Premier League

Erling Haaland scored the only goal as Manchester City boosted their hopes of a top-four finish with a 1-0 away win over Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday.

Sunday's loss to Liverpool left last season’s Premier League champions 20 points adrift of the leaders and Chelsea's 4-0 win over Southampton on Tuesday saw City drop out of the top four.

But Pep Guardiola's side produced a dominant first-half performance in north London, which was rewarded when Haaland tapped home on his return from injury for his 20th Premier League goal of the season.

That made him just the second player to reach that tally in each of his first three campaigns in the competition, after Ruud van Nistelrooy did so for Manchester United between 2001/02 and 2003/04.

Haaland saw a late second disallowed for handball following a VAR check that confirmed the referee’s on-field decision, while Pape Sarr missed a glaring chance to level when he headed over in the 98th minute.

The hosts stay 13th in the table with 33 points, while City are now just one point behind third-placed Nottingham Forest, who they face in their next league match.

How the match unfolded

Haaland had already forced one save from Guglielmo Vicario by the time he gave City a 12th-minute lead, sweeping Jeremy Doku's low cross home from six yards out.

Doku should have had two further assists by the half-hour mark. First, his searching cross was somehow turned over by the unmarked Savinho, then he found Haaland in another brilliant position only for Vicario to make a vital close-range save.

Spurs struggled to create chances before the break but should have levelled 10 minutes into the second half, as Pedro Porro's whipped cross was prodded wide by Wilson Odobert.

Mathys Tel and Brennan Johnson missed half-chances as Spurs finally put City under sustained pressure, then substitute Son Heung-min saw a scuffed effort repelled by Ederson.

Haaland thought he had made the points safe in stoppage time, but the referee’s on-field decision to disallow the goal for handball was confirmed following a VAR review.

Spurs almost made that reprieve count in the eighth additional minute, but Sarr headed over from the centre of the box as City clung on.

Postecoglou's changes fall flat

Spurs have endured plenty of lows in 2024/25, but November's reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium represented the high point of their campaign, and arguably of the entire Ange Postecoglou era.

Despite being without first-choice centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, Spurs tore City to shreds in a 4-0 win, with Dejan Kulusevski and Son contributing to a scintillating counter-attacking performance.

But both Kulusevski and Son dropped to the bench here and Spurs failed to show anything as an attacking force in the first half. After Tel sent a tame flick into Ederson's arms in the fifth minute, they went 40 minutes without attempting a shot of any description.

Spurs improved dramatically after half-time but were wasteful in their finishing, with Sarr missing their best chance when left totally unmarked in the final action of the match.

With Spurs having eight days to rest up for their next fixture – the first leg of their UEFA Europa League last-16 tie against AZ Alkmaar – fans might wonder whether Postecoglou's decision to rotate his attack was misguided.

That competition represents Spurs' final shot at silverware this season, and a nine-point gap separates them from the top half of the Premier League table. Next up on league duty is the visit of AFC Bournemouth on 9 March.

City inch over the line

This week, Guardiola refuted suggestions that re-establishing City's dominance will be the toughest task of his career, pointing out that the Citizens have already been through multiple rebuilds since he arrived in 2016.

Many expect City to refresh their squad when the curtain comes down on their underwhelming campaign and, while this performance demonstrated there is work to be done, it also showed they have players capable of contributing in the future.

Doku produced a lively display on the left-hand side and, with better finishing from his team-mates, he would have had three assists by the half-hour mark.

Then there is Haaland. Returning to the side after a knee issue caused him to miss defeats to Real Madrid and Liverpool, the Norwegian was in the right place at the right time to score.

Guardiola was visibly concerned by City's lack of control after the break, but they rode their luck to get over the line. They host Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup on Saturday, before visiting Nottingham Forest for a battle of UEFA Champions League hopefuls on 8 March

Match reports

Spurs report | Man City report

What the managers said

Ange Postecoglou: "First half we had to hang in there, created a couple chances but we were wasteful with the ball. Second half we dominated in all areas but missed a goal to get something out of the game. We always knew we would finish strong, we always do, but in the first half we turned the ball over too many times, if you do that against city you allow them to get into a rhythm."

Pep Guardiola: “We were better in the first and they were better in the second. 1-0, 2-0, 3-0 that should have happened because of the chances. In the second half we suffer but we should have closed it in the first. But for Champions League qualification, it was an incredibly good result for us."

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Key facts

Manchester City have won three of their last four away games against Spurs (L1), all since the start of last season. This is more victories than they managed in their first eight away games against them under Pep Guardiola (W2 D0 L6), between 2016-17 and 2022-23.

This was just the fourth time Spurs have lost and failed to score in a home match under Ange Postecoglou, with three of those being defeats to Manchester City (0-1 in January 2024, 0-2 in May 2024 and 0-1 tonight).

Erling Haaland scored the winning goal in a Premier League match for the 25th time, more than any other player since his first season in 2022-23. Only Sergio Agüero (48) and Raheem Sterling (28) have netted more winning goals for Manchester City in the competition than the Norwegian.

Spurs were the first side to start three teenagers (Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Mathys Tel) in a Premier League match against the reigning champions since Boxing Day 1997, when Everton did so against Manchester United (Danny Cadamerteri, John Oster, Michael Ball).

