BILBAO (SPAIN) — Brennan Johnson scored the winning goal three minutes
before half-time as Tottenham Hotspur defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the
Europa League final to claim their first European title in 41 years and their
first major trophy since 2008.
Neither team was able to take control of the game, and
after Tottenham chose to sit deep in the second half to protect its lead,
Manchester United failed to generate any clear-cut chances to equalise.
There was a mild surprise in United's starting lineup,
with Alejandro Garnacho left on the bench in favour of Mason Mount, who had
scored a decisive goal in the semifinal.
The first half was far from a footballing showcase, with
limited space in midfield and both teams repeating the errors that have plagued
their domestic campaigns.
Tottenham showed more attacking intent, partly due to a
backline that has struggled this season.
Richarlison posed a threat and nearly scored from a Pedro
Porro cross. Johnson also came close after a Harry Maguire error opened space
on the right, while at the other end, Amad Diallo fired narrowly wide after a
pair of Bruno Fernandes-inspired chances.
Fernandes was central to United's forward play but found
little room in a game defined by high energy and low quality.
Tottenham's lone goal typified the match. Johnson got a
touch on Pape Sarr's cross from the left, reacting quickly, and the ball
ricocheted off Shaw into the net.
United attempted to push forward in the second half, but
their possession only served to highlight the attacking inefficiency that has
marred their season.
Micky van de Ven cleared off the line midway through the
half after Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario misjudged a cross. Fernandes
then fired wide, and United failed to muster another meaningful opportunity
until deep into stoppage time, when Shaw's powerful header was denied by
Vicario.
Tottenham coach Ange Postecoglou has claimed he always
wins something in his second season at a club. Whether he will remain for a
third, despite this success, remains an open question.
