After a torrid season in the Premier League, Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham Hotspur redeemed themselves to capture the Europa League, winning 1-0 over Manchester United in the Final.
This was a Final between to dejected sides, who had nothing but the Europa League to play for. And even though Postecoglou could be on the way out of the North London Club, he would have gone with his head up high.
Although it was only 1-0, you could see that Postecoglou had ditched his philosophy of football and set his team to fustrate Amorim’s side, and expose their fragility on the counter attack.
They executed the plan to a tee.
Brennan Johnson’s goal in the 42nd minute was the perfect example of how bad, this United side are as a team.
No spirit, no fight, lack of organisation, no cutting edge in the final third, an awful performance from the Red Devils.
It’s also quite bizarre for Amorim to say that his side were the better team, when clearly Spurs had a better plan to stiefel United’s attacks, which they executed the plan to a tee.
“It was clear we were the better team, then we managed not to score again,” “There were some occasions this season where we didn’t create situations. This was not one of them.”It is not one guy. It is different players.” “I am always honest with you guys,” “Tonight, we need to deal with pain of losing this match.”
Amorim: BBC Sport
Why are you lying? No you weren’t, there was no urgency in your play whatsoever.
For Amorim to say this means that he’s either afraid of losing his job, or he’s completely deluded.
Some may also argue that he should have started Alejandro Garnacho, who only got 20 minute, instead of Mason Mount, who did not offer much at all.
How can a manager as talented as Amorim, not suss out that he need to make change at half-time, especially when Spurs were clearly sitting back, and letting United have the ball?
Bringing Kobbie Mainoo on in stoppage time was also a bizarre decision.
Why not give him 20-30 minutes to see if he can produce something out of nothing as he has the potential to do so?
What’s even more baffling is that Postecoglou, whose side was bossing the final, was the first one to make a substitution, bringing on Son Heung-Min for Richarlison in the 67th minute.
For Amorim not to even make one sub at half-time, was criminal.
But take nothing away from Spurs, who were setup to win the game by any means possible.
“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.”
Postecoglou: BBC SportThis is a sign of a of a top manager who can change his tactics according to the situation.
Spurs fans may argue that they have not seen much of that during the course of the season, which is fair, but the important thing is that he did it in the Final when it matters. That’s what counts.
For more information on Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, and the Europa League Final, visit World In Sport.