Brennan Johnson scored twice as a resurgent Tottenham Hotspur made it three successive Premier League wins with a 4-1 victory at Ipswich Town.

The Wales international, whose father David played for the Tractor Boys between 1997 and 2001, bagged a first-half double, while Djed Spence and Dejan Kulusevski were each on target late on to seal victory at Portman Road.

Johnson was in the right place at the right time twice in the space of eight minutes to convert a pair of Son Heung-min assists, though Omari Hutchinson halved the deficit before the break with an impressive goal for the hosts.

The result remained in the balance until the closing stages, when a deflected Spence shot and Kulusevski’s fine individual goal ultimately condemned Ipswich to a seventh defeat in eight home league matches.

Kieran McKenna’s side remain 18th, but they are now five points from safety following Wolverhampton Wanderers’ surprise win at AFC Bournemouth. Spurs remain 12th, six points adrift of the top 10.

How the match unfolded

In a relatively even opening half, it was Spurs who struck first in the 18th minute. Son latched on to a long ball over the top of the hosts’ defence down the left and made good ground before laying it on a plate for Johnson to tap in from close range.

The same two players combined as the visitors doubled their lead, with Son again being found in space before he centred the ball for Johnson to apply the finishing touch with a low finish.

Ipswich may have felt hard done by to be two goals behind and they halved the deficit in the 36th minute when Kalvin Phillips stole possession and fed Jack Clarke, who cut the ball back for Hutchinson to sweep a brilliant first-time finish beyond Guglielmo Vicario.

Spurs restored their two-goal lead in the 77th minute when Ipswich substitute Luke Woolfenden, who had a header ruled out for offside earlier on, deflected Spence’s shot beyond helpless home goalkeeper Alex Palmer after the Spurs full-back had been cleverly found by James Maddison.

Kulusevski then added further gloss to the scoreline. After being set up by Dane Scarlett six minutes from time, the winger cut inside from the right and curled an excellent effort in off the far post.

Ipswich's lack of home comfort continues

The only side yet to record a Premier League victory in 2025, Ipswich had been buoyed by their hard-earned 1-1 draw at Villa Park last weekend.

They were quick out of the blocks here and it took smart reflex saves from Vicario to thwart Liam Delap and Jaden Philogene inside the opening 30 seconds, while the former also saw a header come back off the woodwork.

But despite their promising start, Ipswich switched off at the other end, affording Son too much space down the left to tee up Johnson for both goals, from which point a costly defeat always looked likely.

To their credit, the hosts recovered well – aided by Hutchinson’s well-taken goal – and finished the first half strongly, while carrying the greater attacking threat for large periods after the break as well.

However, they could not turn their positive play into an equaliser, and any hopes of not leaving the contest empty-handed were ended when the visitors struck twice inside the final quarter of an hour.

Ipswich’s bid to avoid the drop has not been helped by their home form. Since their only league win at Portman Road this season, against Chelsea in December, they have lost four matches in a row in front of their own fans by an aggregate score of 14-2.

Ipswich are away to another under-pressure team in desperate need of momentum, Manchester United, on Wednesday.

Johnson haunts father’s former club

Around this time 25 years ago, David Johnson’s goals were instrumental towards Ipswich sealing their return to the Premier League. But a quarter of a century later, his son Brennan’s goals have dented their hopes of remaining in the top flight.

After breaking the deadlock with a tap-in on the line, Johnson doubled his and Spurs’ tally with a neat first-time finish.

Given their knack of surrendering points from winning positions this season, Spurs will not have been sitting comfortably after Hutchinson halved the deficit and Woolfenden’s headed goal was disallowed.

However, after keeping their rejuvenated hosts at bay to prevent them getting on level terms, Spence’s deflected strike settled their nerves.

Spurs then ensured any faint hopes Ipswich may have had of mounting a dramatic fightback were firmly dashed, as Kulusevski sent a delicious effort beyond the dive of Palmer, giving Spurs a third straight league win for the first time since December 2023.

It's a huge match at home to champions Manchester City up next. While their league position remains unchanged, Spurs go into that contest in much better shape and with greater confidence than they had even just a week ago.

Club reports

Ipswich report | Spurs report

What the managers said

Ange Postecoglou: "They're [Ipswich] one of the hardest-working teams in the league. You know you're going up against a battle and a contest - we had to do that today. First half, we could have done better. We allowed them some moments, but in the second half we dug in."

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Key facts

Spurs have won three consecutive Premier League games for the first time since December 2023, as many victories as in their previous 15 matches in the competition (D2 L10).

Ipswich have picked up just seven points at home in the Premier League this season (W1 D4 L9), indeed only Southampton (four points) have gained fewer in the top four tiers of English Football in 2024/25, while only three sides have lost more than the Tractor Boys' nine defeats (Southampton 11, Morecambe, and Shrewsbury, 10).

Spurs have won four Premier League away games this season by three or more goals. Only in 2016/17 (five) have they ever won more such matches in a season.

Johnson scored his first Premier League brace for Spurs and his first in the competition since March 2023 for Nottingham Forest against Everton. He now has nine Premier League goals this season, his most in a single campaign.

Football writer Alex Keble analyses Tottenham Hotspur's 1-0 win over Manchester United which secured their first home victory since November.

While it may not go down as a match that ranks among the classic encounters between the two sides, it could be one that we look back upon as the start of something significant for both clubs.

