New Delhi: Manchester United travelled to Tottenham in the hopes of avenging their 3-0 humiliation at home from earlier in the season but a huge injury crisis made that a bit more difficult. Tottenham, who had been suffering from an injury crisis of their own, welcomed back two of their stars in James Maddison and Guglielmo Vicario who proved to be the difference between the two sides.
The hosts took the lead early in the first half as James Maddison marked his return from injury with the decisive goal in this crucial Premier League clash. Maddison, who had been sidelined for nearly four weeks with a calf injury, pounced on a rebound in the 13th minute after Andre Onana parried Lucas Bergvall’s shot, sealing Spurs’ first home league win in seven matches.
Tottenham have endured a rough patch in recent weeks, including early exits from both domestic cup competitions. However, Ange Postecoglou’s men showed signs of improvement with key players returning from injury. Maddison, playing his first league match since early January, provided the moment of quality that Spurs had been missing, reacting quickly to Onana’s save and tapping in from close range.
Alongside Maddison, goalkeeper Vicario also returned from a long layoff and produced a string of vital saves to preserve Tottenham’s lead. New signing Mathys Tel looked lively on his first league start since arriving from Bayern Munich, forcing Onana into a low save after being set up by Son Heung-min in the first half. Dejan Kulusevski also went close midway through the second half, but Spurs ultimately had to grind out the result.
VICTORY IN N17! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/lblA2QlizI
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) February 16, 2025
Despite taking the lead early, Spurs struggled for control in midfield, allowing United opportunities to get back into the game. However, their resilience at the back, combined with United’s wastefulness, ensured they secured back-to-back league wins for just the second time this season. For United, it was another frustrating evening as they suffered their fourth straight league defeat, slipping to 15th in the table, just 12 points clear of the relegation zone.
Ruben Amorim’s side, already struggling with an injury crisis, failed to convert key chances and now find themselves in a desperate battle to salvage their season. This was another painful defeat for the head coach as he watched his depleted squad struggle once again. Already dealing with an injury crisis, United were without Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, and Leny Yoro, while Victor Lindelöf was surrounded by inexperienced teenagers on the bench.
Despite their struggles, United did create chances, but their finishing let them down. Alejandro Garnacho had the clearest opportunity, breaking through on goal but lifting his effort over the bar. Joshua Zirkzee also missed a crucial chance, heading wide from close range. With no viable options available to change the game, Amorim didn’t make a single substitution until the 90th minute, underlining the lack of depth in his squad.
He brought on 17-year-old Chido Obi-Martin in the dying minutes of the game to hand the exciting youngster his club debut but is was nothing more than a consolation for the teenage boy. This latest loss only increases the pressure on United, who have now lost to Spurs three times this season for the first time since 1989/90. Spurs completed a first league double over United in 35 years, easing pressure of manager Ange Postecoglou.
Player of the Match
Guglielmo Vicario stats vs Man Utd
6 saves
Accurate passes: 24/26 (92%)
3 diving saves
Goals conceded: 0
2 punches
2 throws
4 ball recoveries
Clean sheet 🧽🥅
Player of the match 🌟Shot stopper 🧱 #COYS #PremierLeague #TOTMUN pic.twitter.com/Rtm0gjL8KF
— Owen (@NufcOwen7) February 16, 2025
While both James Maddison and Mathys Tel were worthy contenders for this title, there’s no denying that Guglielmo Vicario was the best player on the field tonight. The Tottenham goalkeeper was a commanding presence between the sticks, making six crucial saves to keep Manchester United at bay in a hard-fought 1-0 victory. Despite Spurs’ struggles in midfield, Vicario stood tall, producing three stunning diving saves to deny Garnacho and Højlund. His composure and sharp reflexes ensured that United couldn’t capitalize on their few clear-cut chances, playing a vital role in Tottenham securing their first home league win in seven matches.
Beyond his shot-stopping heroics, Vicario was assured with the ball at his feet, registering a remarkable 92% pass accuracy. His distribution was crisp, and he was heavily involved in the build-up play with 32 touches and four key recoveries, showing his ability to command his area and relieve pressure when needed. This performance was a statement from Vicario, who had been sidelined with injury since November. His clean sheet against United not only marked a successful return but also reaffirmed why he is Spurs’ undisputed number one.
Tottenham Hotspur completed a league double over Manchester United for the first time in 35 years as a first half strike from James Maddison was enough to seal the win for the Lilywhites. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
