Fit-again James Maddison and Guglielmo Vicario starred as Tottenham beat Manchester United 1-0 to end their long winless run at home and expose the problems facing Ruben Amorim and his injury-hit squad.
Maddison – who had missed the last five games – pounced when Andre Onana parried Lucas Bergvall’s first-half shot to give Spurs the lead while Vicario, on his first appearance since November 23, repeatedly denied Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund.
In the battle of the Premier League’s two biggest underperformers this season, it was Spurs who looked like they could finally be on an upward curve as key players return from the treatment room after months of injury issues. They celebrated ending a seven-game wait for a league win on their patch and a third win over United across all competitions this term. It’s the first time since 1989/90 they’ve done that.
Spurs are now up to 12th after back-to-back wins in the Premier League for just the second time this season – they also beat Brentford and United consecutively in September.
Amorim’s side had their chances – most glaringly when Garnacho blazed over when unmarked in the box and Joshua Zirkzee nodded wide – but out of possession were regularly stretched open.
With Amad Diallo likely out for the season, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo and Leny Yoro sidelined, and Victor Lindelof surrounded by teenagers without any Premier League experience on the bench, Amorim’s alternatives were severely limited. He didn’t make a sub until the 90th minute, underlining the point.
United languish 15th in the table and are in desperate need of a spark if they are to make a success of a season in which the FA Cup and Europa League – which also features Spurs – have become their priority. But a significant shift in their performances and results doesn’t appear imminent.
Sky Sports