Tottenham Hotspur are leaving an injury crisis just as Manchester United are entering theirs and, on the evidence of the first half in particular, that means Spurs are ready to shoot up the table and United, if it’s even possible, falling deeper into trouble.

Spurs rejuvenated by return of star players

Ange Postecoglou has for a long time insisted Spurs’ poor form was the direct consequence of their long injury list and, for 45 minutes at least, there was vindication.

“We’ve hardly trained the last few months,” Postecoglou said after the match. “This week all of sudden we’ve had 20 senior fit players, which gives everyone a boost.

“Training’s a bit more energetic, a bit more up-tempo. The players and the coaches all respond to that.”

Sure enough, Spurs began with purpose and energy, harassing Man Utd into a low block for long periods of the match and pressing more effectively than we’ve seen in some time.

They won possession eight times in the final third, their fourth-highest figure in the Premier League this season and the most since beating Aston Villa 4-1 on 3 November, incidentally their last home win.

Key: Green - successful pass, yellow - chance created, blue - assist, red - failed pass

James Maddison, scorer of the winning goal, was lively (as seen, most obviously, in reacting first to poke in from close range), while Guglielmo Vicario made several impressive saves.

These two symbolised the value of having first-team regulars fully fit and trained up through the week.

It brought genuine hope that a revival is coming.

Man Utd’s midfield issues made worse by injuries

Just as Spurs’ luck is turning one way, United’s is going the other.

Ruben Amorim had eight teenagers on the bench, meaning he had to put square pegs in round holes, including fielding Joshua Zirkzee as an inside forward on the same flank as Bruno Fernandes.

It was a big problem. Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation frequently leaves the two central midfielders with too much work to do, and it was no surprise Casemiro and Fernandes lacked the energy to cope, especially without the legs of Kobbie Mainoo or Amad in front of them.

Over and over again in the first half, Djed Spence (inverting from left-back), Maddison and Son Heung-min overworked an isolated Fernandes, who was dragged across to leave Casemiro helpless in the middle.

This total mismatch in midfield is what allowed Spurs to dominate the ball and pin Man Utd back in the first half, when Maddison and Lucas Bergvall gracefully controlled the wide-open spaces, leading indirectly to the winning goal.

The respective "team average position" graphics below highlight the difference between the two midfields.

One was relatively organised, the other – already struggling in Amorim’s system, and now ravaged by injury – shows huge gaps either side of the narrow midfield pair.

Amorim’s injury issues also create a blunt attack

“There’s definitely empathy there [with Amorim’s position],” Postecoglou said after the match.

“Welcome to my world. But that’s for one game. Do that for two months.”

They’re about to.

Amad – who has scored or assisted eight of United’s 16 league goals under Amorim (50 pr cent) - is expected to miss the rest of the season, leaving United reliant upon Alejandro Garnacho, a forward they were open to selling in January, and Zirkzee.

Man Utd amassed an Expected Goals (xG) of 1.54 in this match but it felt higher, with Garnacho blazing one shot over the crossbar from 10 yards and Zirkzee missing two good chances.

We shouldn’t have been particularly surprised by either player.

Zirkzee only scored 13 goals in 37 Serie A matches for Atalanta, while Garnacho has the lowest conversion rate of big chances (situations where the player is expected to score) of any Premier League player to have had 10 or more big chances this season, with 14 per cent.

United were always likely to draw a blank, then, following a trend that could be about to get worse.

They have failed to score in 10 of their 25 Premier League matches, the second-most behind Everton (12), and have lost 12 of their 25 league contests, their most at this stage of a league campaign since 1973/74, when they were relegated.

The situation was bad enough before these fresh injury concerns. But now Amorim faces a fresh crisis, and one set to draw all the more focus as Spurs – after recording back-to-back wins – look to move out of theirs.

"I have a lot of problems. My job is so hard," Amorim told Sky Sports after the match.

While Amorim's first three months have proven immensely challenging, spring, without his star man Amad, looks set to provide an even sterner test of his coaching credentials.

Tottenham Hotspur earned back-to-back Premier League wins with a 1-0 home triumph over Manchester United, the first time they have done the double over the Red Devils in the competition.

Having beaten Brentford two weeks ago to end a seven-match winless run, Spurs earned their first victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since early November.

James Maddison got the all-important goal after just 13 minutes, turning in the rebound after Lucas Bergvall had a shot saved.

Alejandro Garnacho squandered a glorious chance shortly afterwards, with United unable to find an equaliser despite applying plenty of pressure.

The hosts move up to 12th in the table on 30 points, leapfrogging United, who sit one point and three places below them in 15th.

How the match unfolded

Spurs managed to survive a flurry of early United chances; Rasmus Hojlund’s low drive was pushed away by Guglielmo Vicario, with the Italian – back from injury after three months out – then palming Garnacho’s curler clear in the next phase.

United were punished just moments later at the other end as Andre Onana pushed Bergvall’s low strike straight to Maddison, who coolly fired in.

Garnacho should have levelled 10 minutes later, but he blazed over the crossbar under no pressure after Bruno Fernandes’ clever lay-off.

The Argentinian led the United charge in the second half, twice forcing Vicario into action, first from a tight angle on the right side of the area, then with a low strike at the near post.

