Player Ratings: Spurs Defeat Manchester United as Maddison Seals Premier League Win

EPL Index

·16. Februar 2025

Player Ratings: Spurs Defeat Manchester United as Maddison Seals Premier League Win

Tottenham Edge Manchester United as Maddison Shines on Return

Maddison Marks Return with Decisive Strike

James Maddison’s clinical finish secured Tottenham Hotspur a hard-fought 1-0 win over Manchester United in Sunday’s Premier League clash. The attacking midfielder marked his return from injury with a pivotal goal, ensuring Spurs completed a league double over United for the first time in 35 years.

Strong Returns Lift Spurs’ Performance

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou welcomed back key players, with Maddison and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario returning from long-term injuries. Vicario, out since November’s 4-0 win over Manchester City with a fractured ankle, was solid between the posts, denying several Manchester United efforts. Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert, and Destiny Udogie also featured in the squad, highlighting Tottenham’s increased depth.

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In contrast, United faced severe selection issues, with eight teenagers on the bench due to injuries and illness. Regular starters Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, and Manuel Ugarte were unavailable, while Leny Yoro and Christian Eriksen were late withdrawals. Under-pressure coach Ruben Amorim had limited options, making only one substitution in stoppage time.

Photo: IMAGO

United Start Strong but Fall Behind

Manchester United began brightly, with Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho testing Vicario early on. However, Tottenham struck first when Maddison pounced on Andre Onana’s parry from Lucas Bergvall’s shot. Garnacho missed a glaring chance to equalise before half-time, blazing over from close range.

The second half saw a frantic, end-to-end battle, but neither side converted their opportunities. Tottenham’s substitutes, including Pape Sarr, Archie Gray, and Yves Bissouma, added fresh legs. United, lacking experience on the bench, could not mount a comeback.

Spurs Rise as United Sink Deeper

Tottenham’s victory lifted them to 12th place, overtaking Crystal Palace and Everton. Meanwhile, Manchester United dropped to 15th, suffering their 12th defeat of a turbulent Premier League campaign.

Player Ratings

Tottenham Hotspur:

Guglielmo Vicario (GK): 8.6 – Commanding presence, made crucial saves.
Pedro Porro (RB): 7.9 – Effective on both ends of the pitch.
Kevin Danso (CB): 7.5 – Solid defensive display.
Ben Davies (CB): 7.8 – Strong positioning and clearances.
Djed Spence (LB): 7.9 – Energetic runs and defensive discipline.
Rodrigo Bentancur (CM): 7.0 – Controlled the midfield.
Lucas Bergvall (CM): 6.6 – Worked hard but faded.
Dejan Kulusevski (RM): 6.3 – Struggled to impact.
James Maddison (CM): 7.8 – Match-winner with intelligent play.
Son Heung-min (c) (LM): 7.8 – Consistent attacking threat.
Mathys Tel (CF): 7.0 – Held the ball up well.
Subs: Brennan Johnson (6.2), Pape Sarr (7.0), Archie Gray (6.0), Yves Bissouma (6.6), Wilson Odobert (N/A).