James Maddison marked his return to the Tottenham Hotspur lineup with the match-winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Sunday’s Premier League clash.
Maddison, along with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, made his comeback after injury, with Vicario returning from a three-month layoff following a fractured ankle sustained in November’s 4-0 win over Manchester City. Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou also welcomed Brennan Johnson, £30m summer signing Wilson Odobert, and Destiny Udogie back into the matchday squad.
In contrast, United’s lineup was severely depleted, with a series of injuries and illnesses forcing them to field a bench full of eight teenagers. Expected absentees included Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, and Toby Collyer, while Leny Yoro and Christian Eriksen were also missing, leaving a weakened squad for manager Ruben Amorim to work with.
United started brightly, with Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho testing Vicario early on. However, Spurs took the lead when Maddison pounced on Lucas Bergvall’s shot, following up after Andre Onana failed to hold the ball. Just before the half-hour mark, Garnacho wasted a great chance, blazing over the bar, and United’s lack of clinical finishing became apparent as Spurs grew into the game.
The match developed into an end-to-end affair, with both teams failing to capitalize on the opportunities presented. Vicario and Onana were relatively untroubled, showing solid handling throughout. Spurs made several substitutions, including bringing on Johnson, Pape Sarr, Archie Gray, Yves Bissouma, and Odobert, who made his first appearance in five months. Meanwhile, Amorim was forced to make just one substitution in stoppage time, underlining his lack of options.
The win lifts Spurs to 12th in the Premier League, above Crystal Palace and Everton, while United’s woeful season continues, as they slump to 15th, suffering their 12th loss of a campaign that’s proving disastrous. This marks the first time in 35 years Spurs have completed a league double over United.
