James Maddison scored the decisive goal on his return from injury as Tottenham Hotspur secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Manchester United.
Back in action after nearly four weeks out with a calf injury, Maddison capitalised on a rebound in the 13th minute, tapping in after United keeper André Onana parried Lucas Bergvall’s shot.
Red Devils had opportunities to respond, with Alejandro Garnacho wasting a golden chance in the first half when he lifted an effort over the bar. However, it was another uninspired performance from Ruben Amorim’s injury-ravaged side.
The win—Tottenham’s first in three games following cup defeats to Liverpool and Aston Villa—eases some of the pressure on Ange Postecoglou. Spurs climb to 12th, moving above United, while Amorim’s team slumps to 15th after four consecutive league defeats, sitting just 12 points above the relegation zone.
Off the pitch, more than 1,000 Tottenham fans staged a protest against the club’s ownership and chairman Daniel Levy before kickoff.
Despite their struggles, Spurs have now secured back-to-back Premier League wins for only the second time this season, having also beaten Brentford and United consecutively in September.
United had chances, with Joshua Zirkzee heading wide and Garnacho failing to convert when unmarked, but their defensive frailties were repeatedly exposed.
With Amad Diallo likely out for the season, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, and Leny Yoro injured, and Victor Lindelöf surrounded by inexperienced teenagers on the bench, Amorim had limited options and didn’t make a substitution until the 90th minute.
United now face a daunting challenge to salvage their season, with the FA Cup and Europa League—where Spurs are also competing—becoming their primary focus. However, without a significant improvement in form, a turnaround looks increasingly unlikely.
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