Premier League news: What we learnt from Tottenham’s 1-0 win over Man Utd

Tottenham Hotspur secured a narrow win against Manchester United in a closely contested Premier League tie at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Sports News Blitz writer Christian Willis walks us through the game's key talking points, including a key player netting on his return from injury, Tottenham's resurgence, and Manchester United's injury crisis.

Maddison silencing the critics

Having had no wins in their last seven home league games prior to United and having fallen to 12th in the table, it's safe to say Spurs fans were nervous ahead of a must-win match against Manchester United on Sunday.

The Lilywhites had been without a number of key players through injury, including James Maddison, who had been out for the last five matches.

Maddison's return proved to be the difference, as he capitalised on a rebound early in the game to open the scoring.

Andre Onana could only parry Lucas Bergvall's initial effort to Maddison who converted for his fourth Premier League goal in his last four starts.

This goal not only ended up being the match-winner for Tottenham but also served as an opportunity for Maddison to respond instantly to Roy Keane’s criticism in the week.

Keane slammed the midfielder saying, “People say Maddison's the man. When is he going to step up to the plate?

“He got relegated with Leicester and he'll get relegated with Spurs.”

Maddison responded by celebrating in his typical darting fashion before shushing towards the camera.

Ange Postecoglou praised Maddison on his comeback, explaining, "It's simply fantastic to have him back. He is an exceptional talent.

“If you examine his goal contributions from midfield this season, they remain impressive".

Tottenham's injury crisis ending

Tottenham's win wasn’t just about Maddison coming back. The match also saw the return of several key players from injury, signalling a light at the end of the tunnel for the club and Ange Postecoglou.

First-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario made his return, managing to fend off United’s efforts, and keeping a clean sheet - a first for Tottenham at home since September.

Additionally, long-term absentees Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert came off the bench to give fatigued players a deserved rest late in the match.

This ability to rotate with more and more players returning could be what Spurs need to string together results and push themselves back up the Premier League table.

The win marked back-to-back wins in the Premier League for only the second time this season and moved them up to twelfth in the table, four points behind Brentford in eleventh.

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Manchester United and Amorim's struggles continue

While Tottenham showed signs they may be on the rise, United's performance signalled an impending downfall under manager Ruben Amorim.

The Red Devils suffered their 12th league defeat of the season, dropping down to 15th place in the table.

Despite United having many chances, including Alejandro Garnacho’s two glorious one-on-one opportunities, they failed to find the back of the net.

Amorim's switch to two in midfield didn't pay off as Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes struggled to contain Tottenham’s lively midfield.

The pair were forced to play due to United’s midfield injury crisis, who were without Mason Mount, Christian Eriksen, Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo.

United struggled to create quality opportunities, even when they dominated the ball in the second half.

Amad Diallo’s season-ending injury announced prior to the match could be the reason for that as the Ivorian has contributed effectively since Amorim arrived at the club.

He was duly missed in the game against Tottenham.

Looking ahead

This landmark win, Tottenham’s third against United this season, could be the turning point for Ange after being knocked out of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup recently.

With key players returning from injury and Maddison finding his scoring touch, Spurs will look to carry this momentum in upcoming fixtures against Ipswich and Manchester City.

For Manchester United, this defeat further exposes the problems facing Amorim and his injury-hit team.

The Red Devils will need to regroup fast if they are to save their disappointing season and climb out of a potential relegation scrap.

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