Tottenham edge Manchester United 1-0 to lift Europa League title. ISTANBULThe game’s only goal came in the 42nd minute when Brennan Johnson found the net, giving the North London club a lead they defended until the final whistle.Manchester United pushed for an equalizer in the second half, with multiple chances falling to Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Hojlund and Luke Shaw. The closest came in stoppage time when Shaw’s point-blank header was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.Tottenham ended their 17-year wait for a trophy as Brennan Johnson's first-half goal was enough to beat Manchester United in the Europa League final.
Victory means under-fire head coach Ange Postecoglou has fulfilled a promise to deliver silverware in his second season at Spurs. Postecoglou, who said he would "never be a clown" in his pre-match address, brought smiles and unbridled joy to the faces of the 15,000 official, and many unofficial, Tottenham fans in Bilbao's San Mames Stadium.
Victory may not save Postecoglou from a Spurs exit in the coming weeks. But the Australian will leave as a hero after joining Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw in winning a European trophy with the north London giants.
In addition to following the lead of Newcastle and Crystal Palace in making this a season of glory for clubs who rarely, if ever, win a trophy, Tottenham are also set to benefit from a £100m windfall after qualifying for next season's Champions League.
“Tottenham showed great composure and defensive discipline,” said UEFA technical observers, highlighting Micky Van de Ven’s goal-line clearance in the 68th minute as one of the decisive moments.
German referee Felix Zwayer officiated the match, assisted by Robert Kempter and Christian Dietz.The final featured high tension, with seven yellow cards issued, including to Man United’s Harry Maguire and Tottenham’s Yves Bissouma.Tottenham’s starting lineup included Vicario in goal and attacking duo Richarlison and Dominic Solanke, while Manchester United featured Andre Onana, Maguire, Bruno Fernandes and Hojlund.