Tottenham beat Man United in cagey duel to lift Europa League

Tottenham Hotspur beat Manchester United 1-0 in a cagey duel in the Europa League final on Wednesday night to clinch their first major trophy in 17 years.

Tottenham, who last won a trophy in 2008 after beating London Rivals Chelsea 2-1 in a League Cup(now EFL Cup) final, have eventually broken their trophy drought with the European Cup.

Adding to their historic achievement under under-fire manager Ange Postecoglou, is the great relief of lifting their first European Cup in 40 years.

Brennan Johnson scored the only goal of the game in the 42nd minute, giving Tottenham Hotspur the lead in the Europa League final and lifting its first European trophy in more than four decades in Bilbao, Spain.

Man United took control of the game in the second half, creating opportunities for an equalizer, however, a resolute and determined Spurs were able to match up to the threat.

Brennan Johnson scored the only goal of the game in the 42nd minute, giving Tottenham Hotspur the lead in the Europa League final(Image credit: Gretty Images)

Leny Roro almost brought the game to parity after connecting with Bruno Fernandes’ free kick, but Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario was up to the task with a save.

The Spurs goalkeeper was later relieved to see Rasmus Hojlund’s header cleared off the line by defender Micky van de Ven with an acrobatic, well-timed kick.

United captain Fernandes kept pushing to level things for the under-performing Red Devils as he fizzed a free header past the post.

In seven minutes of added time, Vicario made a match-winning save to keep out Shaw’s header.

United midfielder Casemiro later thought he had saved the day, but his shot was agonisingly fired into the side netting with disappointment.

But the night belonged to Tottenham, who lifted their first European trophy since 1984 and beat Amorim’s side for a fourth time this year.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou backed his words up with a trophy in his second season (Image credit: Getty Images)

The title guarantees Spurs a spot in next season’s Champions League and brings much-needed relief to coach Ange Postecoglou, who struggled to keep his team on track all year.

The Australian manager will by no means have the last laugh, with his shoulders confidently raised – backing his words in September; “I always win things in my second year. Nothing has changed. I don’t say things unless I believe them.”

Tottenham’s victory comes six years after Tottenham fell short against Liverpool in the Champions League final under former manager Mauricio Pochettino.

The defeat adds pressure on United coach Ruben Amorim, whose team sits in 16th place, just ahead of Tottenham in the Premier League -denying them an opportunity of playing in any European competition next season.