Maddison marks return with winner for Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur 1 - 0 Manchester United
James Maddison made an immediate impact on his return from injury, scoring the decisive goal as Tottenham edged out fellow Premier League strugglers Manchester United.
Stadium - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
The midfielder, back after nearly four weeks sidelined with a calf problem, reacted quickest when United goalkeeper André Onana could only parry Lucas Bergvall’s shot, tapping home from close range after just 13 minutes.
United had opportunities to respond, with Alejandro Garnacho wasting a clear-cut chance in the first half when he lifted his effort over the bar. But in keeping with their recent struggles, it was another uninspiring performance from Ruben Amorim’s side.
For Spurs, this was a much-needed win—breaking a run of three straight defeats, including cup exits to Liverpool and Aston Villa. It also offers some respite for Ange Postecoglou, whose side climbs to 12th in the table, leapfrogging United in the process.
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Meanwhile, Amorim’s injury-hit United have now suffered four consecutive league defeats, dropping to 15th—albeit still 12 points clear of the relegation zone.
Before kick-off, more than 1,000 Tottenham fans staged a protest against the club’s ownership and chairman Daniel Levy.
Spurs welcome key players back in crucial win
Tottenham’s recent slump can largely be attributed to a growing injury list, but Postecoglou was finally able to call upon some of his key players.
Maddison’s return was a major boost, as was the presence of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who impressed in his first match back since breaking his ankle in November. There was further good news with long-term absentees Brennan Johnson, Destiny Udogie and Wilson Odobert fit enough for the bench.
Maddison’s instinctive finish not only secured Spurs’ first league goal in over a month but also marked his first Premier League strike since September. He was withdrawn after 63 minutes as a precaution.
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Spurs showed attacking intent, with new signing Mathys Tel making a lively first league start since his loan move from Bayern Munich. The teenager forced Onana into a low save following a cutback from Son Heung-min, while Dejan Kulusevski also went close with a similar effort in the second half.
Despite taking an early lead, Spurs struggled for control at times, particularly in midfield, and United had chances to level. However, as has been the case for much of their season, the visitors lacked the composure to take them.
It wasn’t a perfect performance, but given Spurs had picked up just four points from their