Joshua Zirkzee glanced a header wide of the far post, while Djed Spence slid in to block Hojlund’s shot after Onana had kept out Dejan Kulusevki and sparked a quick counter.

But United were unable to make that pressure tell, leaving Ruben Amorim to face up to another demoralising defeat.

Postecoglou finds relief

Spurs stopped the rot in the Premier League last time out with a 2-0 win over Brentford, but they found themselves back under pressure after a miserable week saw them crash out of both the EFL Cup and the FA Cup.

They had not won back-to-back league matches since September, but some huge injury boosts, including the returns of Vicario and Maddison to the starting line-up, lifted the mood ahead of kick-off.

Vicario’s absence has been keenly felt and he showed his worth after just 10 minutes, making an impressive double save to deny Hojlund and Garnacho, while he was also sent scrambling by a Zirkzee effort that fizzed wide of the post.

Maddison, meanwhile, marked his return with a goal but also provided a spark in midfield throughout the first half.

Elsewhere, new boy Mathys Tel – a reported United target before joining Spurs – was a constant threat and was unlucky not to mark his Premier League debut with a goal as Onana kept him out.

Ange Postecoglou has never lost to United in the Premier League, and Spurs' third win over them this campaign has certainly helped to ease the pressure.

However, the Spurs head coach knows they need to build some momentum with struggling Ipswich Town up next.

Amorim’s injury headache

While Spurs’ injury crisis has shown some signs of easing, United now have mounting problems of their own, with Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and Lisandro Martinez all out.

Considering their problems in the final third this term though, perhaps the biggest blow dealt to them was that concerning Amad, who Amorim conceded before the match could miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury.

In an attempt to end their struggle for goals, Amorim opted to use both Hojlund and Zirkzee together, a decision that might have paid off early on, if not for Vicario’s reflexes.

United drew a blank for the 19th time in the first half of a Premier League match this season, though that should not have been the case as Garnacho was handed a chance on a silver platter, only to fire wastefully over.

With Victor Lindelof the lone senior figure available to Amorim off the bench, the head coach had to rally his starters.

They came out stronger after the break, but Garnacho was unable to atone for his earlier miss as Vicario continually thwarted him.

It is a second consecutive Premier League defeat for United – with an FA Cup victory over Leicester City sandwiched in between – and things do not get easier with a trip to resurgent Everton next Saturday.

Club reports

Spurs report | Man Utd report

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Key facts

This win was Spurs' first in the Premier League at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since November against Aston Villa, while it was just the second time in their last 28 home league matches that they kept a clean sheet (also v Everton in August).

Spurs are the first side to win three separate matches against Man Utd in a single season in all competitions since Chelsea in 2012/13.

Man Utd have lost 12 of their 25 Premier League matches this season (W8 D5), their most defeats from their first 25 matches of a league campaign since 1973/74 (13) – when they were last relegated from the top flight.

Only Leicester City (seven) have scored fewer first half goals in the Premier League this season than Man Utd (nine).

Tottenham Hotspur earned back-to-back Premier League wins with a 1-0 home triumph over Manchester United, the first time they have done the double over the Red Devils in the competition.

Having beaten Brentford two weeks ago to end a seven-match winless run, Spurs earned their first victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since early November.

James Maddison got the all-important goal after just 13 minutes, turning in the rebound after Lucas Bergvall had a shot saved.

Alejandro Garnacho squandered a glorious chance shortly afterwards, with United unable to find an equaliser despite applying plenty of pressure.

The hosts move up to 12th in the table on 30 points, leapfrogging United, who sit one point and three places below them in 15th.

How the match unfolded

Spurs managed to survive a flurry of early United chances; Rasmus Hojlund’s low drive was pushed away by Guglielmo Vicario, with the Italian – back from injury after three months out – then palming Garnacho’s curler clear in the next phase.

United were punished just moments later at the other end as Andre Onana pushed Bergvall’s low strike straight to Maddison, who coolly fired in.

Garnacho should have levelled 10 minutes later, but he blazed over the crossbar under no pressure after Bruno Fernandes’ clever lay-off.

The Argentinian led the United charge in the second half, twice forcing Vicario into action, first from a tight angle on the right side of the area, then with a low strike at the near post.

Joshua Zirkzee glanced a header wide of the far post, while Djed Spence slid in to block Hojlund’s shot after Onana had kept out Dejan Kulusevki and sparked a quick counter.

But United were unable to make that pressure tell, leaving Ruben Amorim to face up to another demoralising defeat.

Postecoglou finds relief

Spurs stopped the rot in the Premier League last time out with a 2-0 win over Brentford, but they found themselves back under pressure after a miserable week saw them crash out of both the EFL Cup and the FA Cup.

They had not won back-to-back league matches since September, but some huge injury boosts, including the returns of Vicario and Maddison to the starting line-up, lifted the mood ahead of kick-off.

Vicario’s absence has been keenly felt and he showed his worth after just 10 minutes, making an impressive double save to deny Hojlund and Garnacho, while he was also sent scrambling by a Zirkzee effort that fizzed wide of the post.

Maddison, meanwhile, marked his return with a goal but also provided a spark in midfield throughout the first half.

Elsewhere, new boy Mathys Tel – a reported United target before joining Spurs – was a constant threat and was unlucky not to mark his Premier League debut with a goal as Onana kept him out.

