TOT vs MUN: Catch all the highlights from the 2024-25 League Cup quarterfinal between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United on Friday (IST).
Match Summary:
- 15th Minute: Dominic Solanke capitalized on a mistake by United’s goalkeeper, Altay Bayindir, to put Spurs ahead.
- 46th Minute: Dejan Kulusevski doubled Tottenham’s lead immediately after halftime.
- 54th Minute: Solanke scored his second goal, extending the lead to 3-0.
- 63rd Minute: Joshua Zirkzee pulled one back for United following a distribution error by Spurs’ goalkeeper, Fraser Forster.
- 70th Minute: Amad Diallo further reduced the deficit to 3-2 after pressuring Forster into another mistake.
- 87th Minute: Heung-Min Son scored directly from a corner, restoring a two-goal cushion for Tottenham.
- 90+5th Minute: Jonny Evans scored a late header for United, but Tottenham held on to win 4-3.
Key Points:
- Both goalkeepers, Altay Bayindir and Fraser Forster, made significant errors leading to goals.
- Manchester United showed resilience by fighting back from a three-goal deficit, with manager Ruben Amorim praising their spirit despite the loss.
- Tottenham’s manager, Ange Postecoglou, acknowledged the defensive lapses but emphasized the team’s attacking intent and entertainment value.
This victory propels Tottenham into the Carabao Cup semi-finals, where they are set to face Liverpool.
Tottenham 4 Man Utd 3: Spurs limp into Carabao Cup semi-final after Son scores from corner and Forster howlers.
Match Highlights:
- 1st Half:
- Tottenham started brightly, and in the 15th minute, Dominic Solanke capitalized on a goalkeeping error from United’s Altay Bayindir to give Spurs the lead.
- The first half ended with Spurs holding a slender 1-0 advantage.
- 2nd Half:
- Within a minute of the restart (46th minute), Dejan Kulusevski doubled Tottenham’s lead, exploiting gaps in United’s defense.
- Solanke netted his second in the 54th minute, extending Spurs’ lead to a commanding 3-0.
- Manchester United mounted a spirited comeback, with Joshua Zirkzee pulling one back in the 63rd minute after Fraser Forster’s distribution error.
- In the 70th minute, Amad Diallo capitalized on another mistake from Forster, narrowing the score to 3-2.
- 87th Minute:
- Heung-Min Son produced a moment of brilliance, scoring directly from a corner kick to restore a two-goal cushion for Tottenham.
- Stoppage Time:
- Veteran defender Jonny Evans scored a late header for United in the 90+5th minute, but Tottenham held on for a nervy 4-3 victory.
Key Performances:
- Dominic Solanke: Two well-taken goals were pivotal in Tottenham’s success.
- Heung-Min Son: Displayed leadership and creativity, with his direct corner goal becoming the highlight.
- Fraser Forster: Despite some key saves, his errors contributed to United’s fightback.
- Amad Diallo & Zirkzee: Brought energy and purpose to United’s attack during their comeback attempt.
Post-Match Reactions:
- Ange Postecoglou (Tottenham Manager): Acknowledged the defensive frailties but praised the team’s attacking display. He described the match as “entertaining but chaotic.”
- Ruben Amorim (Manchester United Manager): Commended his team’s spirit and determination, despite falling short in the end.
Manchester United will undoubtedly analyze their defensive performance following the 4-3 loss to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup. Key areas for improvement include:
- Goalkeeper Decision-Making: Altay Bayindir’s costly error led to the first goal. United’s coaching staff will likely work on enhancing his composure under pressure, especially in high-stakes matches.
- Defensive Coordination: Both Forster’s errors and lapses in defensive marking allowed Tottenham to exploit openings. The backline, led by senior players like Jonny Evans, will need to improve communication and organization.
- Transition Defense: Tottenham capitalized on counterattacks and quick transitions, highlighting a vulnerability in United’s ability to track back and regroup. This will be a focus in training.
- Maintaining Momentum: Despite a spirited comeback, United’s slow start ultimately cost them. Improving focus and intensity from the opening whistle will be a key goal moving forward.
As United shifts attention to the Premier League, they will aim to bounce back by addressing these issues and leveraging the attacking strengths displayed in their near-comeback against Spurs.
