Tottenham beat Manchester United in an exciting match that they deservedly won for their first victory under Ange Postecoglou’s leadership and in the post-Harry Kane era.
Although there were protests against chairman Daniel Levy and owners ENIC prior to the game, Postecoglou was greeted with deafening applause, and once the action began, Spurs reacted with a striking example of the offensive style that is the Australian’s signature.
Spurs and United both had opportunities during the occasionally chaotic match before Pape Matar Sarr’s goal, hammered high into the net from close range four minutes after the half, broke the tie.
Spurs secured the victory in front of the jubilant home crowd after 83 minutes when Ivan Perisic’s cross was deflected in by Ben Davies and entered by Lisandro Martinez.
In the first half, the home team twice came close to scoring thanks to Pedro Porro and Luke Shaw’s deflection, while Antony struck the post for United, Casemiro’s shot was excellently stopped by new Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, and Bruno Fernandes managed to tip the ball wide of an open net.
However, it was Spurs’ stronger attacking intent that ultimately decided the game. Both teams had penalty requests denied first Cristian Romero handled and then when the Spurs defender appeared to be shoved to the ground by Martinez at the other end.