Tottenham’s Europa League final display was far from vintage ‘Ange-ball’ – in fact, it was a defensive performance for the ages.
Spurs ended a 17-year wait for a major trophy with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Bilbao, with Ange Postecoglou swapping his all-out attacking philosophy for 90 minutes of pragmatism.
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The north Londoners showed a totally different side, as they nullified the Red Devils with a resolute, defensive game plan.
After taking the lead through Brennan Johnson on the stroke of half-time, Spurs effectively surrendered possession in the second-half, weathering an onslaught from United to cling on for victory.
There was no shortage of commitment to the cause, with Micky van de Ven denying Rasmus Hojlund with an incredible goal-line clearance, while Guglielmo Vicario made a big save from Luke Shaw late on.
And their display wasn’t just outstanding for how far it deviated from the free-flowing football we have come to expect from Postecoglou’s side.
Tottenham’s uncharacteristic performance saw them register record-lows in several attacking metrics.
They had just three shots, 27.7 per cent possession and completed only 115 passes – all the lowest recorded by Opta, since 2010, for any team in a major European final.
On top of this, in the second half, Spurs had just one touch inside the opposition box, did not manage a shot on or off target, while their possession stood at just 19.8 per cent.
It represented a total shift from the style of play Postecoglou has previously been uncompromising in delivering.
The Australian has long faced criticism for his insistence on a high-pressing, attacking game, with many pointing to his infamous ‘It’s just who we are, mate,” after a 4-1 loss to Chelsea in 2023 where Spurs continued to bomb forward, even with nine men.
But Postecoglou was only too happy to adapt his style against United, who claimed the big occasion called for a different approach.
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Speaking after the final win, he said: “I’ve always felt that knockout football is different from your league football.
“When you’re in that situation, it comes down really to good organisation, belief, having a good game plan and then moments; if you can minimise the moments the opposition have by having a really strong foundation.
“I always felt comfortable that if we got ahead, we could negate most of what Manchester United were going to throw at us.”
The defensive masterclass means Postecoglou has now delivered on a huge promise he made back in September.
Following a 1-0 loss to rivals Arsenal, the 59-year-old said: “I always win things in my second year. Nothing has changed. I don’t say things unless I believe them.”
It was a statement that threatened to blow up in the Spurs’ boss’ face, whose side have endured a tough campaign domestically.
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“The league form was terrible, but there’s a lot behind this. Sacking him now will be one of the worst mistakes. He has to continue the work he’s done. His mentality, his principles, his quality of putting a team together… You can see the team yesterday. They worked like a dressing room. If the dressing room wasn’t there, I’d tell you to sack the manager.
This dressing room works for this manager. They will build something very strong.”
Despite languishing in 17th in the Premier League table, Postecoglou’s group will now play in the Champions League next season thanks to their third European triumph.
They previously won the competition in 1972 and 1984, when it was known as the UEFA Cup.
Victory also means Spurs will compete in the UEFA Super Cup final against either Paris Saint-Germain or Inter Milan in Udine in August.
