‘Easy to see why Ange loves him’ – National media goes crazy over ‘outstanding’ 9/10 Spurs player after win v Man Utd

Tottenham Hotspur advanced to the Carabao Cup semi-finals with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Manchester United on Thursday night. It was a game filled with excitement, dominance, and a dose of self-inflicted panic as Spurs nearly let a commanding lead slip away.

Despite the drama, they managed to secure their place in the next stage, setting up a two-legged showdown with Liverpool in January.

Spurs stormed to a 3-0 lead with less than 30 minutes remaining, showcasing their attacking prowess. Dominik Solanke was the star of the night, scoring twice and playing a pivotal role in Tottenham’s success.

His first goal came from a quick reaction to Pedro Porro’s parried shot, and his second saw him outmaneuver Lisandro Martinez with ease before delivering a clinical finish. Solanke’s contribution extended beyond goals, as his strength, link-up play, and quick feet were instrumental in Tottenham’s attacking fluidity.

The UK media lavished praise on Solanke for his performance. The Daily Mail awarded him a near-perfect 9/10 rating, highlighting his ability to leave defenders in his wake and his tireless work rate, which has clearly endeared him to manager Ange Postecoglou.

Similarly, Football.London echoed the sentiment, applauding Solanke’s hold-up play and his involvement in Dejan Kulusevski’s goal. With nine goals across all competitions this season, Solanke continues to prove himself as a key player for Spurs.

While Tottenham’s attacking display was impressive, their defensive frailties once again surfaced. Despite dominating for much of the game, they found themselves in a precarious position as Manchester United staged a spirited comeback. Solanke’s two goals, coupled with strikes from Kulusevski and Son Heung-min, should have secured a comfortable victory.

However, Tottenham’s tendency to self-destruct almost cost them. United capitalized on Spurs’ lapses in concentration, with goals late in the second half creating a nervy finale. Even after Son’s fourth goal provided some breathing room, a late strike from Jonny Evans kept the tension alive until the final whistle.

This defensive vulnerability raises questions about the impact of injuries on Tottenham’s squad. Postecoglou was quick to point out the challenges his team faces, emphasizing the difficulty of competing with a depleted roster. Spurs currently have 10 players unavailable, a situation that limits their ability to rotate and manage player fatigue effectively.

Key defensive players, including goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, center-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, and full-backs Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies, are all sidelined. These absences have forced Postecoglou to rely on younger, less experienced players, such as 18-year-old Archie Gray.

Gray’s performances have been a silver lining in Tottenham’s injury crisis. Since joining from Leeds United during the summer transfer window, the teenager has displayed remarkable versatility and composure.

Despite being a natural midfielder, he has filled in admirably across the backline, particularly alongside Radu Drăgușin. Gray’s ability to adapt to different roles, coupled with his maturity on the pitch, has drawn praise from pundits and journalists alike. Senior football writer Henry Winter lauded Gray’s “elite mentality” and willingness to take responsibility, regardless of the position he plays.

Gray’s emergence has been a bright spot for Tottenham, demonstrating the value of nurturing young talent. His contributions have been vital in a period where injuries have stretched the squad to its limits. Alongside Solanke’s heroics, Gray’s defensive efforts were crucial in helping Spurs navigate the challenges posed by Manchester United and secure their semi-final berth.

Looking ahead, Tottenham faces a tough challenge against Liverpool in the semi-finals. The two-legged tie will test the squad’s depth and resilience, particularly if their injury woes persist.

Postecoglou will hope to have some of his key players back by then, but even with a weakened squad, Tottenham has shown they can compete at the highest level. Meanwhile, Arsenal and Newcastle United will battle it out in the other semi-final, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the competition.

The victory over Manchester United highlighted both Tottenham’s strengths and their areas for improvement. Their attacking prowess, led by Solanke and supported by the likes of Son and Kulusevski, remains a formidable weapon. However, their defensive lapses and susceptibility to pressure underscore the need for greater focus and cohesion, particularly in high-stakes matches.

As Spurs prepare for the next stage of the Carabao Cup, they can take confidence from their ability to overcome adversity. Despite the challenges posed by injuries and moments of inconsistency, they have shown resilience and determination.

With players like Solanke and Gray stepping up, Tottenham’s prospects for silverware this season remain alive and well. If they can address their defensive vulnerabilities and maintain their attacking momentum, they have a real chance of lifting the trophy and ending their long wait for silverware.