Ange Postecoglou has never lost to United in the Premier League, and Spurs' third win over them this campaign has certainly helped to ease the pressure.

However, the Spurs head coach knows they need to build some momentum with struggling Ipswich Town up next.

Amorim’s injury headache

While Spurs’ injury crisis has shown some signs of easing, United now have mounting problems of their own, with Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and Lisandro Martinez all out.

Considering their problems in the final third this term though, perhaps the biggest blow dealt to them was that concerning Amad, who Amorim conceded before the match could miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury.

In an attempt to end their struggle for goals, Amorim opted to use both Hojlund and Zirkzee together, a decision that might have paid off early on, if not for Vicario’s reflexes.

United drew a blank for the 19th time in the first half of a Premier League match this season, though that should not have been the case as Garnacho was handed a chance on a silver platter, only to fire wastefully over.

With Victor Lindelof the lone senior figure available to Amorim off the bench, the head coach had to rally his starters.

They came out stronger after the break, but Garnacho was unable to atone for his earlier miss as Vicario continually thwarted him.

It is a second consecutive Premier League defeat for United – with an FA Cup victory over Leicester City sandwiched in between – and things do not get easier with a trip to resurgent Everton next Saturday.

Club reports

Spurs report | Man Utd report

Next PL fixtures

Key facts

This win was Spurs' first in the Premier League at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since November against Aston Villa, while it was just the second time in their last 28 home league matches that they kept a clean sheet (also v Everton in August).

Spurs are the first side to win three separate matches against Man Utd in a single season in all competitions since Chelsea in 2012/13.

Man Utd have lost 12 of their 25 Premier League matches this season (W8 D5), their most defeats from their first 25 matches of a league campaign since 1973/74 (13) – when they were last relegated from the top flight.

Only Leicester City (seven) have scored fewer first half goals in the Premier League this season than Man Utd (nine).

Tottenham Hotspur host Manchester United on Sunday in the next instalment of a fixture that has produced countless memorable moments.

Football writer Adrian Kajumba looks back at some of the standout matches, goals, incidents and individual performances from their meetings during the Premier League era.

Man Utd seal first part of Treble - May 1999

Heading into the final 10 days of the 1998/99 season Man Utd stood on the brink of history - just three wins away from an incredible Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League treble.

To complete part one of their bid to become the first English side to achieve the feat, they had to overcome Spurs on what proved to be a nerve-shredding final day of the season.

Mid-table Spurs had little to play for and also knew that taking points off Man Utd would actually benefit their fierce rivals Arsenal more as the second-placed Gunners started the day a point behind Man Utd.

The chances of that dreaded scenario, from a Spurs perspective, becoming reality increased when Les Ferdinand lobbed the north Londoners into a shock lead.

“I scored and thought this could go down in history as the worst move of my career,” Ferdinand told The Times.

But David Beckham levelled for Man Utd before half-time substitute Andrew Cole lobbed in the winner two minutes after the restart and Sir Alex Ferguson’s men held on to make it one down, two to go in their Treble quest.

Victories in the FA Cup final against Newcastle United and Bayern Munich in the Champions League final then made it a remarkable mission accomplished for Man Utd.

Carr’s White Hart Lane screamer - October 1999

A few months later a wonder goal from an unlikely scorer helped Spurs overcome Ferguson’s Treble winners.

It came from Stephen Carr, who picked up the ball inside his own half and ran unchallenged towards Man Utd’s penalty area before unleashing a stinging shot that flew into the net past Mark Bosnich.

Carr had only scored one Premier League goal before that so few could have confidently predicted what came next when he gathered possession.

His 71st-minute strike killed off any comeback hopes Man Utd may have had and put the seal on a fondly-remembered 3-1 win for Spurs.

Man United’s stunning second-half comeback - September 2001

From a long list of turnarounds during his 27-year reign at Man Utd, Ferguson rated their thrilling 2001 recovery at Spurs as “one of the great comebacks.”

The match looked all but over at half-time as Spurs raced into a 3-0 lead through goals from debutant Dean Richards, Ferdinand and Christian Ziege.

Ferguson’s players, familiar with his famous hairdryer treatment, were braced for a half-time dressing-down after being totally outplayed by an inspired Spurs.

Instead Ferguson sprung a surprise by calmly telling them "we're going to score the first goal and see where that takes us.”

Ferguson, meanwhile, remembered Spurs captain and ex-United striker Teddy Sheringham warning his team-mates not to let that happen as the two sides prepared to run out for the second half. Ferguson's prediction was accurate and Sheringham’s efforts in vain.

Cole pulled a goal back a minute into the second half before further strikes from Laurent Blanc, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Juan Sebastian Veron and Beckham saw a transformed Man Utd storm to a stunning win in a match of two halves.

Mendes’ goal that never was - January 2005

This fixture is also in Premier League folklore due to an unforgettable goal that never was.

With the teams locked level at 0-0 and 89 minutes on the clock, quick-thinking midfielder Pedro Mendes tried his luck from just inside the Man United half with goalkeeper Roy Carroll well out of position and frantically trying to return to his goal.

Carroll got back just in time but also spilled Mendes’ shot over the line as he attempted to catch the ball.

The Spurs 'keeper dived backwards to scoop the ball out of his goal but his sheepish looks towards the assistant referee appeared to give the game away.

