EPL: James Maddison Scores Winner as Tottenham Defeat Manchester United 1-0

Tottenham Hotspur earned back-to-back Premier League wins with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Manchester United, lifting them to 12th in the table.

Tottenham Hotspur ended their dismal home league form with a crucial 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Premier League. This win marked a significant milestone, as it was the first time since the 2012/13 season that Manchester United had lost three games against the same opponent in one season. The triumph also brought an end to Tottenham's seven-game winless home league run, which had seen them draw two and lose five matches.

The clash between Tottenham and Manchester United was a meeting of two underperforming teams, both of whom are usually competing for European qualification. However, this season has seen them struggle, and they came into the match languishing in the bottom half of the table. Despite their struggles, Tottenham received a boost with the return of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario from injury.

Spurs make it back-to-back victories thanks to James Maddison's effort 👊#TOTMUN pic.twitter.com/5Ew1pKFIi8

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 16, 2025

The match saw Tottenham goalkeeper Vicario make a crucial double save to deny Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho. Ben Davies then cleared Diogo Dalot's follow-up effort off the line, preventing United from taking the lead. Tottenham quickly capitalized on this close call, with James Maddison scoring the opening goal after Andre Onana parried Lucas Bergvall's effort into his path. Maddison's goal was his first in 11 Premier League matches against Manchester United.

Joshua Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho both missed opportunities to equalize for Manchester United. Zirkzee bent a shot narrowly wide, while Garnacho ballooned a golden chance off-target from inside the box, extending his goal drought that dates back to November.

The first half was an open affair, with chances created at both ends. However, Tottenham managed to take a slender lead into the break. Mathys Tel, making his league debut, failed to direct Son Heung-min's cut-back beyond Andre Onana, ensuring the score remained 1-0.

James Maddison's crucial goal that secured all three points for @SpursOfficial against Man Utd! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/hTBDCK7Uni

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 16, 2025

The match resumed with the same fluidity after halftime. Mathys Tel stabbed wide following good work down the flank from Djed Spence. Manchester United then enjoyed their best spell of the game, with Garnacho testing Guglielmo Vicario with a shot under pressure from Pedro Porro. Moments later, Garnacho forced Vicario into a low save at his near post with a powerful snapshot.

Manchester United's manager, Ruben Amorim, was reluctant to make changes, persisting with his starting XI until the 91st minute. However, the absence of Amad Diallo, who is likely to miss the rest of the season through injury, was deeply felt. A glancing header from Zirkzee drifted beyond the far post, representing United's closest attempt at a late equalizer.

The match ultimately ended in disappointment for Amorim and Manchester United. Andre Onana was required to beat away Dejan Kulusevski's close-range shot, securing a 1-0 victory for Tottenham. This win marked Tottenham's second consecutive Premier League victory, lifting them to 12th in the league standings, while Manchester United dropped to a surprising 15th place.