December 20, 2024 03:29
FULLTIME; TOT 4-3 MUN
A long hug between Amorim and Postecoglou as the latter would heave a sigh of relief after that nightmare of a match. Tottenham Hotspur is in the semifinals of the EFL Cup as Manchester United, despite a valiant effort, bows out.
December 20, 2024 03:24GOAL
90+4’- TOT 4-3 MUN; Evans with a goal!
Jonny Evans gets in a late, late goal with a header. Two minutes to go.
December 20, 2024 03:21
90+1’- TOT 4-2 MUN; Change for Spurs
Reguilon comes on for Spence.
December 20, 2024 03:19GOAL
88’- TOT 4-2 MUN; GOAL! An Olimpico by Son!
Another howler from a ‘keeper in this match, this time from United’s Bayindir. Son curls it in from the free-kick and the goalie jumps late and fails to get the ball. It nestles into the goal. However, the goalie pleads his case to the referee, saying that he was obstructed by a jumping Bergvall, but the official just flashes the yellow card at the United goalkeeper.
December 20, 2024 03:17
87’- TOT 3-2 MUN; Yoro with important tackle
Lenny Yoro makes a crucial tackle to prevent Son from getting the ball and be on the offensive.
December 20, 2024 03:11
82’- TOT 3-2 MUN; What a save!
Diallo with a blistering strike from distance but Forster matches it with a save by kicking it away!
December 20, 2024 03:08
79’- TOT 3-2 MUN; Change from Postecoglou
Maddison comes off for Bergvall.
December 20, 2024 03:04
74’- TOT 3-2 MUN; Mazraoui close!
Another great team move from United, with the visiting fans powering the side up. Full-back Mazraoui is played on goal by Fernandes, the Morrocan brings the ball to his left and tries to curl it inside the net but goes wide.
December 20, 2024 03:03
70’- TOT 3-2 MUN; Change from Amorim
Alejandro Garnacho, who wasn’t present in the matchday squad against Manchester City, is brought on for Manuel Ugarte.
December 20, 2024 03:01GOAL
70’- TOT 3-2 MUN; GOAL! Diallo with the goal!
Great work from Amad Diallo to run, and keep his run going at the ‘keeper as Forster lazily tries to clear the ball. However, the Ivorian dives in and the ball ricochets off the United player and gets in the net.
December 20, 2024 02:57
67’- TOT 3-1 MUN; Almost an own goal!
Bissouma almost sends the ball into his own net as he tries to clear the ball. United gets a corner, at the end of which Diallo gets a shot away but gets a deflection. Another corner.
December 20, 2024 02:53GOAL
63’- TOT 3-1 MUN; GOAL! Zirkzee gets one for United!
Callous from Forster, who just made a great save to keep Zirkzee’s header. A weak pass invites Fernandes to put pressure and get the ball, toe-poke it towards Zirkzee who taps it in for United’s first goal.
December 20, 2024 02:45
56’- TOT 3-0 MUN; Triple change from Amorim
Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, and Joshua Zirkzee come on for United.
Eriksen, Antony, Hojlund make way.
December 20, 2024 02:44GOAL
54’- TOT 3-0 MUN; SOLANKE ON THE DOUBLE!
Solanke gets his brace as he keeps himself onside. He dribbles well against a lazy Martinez as he shoots hard, low, and through the legs of substitute Evans to add a third to Spurs’ tally.
December 20, 2024 02:37GOAL
46’- TOT 2-0; GOAL! Kulusevski doubles the lead!
Son dribbles in and flicks it back to an overlapping Maddison. The midfielder puts it low and across the face of the goal but Martinez tries to clear the line. However, the Argentine fails to clear the ball properly as Kulusevski smashes the ball into the net.
December 20, 2024 02:35
Second half underway
Solanke’s goal remains the difference between the two sides as the second half in this quarterfinal gets underway.
December 20, 2024 02:19HALFTIME
Halftime; TOT 1-0 MUN
That’s half-time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Dominic Solanke’s goal keeps Spurs ahead in this League Cup quarterfinal against Manchester United.
December 20, 2024 02:18
45+2’- TOT 1-0 MUN; Eriksen again, blocked again
Deja vu there as Eriksen goes for goal from a similar spot but finds the defender again.
