London: Tottenham Hotspur won their first home league game since early November as James Maddison’s goal was enough to beat Manchester United 1-0.
Spurs had not won on home soil in the Premier League in their last seven attempts (D2 L5), but Maddison’s first ever goal against the Red Devils when he followed up Lucas Bergvall’s saved effort secured victory. The win moves Spurs up to 12th, while United drop down to 15th.
United succumbed to their 12th league defeat of the season, having only lost more in one other Premier League campaign (14 in 2023-24).
Spurs took the lead in the 13th minute. A deep cross from Rodrigo Bentancur found Son Heung-min at the far post. His volley fell kindly for Bergvall, and his shot was parried by Andre Onana straight to the alert Maddison, who reacted
first to slot past the Cameroon international.
Alejandro Garnacho should have levelled in the 23rd minute, but fired over when played in by Bruno Fernandes, while Mathys Tel was denied by Onana at the other end with a near-post effort soon after, but Spurs went in ahead at the break.
Only Leicester City (7) have scored fewer first-half goals in the Premier League this season than United (9), who have scored just once in the first half of their last 10 league games combined, with that goal a Bruno Fernandes penalty against Brighton in January.
Garnacho had another good opportunity 10 minutes into the second half but his shot was saved comfortably by the returning Vicario, and the Italian made an excellent save from the same player again moments later after Garnacho fired a low strike at his near post.
Tottenham pressed for a second goal and had 12 shots between the 49th and 69th minute, but only two of those were on target. In total, United faced 22 shots from the hosts in this game. The only other time this season they have faced 20+ shots in a Premier League game was in the
reverse fixture against Spurs (24) in September.
Joshua Zirkzee had a header flash just wide of the far post, while Dejan Kulusevski was denied by Onana and Djed Spence made a vital block from Rasmus Hojlund as the game went one way and the other, with both teams desperate for points.
United may not have turned to the bench much, but Postecoglou did, including returns from injury for Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert. That, coupled with a much-needed three points, was cause for celebration for Tottenham fans.