However, the officials remained unaware that Mendes’ effort had gone in, no goal was given and Spurs were denied a first league win at Old Trafford since 1989.

The incident sparked fresh calls for goal-line technology but, amid the fallout, Spurs manager Martin Jol did accept it would have been "difficult” for the officials to spot in real time.

Assistant referee Rob Lewis said: “I was doing my primary job which was to stand in line to watch for an offside. There was nothing I could have done apart from run faster than Linford Christie.

“The Tottenham players were brilliant - they were shaking my hand and saying there was no way I could give a decision where I was.”

Defender O’Shea finishes game in goal - February 2007

Man Utd’s 2007 trip to White Hart Lane was a match made unforgettable as one of those rare occasions that featured an outfield player going in goal.

With Man Utd having used all of their substitutes, Edwin van der Sar was then forced off with a broken nose leaving John O’Shea to show that his talents as a utility man extended to filling in as an emergency goalkeeper too.

Rio Ferdinand was initially going to replace Van der Sar but Irishman O’Shea’s Gaelic football background helped him get the nod, not long after coming off the bench.

Man Utd were 4-0 up and had the match won when O’Shea stepped in, but he still had work to do to preserve the clean sheet.

At times O’Shea looked like the outfielder he was, flapping awkwardly at one corner.

Watch: O'Shea's turn in goal for Man Utd

But a one-on-one save to deny Robbie Keane was a highlight from his brief cameo and something he enjoyed bringing up when the pair were away on international duty just days later.

O’Shea finished the game being serenaded with chants of “United’s No 1” from the travelling fans and joked in his post-match interview: “I’ve just asked Edwin if he gets a clean sheet bonus because I want half of it.”

Spurs’ White Hart Lane send-off - May 2017

After 118 years at White Hart Lane, Spurs signed off in style with a 2-1 win against Man Utd.

Goals from Victor Wanyama and Harry Kane, before Wayne Rooney’s late consolation, ensured Spurs not only marked the end of an era with a victory but also went a whole season unbeaten at home in the league for the first time since 1964/65 as they finished second.

Watch: Spurs win final match at White Hart Lane

Understandably, this was an emotional occasion as Spurs players past and present joined supporters to celebrate one final time at the club’s iconic stadium.

And the day had a fairytale end when a rainbow appeared over the ground as the final whistle blew.

Eriksen’s historic early goal - January 2018

While their new permanent home was being built, Spurs played at the new Wembley Stadium and the next time they hosted Man Utd another memorable moment in the history of this head-to-head occurred.

Spurs made a lightning quick start to bring Man Utd’s run of six successive clean sheets to a shuddering halt, Christian Eriksen opening the scoring after just 10.54 seconds in a 2-0 win.

At the time the Dane’s 50th strike for Spurs was the third-fastest goal scored in Premier League history.

It now sits sixth on that list but remains the fastest goal scored at the new Wembley Stadium.

Mourinho demands “respect” - August 2018

In difficult times Jose Mourinho has always had his considerable achievements to fall back on and never been shy to highlight them.

A 3-0 Old Trafford defeat for Mourinho’s Man Utd against Spurs prompted one of his more memorable responses in the face of criticism.

The result meant Man Utd had lost two of their opening three league matches for the first time in 26 years and was Mourinho's heaviest home loss as a manager.

Man Utd fell to 13th in the table leaving Mourinho under fire in his post-match press conference.

Backed into a corner, he came out swinging before storming out of the room.

“Just to finish, do you know what was the result?” he asked before holding up three fingers.

“Do you know what this means? [It means] 3-0.

“But it also means three Premierships and I won more Premierships alone than the other 19 managers together. Three for me and two for them two [Pep Guardiola and Manuel Pellegrini]. So respect man, respect, respect, respect.”

Spurs hit Man Utd for six - October 2020

Mourinho was much happier when he returned to Old Trafford two years later while in charge of Spurs - and after inflicting a humiliating defeat on his former employers and successor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Five minutes later Spurs had turned the game on its head following goals from Tanguy Ndombele and Son Heung-min.

They continued to take advantage of United’s chaotic defending and, coupled with Anthony Martial’s first-half dismissal, Spurs scored four more times either side of the break, with Kane joining Son by netting a brace.

The final result was Spurs’ biggest win at Old Trafford and equalled their record victory against Man Utd, a 1932 home success.

“It’s history for Tottenham, history for my boys and I cannot deny it is history for me,” said a proud Mourinho, who became the first manager to win at Old Trafford with three different teams following previous victories with Chelsea and Real Madrid.

In contrast, Man Utd made history for the wrong reasons.

This was the first time they had conceded four goals in the opening half of a home league match since 1957 against Spurs. The outcome also equalled their biggest Premier League home defeat against Manchester City in 2011.

“It's my worst day ever,” United manager Solskjaer said.

Hat-trick hero Ronaldo rolls back the years - March 2022

Cristiano Ronaldo was not the force of old when he returned for a second spell at Old Trafford in 2021, but he was still more than capable of deciding matches on his own and breaking records.

Spurs’ visit in March 2022 was a prime example as the then 37 year-old Portuguese superstar scored a hat-trick to inspire United to a 3-2 win.

His first goal, an unstoppable strike into Hugo Lloris’ top corner, was voted Premier League Goal of the Month for March.

