Spurs player ratings vs Man United – Spence brilliant, Danso super, Tel busy
Djed Spence and James Maddison celebrated Maddison’s decisive goal as Tottenham Hotspur secured a crucial victory against Manchester United in a tightly contested Premier League match.
The game unfolded against the backdrop of a significant fan protest against chairman Daniel Levy and the Spurs board, with nearly 2,000 supporters marching towards the stadium in a show of discontent before kickoff.
In the match itself, James Maddison emerged as the hero, scoring the only goal early on. The midfielder capitalized on a rebound when Andre Onana failed to adequately deal with Lucas Bergvall’s shot, slamming the loose ball into the net.
Both teams had opportunities throughout the game to alter the scoreline, but neither managed to capitalize, leaving Tottenham with a second consecutive Premier League victory and a clean sheet.
The win propelled Spurs into 12th place in the league standings, providing a much-needed boost for the North London side.
Guglielmo Vicario delivered an impressive performance in goal, making crucial saves early in the game and denying Alejandro Garnacho twice as United pressed for an equalizer.
His composure during set pieces and vocal leadership at the back brought stability to Tottenham’s defense, earning him high praise for his contributions.
Pedro Porro showed renewed energy after being rested midweek. He remained a constant presence on the right flank, working tirelessly to support both attack and defense while winning key free-kicks late in the game.
Kevin Danso also put in a strong shift, making critical tackles to thwart United’s advances. His sliding challenge on Garnacho and a well-timed chasing tackle on Hojlund were standout moments, though he appeared to struggle with an injury in the second half, ultimately being substituted.
Ben Davies found himself tested repeatedly as he was often forced to cover for the forward runs of Djed Spence. Despite being pulled out of position at times, Davies worked hard to keep United’s attacking threats in check.
Meanwhile, Spence delivered one of his best performances in a Spurs shirt. His relentless runs and fearless dribbling consistently unsettled United’s defense, earning him recognition as Tottenham’s standout player on the day.
Lucas Bergvall played a vital role in the lead-up to Maddison’s goal, with his well-placed shot forcing the rebound that led to the scoring opportunity. While Bergvall displayed composure in tight situations, he began to tire as the match wore on and was replaced just after the hour mark.
Rodrigo Bentancur, starting brightly in midfield, struggled as the game progressed and left the field with an ice pack on his knee after being substituted.
James Maddison marked his return to the starting lineup in style. His quick anticipation and sharp finishing secured the winning goal, while his creativity and drive remained central to Tottenham’s attacking play. Although he only played for just over an hour, Maddison’s impact was undeniable.
Dejan Kulusevski also contributed with his tireless work rate, though he lacked the quality to create significant chances.
Mathys Tel proved to be a lively presence in attack, constantly testing Onana with a flurry of shots and working hard to create opportunities. Though he didn’t find the back of the net, his relentless energy was vital for Tottenham’s offensive efforts.
Son Heung-min, Tottenham’s captain, played a pivotal role in Maddison’s goal by delivering the volley that set up the chance. While his influence waned in the second half, Son continued to probe for openings and kept United’s defense on alert.
The substitutes provided mixed contributions. Brennan Johnson made his return but struggled to leave a significant mark despite providing a few glimpses of danger for United’s defense.
Pape Matar Sarr injected much-needed energy into the midfield late in the game, while Archie Gray and Yves Bissouma were brought on to steady the ship in the closing stages.
This victory, while hard-fought, highlights Tottenham’s growing resilience under pressure. Djed Spence’s breakout performance, coupled with James Maddison’s clinical finishing and leadership from the likes of Son Heung-min, provided the foundation for success.
The result also underscores the team’s ability to grind out wins, even amid external distractions such as the fan protests.
For Postecoglou’s side, this triumph represents a step forward in their quest to climb the Premier League table and establish greater consistency in their performances. As the season progresses, maintaining this momentum will be crucial in achieving their broader objectives.