Ally McCoist amazed by ‘tremendous’ second-half incident in Tottenham v Man United
Tottenham ended their 17-year wait for silverware with a 1-0 win over Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao.
The only goal of the match came from Brennan Johnson in the first half after a deflection off Luke Shaw.
However, the standout moment came in the second half, when Micky Van de Ven produced a brilliant goal-line clearance to keep the score at 1-0 and secure the trophy.
The final whistle sparked wild celebrations among the Spurs players and fans, as the club finally ended nearly two decades of heartbreak.
It was a night that will live long in the memory, in Tottenham’s history, because of the passion, fight, and drama that unfolded in Bilbao.
What did McCoist say about the clearance?
TNT commentator McCoist reacted moments after the goal, praising van de Ven’s crucial clearance that kept Spurs in front.
He also pointed out that Rasmus Højlund should have done better with the chance, suggesting the Manchester United striker missed a golden opportunity to level the game.
“My initial reaction again. I think Højlund has got to score. I mean, your goalkeeper, you’ve got to talk to the centre-back. You’ve got to be screaming at the centre-back.,” said McCoist.
“It’s a fantastic clearance. Two things as well. Goalkeeper should do better. And I actually think Højlund should score. But, as you say correctly, tremendous defending.”
17-year wait in the making
Tottenham have waited a long time for this, often getting bantered by fans across the Premier League.
Now, they can finally say they’re European champions and they’ve secured Champions League football for next season.
It brings much-needed prize money and the return of Europe’s best to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Spurs can now attract better players, with the prestige of Champions League nights a major draw.
However, Ange Postecoglou’s future is uncertain, with reports suggesting he could be sacked even after the Europa League triumph.
This Europa League win will go down as one of Spurs’ greatest nights but big decisions now await.