Ronaldo doubled his tally with a first-half tap in and then won the game with a towering late header.

In doing so, Ronaldo scored his first Premier League hat-trick in 14 years and 59 days, the longest gap between trebles in the history of the competition.

His exploits also took him to 807 career goals and saw him become the top-scoring male player of all time, according to FIFA’s records.

Manchester United travel to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday with what reports suggest are a host of injury problems in midfield.

In his pre-match press conference Ruben Amorim suggested that two unnamed players were a concern for him.

Amad has now confirmed that he will be out with an injury, which reports suggest is with an ankle ligament that could mean he will miss for the rest of the season.

"Extremely disappointed to be writing this message in such a crucial time of the season. Unfortunately, I will be out for some time with an injury," Amad said on his Instagram page.

Amad is United's top scorer in the league with six goals, including registering a hat-trick in a 3-1 win against Southampton.

Other reports suggest that Amorim will also not be able to call upon his midfield trio of Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo and Toby Collyer for the trip to north London.

Man Utd are already without six other first-team players, with Lisandro Martinez also out for an extended period due to a cruciate ligament injury.

Man Utd's confirmed injury list

Player Injury Latest Update Mason Mount Muscle Details Luke Shaw Knock Details Jonny Evans Muscle Details Altay Bayindir - Details Tom Heaton - Details Lisandro Martinez Knee Details Amad Ankle Details

The Red Devils are aiming for just their fourth away win of the season but are playing a Spurs side who have beaten them twice this season, a 3-0 victory in the league and a 4-3 success in the EFL Cup.

Who could play in midfield?

If Amorim is without Collyer, Mainoo and Ugarte, the Portugese head coach may play Christian Eriksen and Casemiro at the base of his midfield. Neither has started a league match since a 2-0 defeat by Newcastle United on 30 December.

And in the five league games since then, Casemiro has been an unused substitute, while Eriksen has featured for a combined 11 minutes.

For 25 years, John Abel has been running inclusive football sessions for the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation throughout the north London community, inspiring thousands to take part who may never have previously known a pathway.

“What inspires me and keeps me getting up in the mornings is making sure I put a smile on people’s faces," he says. "If I walk in a room and I go and say hello, and they smile at me, that’s my job done before I even start delivering the session. If I get that smile in their eyes, I know I’ve made a difference to that person.

John's dedication to working tirelessly to provide football for those with a wide range of disabilities, including the delivery of adapted versions of the game, was rewarded by him being named the Spurs' Premier League Community Captain.

He received the award as part of the promotion of the Premier League’s More Than A Game initiative, which brings football together to celebrate community programmes this month.

John has worked with all sorts of people during his quarter of a century with the Foundation, some went on to represent their countries, such as Team GB at the London 2012 Paralympics.

“Some of the young people I've worked with have had life-limiting illnesses," he tells the Spurs' website. "It can be a tough, unforgiving world. Working with them, no matter how short a time it's for, can make such a difference. I've even been invited to the funeral of one child during my time, showing how much the parents appreciated our support.

“On the other side, you’ve got those who go on to fulfil a life, have a family, buy a house, get a job. We're that little link at the beginning that gives them the fundamental life skills and the opportunity to succeed.”

John also helps to deliver other sessions for the Foundation, such as a "Sporting Memories" programme for people with dementia and walking football sessions for women.

As well as the Community Captain award and special shirt that he received, John was surprised by a visit from men's first-team forward Brennan Johnson.

“John is a fantastic example of someone doing incredible work in the community, so to have the opportunity to present him with this award is extra special," Johnson said.

What is More than a game?

More than a game highlights the positive impact of Premier League investment into communities and all levels of football. The League is investing £1.6billion into wider football, the grassroots game and communities between 2022 and 2025.

This includes funding for community projects run by 164 professional and non-league clubs, supporting people of all ages who need it most, as well as providing much-needed funding to non-league, grassroots and women’s clubs to enhance stadium facilities for players and fans.

Football writer Ninad Barbadikar analyses Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round action involving Premier League teams.

Leyton Orient 1-2 Man City

A Kevin De Bruyne winner off the bench rescued victory for Manchester City against a doughty Leyton Orient and secured progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Though on the losing side ultimately, Tottenham Hotspur loanee Jamie Donley’s effort from 40 yards out for the League One side that hit the bar and went in off City ‘keeper Stefan Ortega was the match’s highlight.

It isn’t the first time Donley’s scored something like this either, doing so last season for Spurs’ PL2 team and before that in 2022, for Spurs’ Under-18s. That one was from 40 yards as well.

City recovered in the second half through Rico Lewis’s shot from distance, which beat Orient ‘keeper Josh Keeley (another on loan from Spurs) through an Abdukodir Khusanov deflection, the defender’s first goal for the club.

Though Orient pressed on in search of another lead, Pep Guardiola’s changes would pay off as De Bruyne made the difference for his club in the FA Cup once again. Since his debut in the competition in 2016, no player has been involved in more goals than the Belgian’s tally of 26.

It was only his third goal this season overall, while it was Jack Grealish’s third assist in this season’s FA Cup, two more than he has in the league.

Watch: Donley's goal | De Bruyne's goal

"It was a typical FA Cup tie and that’s why this competition is unbelievable," said Guardiola, who would have been glad to avoid extra-time or more as his team prepare to face a completely different challenge in Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League playoff on Tuesday, before Newcastle United next weekend in the Premier League.

