It’s been 17 years since Tottenham Hotspur last lifted a trophy, and they finally ended that long wait with a hard-fought win at San Mames stadium in Bilbao.
Brennan Johnson’s lone goal secured a victory over Manchester United in an all-English Europa League final — a match that changed more than just the scoreline for Spurs.
From “Spursy” to Champions: A New Identity for Tottenham
For years, Spurs carried a reputation for heartbreak.
Fans and rivals alike joked about their knack for choking under pressure — coining the term “Spursy” to describe their flaky, fragile nature.
But that old Tottenham is gone.
Last night, in northern Spain, they proved they can win the big moments.
It might not have been the prettiest game, but Spurs got the job done when it counted, rewriting their story and shedding their underdog tag.
Ange Postecoglou’s Triumph Amid Doubt
Spurs’ manager Ange Postecoglou marked his 100th game in charge with a trophy in his second season — something he confidently predicted despite facing criticism.
While whispers about his future remain, this victory silenced his doubters and proved he’s no clown.
For a team that stumbled to 17th in the Premier League this season, losing 21 matches so far, qualifying for the Champions League is a remarkable turnaround — and the financial boost of £100 million that comes with it is huge.
Manchester United’s Collapse Casts a Long Shadow
For Manchester United, the night was a disaster. Their performance was pitiful, failing to inspire any hope or pride.
Watching from the stands was Sir Alex Ferguson, no doubt disappointed by how far the club has fallen.
This final was supposed to be their chance to escape the chaos engulfing the team, but instead, it just highlighted their ongoing struggles.
Under Ruben Amorim, United’s squad looks more like a patchwork Frankenstein’s monster, and this loss will only make it harder to attract the new talent desperately needed.
The Widening Gap Between United and Their Rivals
This defeat pushes United further behind rivals Liverpool and Manchester City — clubs enjoying stability and success while Old Trafford remains mired in dysfunction.
What was meant to be a showcase of English football ended up a depressing, uninspired spectacle — a sign of how far United has drifted.
Now, they’re left to wander as “zombies,” haunted by their missed opportunities and faded glory.
Spurs’ Long Wait Finally Ends Amid Growing Doubts
Spurs’ last trophy came back in 2008. Since then, every other major English club — including Leicester, West Ham, Crystal Palace, Newcastle, and even the smaller clubs like Wigan and Portsmouth — have had their moments of glory.
Losing felt like part of Spurs’ identity, a thought that even new signing Micky van de Ven challenged when he arrived in 2023, vowing to change the narrative.
Overcoming Absences and Nerves on the Big Stage
Despite missing key creative players Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, and Lucas Bergvall due to injuries, Tottenham showed spirit.
Postecoglou surprised by leaving their star Son Heung-min on the bench, opting for Richarlison up front.
The early minutes showed promise with some chances, but nerves dominated both sides, leading to a scrappy, error-riddled match that rarely sparked excitement.
Johnson’s Goal: The Turning Point Spurs Needed
Four minutes before halftime, Spurs finally found their moment.
Pape Sarr’s precise cross found Brennan Johnson, who outjumped Luke Shaw and nudged the ball past goalkeeper Andre Onana.
The goal was far from beautiful — it was messy and fortunate — but for the Spurs fans packed behind that goal, it was pure joy.
That strike was enough to carry Spurs through.
A Struggle-Filled Second Half with Near Misses and Drama
The second half was even more chaotic — aimless long balls, sloppy passing, and a string of fouls.
Spurs had a clear chance to double the lead but failed to capitalize when Bissouma’s pass to Solanke went astray.
Later, after Richarlison’s injury, Son Heung-min came on, and Spurs almost gifted United a lifeline when Vicario fumbled a free kick, but a last-ditch clearance by Van de Ven kept the lead safe.
United’s Desperate Push Fails to Change the Outcome
Substitute Joshua Zirkzee made an immediate impact for United, setting up Fernandes for a close chance that went wide.
Finally, United showed some attacking intent, with Garnacho forcing a good save and even pushing defender Harry Maguire forward to try to snatch an equalizer — a sign of desperation rather than strength.
Unlike their miraculous comeback against Lyon, there was no late miracle this time.
The End of the “It’s Tottenham” Taunt
For years, United fans mockingly whispered “It’s Tottenham,” as if losing to Spurs was unthinkable. That insult evaporated last night.
Tottenham are no longer the team to lose against — they are winners again, proudly holding a trophy and stepping back into Europe’s elite with renewed belief.