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Tottenham marked their first win under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou and in the absence of Harry Kane with a captivating and well-deserved triumph against Manchester United.
Despite pre-match protests against chairman Daniel Levy and owners ENIC, Postecoglou received an enthusiastic welcome. The action on the field showcased Spurs’ attacking prowess, a style synonymous with the Australian manager.
In a match brimming with chances and occasional chaos, the deadlock was shattered by Pape Matar Sarr, who netted from close range four minutes into the second half. The exhilarating encounter saw Spurs secure their victory with an 83rd-minute goal when Ivan Perisic’s cross brushed off Ben Davies and found the net via Lisandro Martinez.
Throughout the game, both sides struck the woodwork, with Pedro Porro and Luke Shaw’s deflected efforts for Spurs and Antony’s attempt for United. Guglielmo Vicario, Tottenham’s new goalkeeper, pulled off a remarkable save against Casemiro, while Bruno Fernandes missed an open goal opportunity.
Although both teams had penalty appeals, it was Spurs’ offensive intent that proved decisive, showcasing a shift from their previous style.
Tottenham’s appointment of Postecoglou aimed to move away from the uninspiring playstyle of previous managers. If the first two matches are indicative, Spurs will be a source of entertainment this season, mirroring the positive approach Postecoglou championed during his time at Celtic.
While it entails risks, as even a below-par United exploited, Spurs’ energy, quality, and attacking mindset overwhelmed Erik ten Hag’s team. The crowd showed their appreciation with a prolonged standing ovation.
Midfielder Yves Bissouma displayed outstanding performance after a challenging debut season with Brighton. James Maddison also shone, bringing joy and fluidity to the game.
While the absence of Kane’s brilliance is palpable, Spurs’ fans can take heart from the team’s promising start under Postecoglou.
Manchester United had opportunities to salvage a result, but ultimately, they were outplayed and outclassed by Tottenham’s proactive approach.
Midfield weaknesses were evident as Casemiro struggled, Mason Mount’s impact was minimal, and Fernandes faced a forgettable game marked by a missed header and a yellow card for dissent.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana displayed superb distribution, but once Spurs took control, United couldn’t shift the tide of the match.
Attackers Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Alejandro Garnacho had mixed performances. United’s acquisition of Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund is seen as a potential spark to rejuvenate their start to the season after a lackluster performance in this match and a fortunate win against Wolverhampton Wanderers.