twitter.com/q1TUyc4e4l
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 19, 2024
Within a minute of the action resuming, it was Dejan Kulusevski who doubled the lead for the Lilywhites, followed by Solanke, scoring his brace in the 54th minute of the game. Tottenham were clearly in the lead, and there was little left for Man United to do, one would have thought. It was though the start of the drama that was to unfold.
United’s Joshua Zirkzee, who has been in excellent form under Ruben Amorim, scored the first goal for the Red Devils in the 63rd minute, scoring for the first time in the league this season. Within seven minutes, Amad Diallo, whose future at the club was of much speculation before the game, scored the second goal within seven minutes, with Fraser Forster giving away United’s second goal.
The game was back on as there was only a goal deficit for United, with Amorim looking at his substitutes to turn the game on its head and give him the game’s first goal, and they rewarded him in full. As the teams battled on, Heung-Min Son gave Spurs their fourth goal of the match in the 88th minute.
Just when Postecoglou would have thought that the game was theirs, Johnny Evans scored the third goal from Amad Diallo’s assist in the stoppage time to keep the game interesting for the final four minutes that would have been left. In the end, Tottenham managed to keep United quiet enough to reach the semi-finals of the EFL Cup.
So close yet so far for Manchester United
Man United could take some positives; however, Amorim and his side have been humbled by the game. They would reflect back on the game and understand the situation they are currently in with their squad, with many believing Jonny Evans is clinging on to his place in the side, as are Antony and Victor Lindelof.
They also need to figure out a way for Marcus Rashford to shine at his best. Their defence for everything is still shaky, and any team that can make them run. It is due to this that they have maintained just one clean sheet across eight games across the competition. Altay Bayindir literally gifted the opening goal from Solanke, and Heung Min Son’s goal was completely due to his error.
For Tottenham, they know they have managed a close call to reach the semi-finals of the EFL Cup. While there are many positives for the side, with clever running and angles being at the top of it, they would obviously reflect on their performance. Despite having scored three goals before the hour, Tottenham were almost bidding goodbye to a semi-final appearance.
The reason for the game becoming an edge-of-the-seat contest was primarily all down to their poor defence despite having a great midfield and amazing attack. Mistakes from Forster on the two occasions could have nearly ended Postecoglou’s dream of lifting a trophy.
Player of the Match
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— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 19, 2024
Heung-Min Son’s goal made the ultimate difference for Tottenham, and he was rightly given the Man of the Match award. While a lot of game was won with Dominic Solanke’s amazing brace, having scored five goals now against Man United in his last four outings, it was Min Son who put Lilywhites just out of reach for United.
In the 90 minutes Min Son played, he created one chance and three shots on target. He was brilliant in the defence as well, winning both of his tackles and making ball recovery on two occasions.
Despite Manchester United making a late comeback in the game, Tottenham Hotspur were able to stay alive in the competition just enough to reach the semi-final of the EFL Cup. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
