Dom Solanke useless, Cristian Romero incredible – Tottenham ratings v Man United
Ange Postecoglou’s side created history as Tottenham beat Man United 1-0 in the final of the Europa League final in Bilbao.
Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven were instrumental as Spurs scored the only goal in an incredibly close clash on Wednesday, 21 May, with Brennan Johnson the matchwinner in Spain.
Postecoglou has been under immense pressure from Tottenham fans, and while this trophy still might not save his future, it was an amazing moment for the Australian after such a torrid campaign.
The Lilywhites are now set for Champions League football next season, defying all odds to end up in the elite competition despite currently sitting 17th in the Premier League table.
Guglielmo Vicario – 6
Looked extremely uncomfortable coming for crosses, nearly seeing his team concede an equaliser when dropping the ball straight onto Rasmus Hojlund, being bailed out by his defender.
Pedro Porro – 6
Struggled at times, even with his range of passing, but made tackles at the right times and kept Man United from getting into the penalty area down his flank.
Cristian Romero – 9 – Player of the Match
Exemplary defending. While Romero has faced his criticism from Tottenham fans this season, they can only thank him for his standout performance in the Europa League final. Incredible.
Micky van de Ven – 8
Made an incredible clearance to thwart Man United’s almost-equaliser. Created a strong bond with Romero in the centre of defence, playing a rare full 90 minutes in a crucial game for the Lilywhites.
Destiny Udogie (Off for Spence 89′) – 7
Was an absolute nightmare for the Red Devils in the first half, but after exhausting all of his energy, his performance was not quite the same in the second half. Made some crucial interventions, though.
Tottenham defence exemplary in Europa League victory
Pape Sarr (Off for Gray 89′) – 7
One of his better performances this season. The young midfielder has struggled to stay in the team this term, but at the most important moment, he has stepped up really well.
Yves Bissouma – 8
Amongst all the Tottenham exit links for Bissouma, the former Brighton midfielder has been incredible in the centre of midfield, working in tandem with Pape Sarr.
Rodrigo Bentancur – 3
Almost non-existent in the middle of the park. Missed far too many duels and committed unnecessary fouls close to his goalkeeper’s goal. Nowhere near his best in a Spurs shirt.
Brennan Johnson (Off for Danso 79′) – 7
Scored the all-important goal in Bilbao, no matter how scrappy it was. Wrote himself into the history books, yet it was not the best performance from the Welshman at all.
Dominic Solanke suffers despite Tottenham trophy win
Dominic Solanke – 2
Had very little effect on the game, other than a couple of bursts of energy in the closing stages. After four goals in his last four starts, it was a very disappointing performance from the former Bournemouth man.
Richarlison (Off for Son 67′) – 6
Did his job well, caused a lot of issues for the Man United defence, and picked up a yellow card for his hard work. Needed to be replaced by the club captain as he looked exhausted.
Substitutes
Son Heung-min (On for Richarlison 67′) – 5
Had very little impact after coming on. Made a few runs and bought fouls, but could have done much more.
Kevin Danso (On for Johnson 79′) – 7
Made crucial interventions in the final few minutes before Spurs lifted the Europa League title.
Archie Gray (On for Sarr 89′) – N/A
Djed Spence (On for Udogie 89′) – N/A