December 20, 2024 02:16
45’- TOT 1-0 MUN; Early substitution for United
Amorim is forced to make a change as he shakes his head, clearly unhappy with his side’s performance in this half. Lindelof comes off with an injury and Jonny Evans replaces him.
December 20, 2024 02:15
44’- TOT 1-0 MUN; Few chances for United
Lindelof on the ground as the physio tends to him. Jonny Evans is taking off his jacket and looks to be coming on for the Swede. This comes after United had a few corners and tried to equalise but to no avail.
December 20, 2024 02:08
37’- TOT 1-0 MUN; Fernandes tries a shot
Antony initially plays a wonderful ball to find his captain but the Portuguese medio is not able to get it in his stride. However, his side keeps the ball and it ultimately comes back to him and he tries a shot but it goes wide.
December 20, 2024 02:05
34’- TOT 1-0 MUN; Chaos inside United box
Tottenham players are bulldozing through United players with ease as Kulusevski tries to play a ball in but Ugarte gets an important touch in to put it behind for a corner.
December 20, 2024 02:01
30’- TOT 1-0 MUN; Antony shoots but blocked
Good spell from United, keeping the ball and creating chances. In this one, the ball arrives to Antony who tries to curl one into the far top corner but Gray stands tall and blocks it.
December 20, 2024 01:57
26’- TOT 1-0 MUN; Save!
Son shoots the ball into the box and Kulusevski does extremely to get it under control and beat his marker with a turn. He shoots but Bayindir makes a good save at his near post.
December 20, 2024 01:56YELLOW CARD
25’- TOT 1-0 MUN; Car shown
Mazraoui fouls Spence and the Moroccan international gets booked.
December 20, 2024 01:55
25’- TOT 1-0 MUN; Close!
Eriksen goes direct but his shot goes just over the crossbar and ripples the top net.
December 20, 2024 01:54YELLOW CARD
23’- TOT 1-0 MUN; Card shown
Sarr catches Fernandes’ leg from behind and the referee shows the midfielder a yellow card. Free-kick for United.
December 20, 2024 01:52
22’- TOT 1-0 MUN; Eriksen shoots!
The former Tottenham player strikes it from the edge of the box and running on to a Dalot ball but Bissouma makes a crucial block.
December 20, 2024 01:47GOAL
15’- TOT 1-0 MUN; GOAL! Solanke gets Spurs ahead!
Maddison takes the free-kick and plays it short to Son. The winger plays it to Bissouma, who then passes it to Porro. The defender strikes the ball from distance and Bayindir makes a save. However, Dominic Solanke is lurking around and hits the rebound as the ball gets the help of the near post and goes in. The United ‘keeper is left a spectator.
December 20, 2024 01:44
13’- TOT 0-0 MUN; Son hits it wide
Sarr wins the ball from Martinez and the midfielder plays it for Son. The South Korean winger tees up a curling shot with his right foot but the attempt goes way off target.
December 20, 2024 01:43
12’- TOT 0-0 MUN; Hojlund just fails to keep the ball
Fernandes plays the Norwegian forward through on goal but the United striker is hounded by a couple of white shirts inside the Tottenham box, and hence fails to keep possession of the ball.
December 20, 2024 01:41
10’- TOT 0-0 MUN; Corner for United
Eriksen plays it in but Forster seems to be get a punch on it. Ball still not cleared as Lisandro Martinez tries to cushion it into a corner but the volley goes wide.
December 20, 2024 01:36
5’- TOT 0-0 MUN; Nervy start
While Spurs have shown that they can ease through United’s backline, Ruben Amorim’s side is yet to settle some early nerves which are clearly visible through clumsy gameplay.
December 20, 2024 01:33
2’- TOT 0-0 MUN; Close from the host!
Bissouma wins the ball in the middle of the park as Son gets the ball to the edge of the box. He passes it to the player on the left flank but the South Korean fails to reach the cross in on time. Let off for the visitor.
December 20, 2024 01:31
Kickoff!
The first half is underway at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Manchester United gets us underway.
December 20, 2024 01:27
Players in the tunnel
Son with the captain’s armband, Bruno skippering United as usual. Handshakes going around in the tunnel of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Don’t suppose such niceties will be shown on the pitch. Players make their way out.
Manchester United / Tottenham Hotspur / League Cup / EFL Cup / Ruben Amorim / Ange Postecoglou