Postecoglou prophecy comes true as Spurs win Europa League | OneFootball

When Ange Postecoglou said he ‘always win things’ in his second season, he insisted it was a statement of fact and not a defiant retort to his doubters.

Factually, again, it has rung true. Tottenham Hotspur have beaten Manchester United 1-0 to win the Europa League, ending a 17-year wait for a major trophy and adding a silver lining to what has been a torrid campaign.

This was not a final for the purists. Billed as a winner-takes-all showdown, the ramifications of victory – and defeat – were evident in a cagey contest in Bilbao. It was a European final, but this was a game that lacked quality.

Neither side could create clear openings, and the decisive goal perhaps summarised the spectacle. Brennan Johnson’s willingness to gamble paid off, as the Welshman bundled in a cross at the near post. The final touch may have come off Luke Shaw for an own goal, but few in the travelling Tottenham contingent cared.

Manchester United struggled to get a grip on the game but began to dominate territory as the game progressed. Spurs dropped ever deeper in protection of their narrow lead and were reliant on a stunning Micky van de Ven clearance to deny Rasmus Hojlund, after the shaky Guglielmo Vicario fumbled a cross to the United forward.

Vicario redeemed himself with saves from Alejandro Garnacho and Shaw, the second superb and deep in stoppage time, as Spurs held firm to end their trophy drought.

For Postecoglou, this was vindication. It may not be enough to preserve his job, given the disaster of Tottenham’s league campaign, but this was proof that the Australian can deviate from the game plan and get results on the biggest stage.

Spurs will play Champions League football next season. It may be the platform and financial windfall that the North Londoners need to re-climb the Premier League table next season.

For Manchester United, there is no such luxury. Ruben Amorim’s arrival has not improved their fortunes, and now the struggling coach must rebuild without the carrot and fortune that Champions League football brings.

In a do-or-die final, it was Spurs who triumphed at the San Mames Stadium.

The Spursy tag defied.

Postecoglou’s promise delivered.

Read – Five of the most memorable Europa League finals

See more – Premier League Team of the Week – Ndiaye, Nketiah, Raya

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