Tottenham returned to winning ways at home and made history by defeating Manchester United 1-0, surging ahead of the Red Devils in the table. A crucial early strike from James Maddison secured the win for the Spurs, giving them some much-needed breathing room in the Premier League. This was the first time that Tottenham had achieved a league double over United since the 1989/90 season. The win also snapped their losing streak at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since November and claimed their second league win on the trot.
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Tottenham were aware that it was a must-win match. Having had a patchy campaign, Ange Postecoglou's side entered the field with desperation. And it did not take long before Spurs opened the scoring.
It was the 13th minute when Son provided a cross into the box, the ball deflected off Mazraoui, and dropped for Bergvall. The young Swedish striker's shot was saved by Onana, but Maddison was quick to capitalize on the rebound, scoring with it.
That was exactly what Tottenham needed: an early goal, dominating start, and the home support cheering them towards the goal. But with the lead, it was far from smooth sailing.
United also got their own chances and were almost level in the 23rd minute when they left Garnacho alone in the box with Bruno Fernandes. The Argentine had the opportunity, but he shot over the bar. Spurs did not waste any time, and Maddison set up Son, who played inside to Mathys Tel. Debuting for his first Premier League game, the French forward shot a ball, but Onana made a good save.
The first half was closely contested, both sides searching for space but not quite being able to craft clean chances. The one-goal lead was valuable but clearly susceptible.
Tense moments and crucial saves
Tottenham began the second half searching for a second goal. Mathys Tel twice got into promising positions, but Onana denied both. United were finding it hard to break through but, when they did, Vicario was forced to be at his best.
In the 56th minute, Zirkzee played Garnacho clear on goal, but the Italian goalkeeper dashed out and made an important save. A minute later, Garnacho attempted once more with a firm shot to the right corner, but Vicario created another fabulous stop.
Spurs attempted to counterattack through Tel and Son, but their attempts were blocked before they reached the goal.
The pressure inside the stadium mounted in the final minutes, especially when Casemiro, in the 88th minute, headed a Bruno Fernandes corner into Vicario's hands.
Tel had one last chance in stoppage time to put the game to bed, but was once more thwarted by Onana. Then, with the final whistle, relief for Spurs.
The importance of the win and the season double for United
With this win, Tottenham became the first side to have beaten United three times in a season in all competitions since Chelsea did so in the 2012/13 season.
This victory pushes Spurs into 12th place on 30 points. Manchester United, meanwhile, is in trouble and is 15th on just 29 points, perilously close to the danger zone.
For Tottenham, this victory doesn't solve all their problems, but it is a welcome shot in the arm in their fight to be out of relegation danger. For United, however, the crisis is some way from being resolved.