See: Man City report

Coventry City 1-4 Ipswich Town

Jack Clarke’s brace was the highlight of a comfortable victory for Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town over Coventry City.

The match’s start was delayed due to congestion but there was little time wasted for the action to get going, as George Hirst scored only his second goal for the Tractor Boys after Sam Szmodics drew a foul inside the first 30 seconds. Szmodics had to be replaced later after an injury blow on his return from an ankle injury for this match, with McKenna making 11 changes to the side.

After scoring and assisting in the third round against Bristol Rovers, Clarke scored a quickfire brace to put Ipswich in a comfortable lead at half-time. Jadon Philogene sealed the win with his first goal since joining the club in January from Aston Villa.

After their shock league defeat at home to Southampton, this was a morale-boosting result for McKenna’s side who face some tough tests ahead starting with a trip to Villa Park next week.

Watch: All four Ipswich goals | See: Ipswich report

Everton 0-2 AFC Bournemouth

Andoni Iraola’s high-flying Bournemouth ensured progress after a victory over Everton that was secured in the opening half at Goodison Park.

There were starts for youngsters Ben Winterburn and Daniel Jebbison as the Cherries continue to navigate this injury-ravaged period with strong performances and results.

With his goal to make it 2-0, Jebbison has now scored two of his last 14 goals at Goodison Park, including his time with Sheffield United. Meanwhile, Antoine Semenyo opened the scoring from the spot to make it four goals in five matches in all competitions.

Everton’s January arrival Carlos Alcaraz came close to scoring on his debut with a brilliant free-kick but could not get the better of Kepa in the Cherries goal who was saved by the post three times during the match.

After a run of three wins, the defeat for a strong Everton side was not what David Moyes wanted in Goodison Park’s last-ever FA Cup tie and ahead of Wednesday’s Merseyside derby at the stadium.

After a disappointing loss against Liverpool, Iraola’s side returned to winning ways as they prepare to face bottom side Southampton next in the league.

See: Everton report | Bournemouth report

Southampton 0-1 Burnley

The optimism at Ivan Juric’s Southampton after their win at Ipswich was dented by an FA Cup exit at the hands of a miserly Burnley, after loan signing Marcus Edwards grabbed a second-half winner off the bench for Scott Parker’s side.

It is little surprise Saints failed to test a Clarets team who have one of the best defences in the country, conceding a remarkable nine goals in 31 Championship fixtures, while this was their 10th clean sheet in their last 11 fixtures.

With just one goal conceded since Christmas, Parker’s team are favourites for a return to the Premier League on the basis of their defence alone.

Juric’s Southampton will now turn focus back to league action as the league's bottom team prepare for a tough run of matches including fixtures against Bournemouth, Chelsea as well as Liverpool.

See: Southampton report

Wigan Athletic 1-2 Fulham

A Rodrigo Muniz brace was enough for Marco Silva’s Fulham to see off Wigan Athletic.

The Brazilian forward, who has found starts rare to come by of late, made it back-to-back matches with goals, after netting the winner against Newcastle United in the league.

Watch: Muniz's brace

Silva rang the changes, making 10 in total, though there was little struggle in terms of their dominance as Fulham averaged over 70 per cent of the possession during the match and 90 per cent in the opening 15 minutes.

They had to hang on in the end after a Wigan fightback, but back-to-back wins in league and cup will boost the London team’s confidence as they prepare to take on high-flying Nottingham Forest at Craven Cottage.

See: Fulham report

Birmingham City 2-3 Newcastle

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle held on to emerge 3-2 winners against Birmingham City in a classic tie at St Andrew’s. After booking their place in the final of the EFL Cup on Wednesday, Newcastle’s cup joy continued despite naming a team which faced more resistance in the Second City than at home to Arsenal in midweek.

Former Manchester United defender Ethan Laird opened the scoring for the home side after only 44 seconds to set the tone for the half. Joe Willock responded 20 minutes later to equalise, his first goal since late August in the second round of the EFL Cup against Nottingham Forest.

Callum Wilson registered his first goal for Newcastle since May after connecting with Tino Livramento’s cross which had been comically missed by both Willock and William Osula.

Signed from Sheffield United in the summer, Osula stood out with a brace of assists after scoring against Bromley in the third round. The home side kept the pressure on and were rewarded for their efforts when a screamer from Tomoki Iwata lit up St Andrew’s ahead of half-time.

Howe sought more control in the second half though the game spiralled into a series of fouls and yellow cards. Eventually, it would be Willock who would find the breakthrough, calmly finishing past Bailey Peacock-Farrell to restore the Magpies’ lead. "It has not been an easy season for me," said Willock who has struggled for starts. "I've been waiting for my chance to push on and hopefully this is the start of the rest of my season."

Watch: Wilson's goal | Iwata's goal | Willock's winner

Defender Dan Burn limping off in the second half will be the big concern for Howe as he prepares for a trip to Man City next weekend in the league. "It was something with his groin," Howe said. "Fingers crossed it’s not too bad."

See: Newcastle report

Brighton 2-1 Chelsea

Fabian Hurzeler’s side put the humiliation of their 7-0 defeat to Forest last weekend behind them, coming from behind to beat Chelsea at the Amex.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca made six changes for this one, though retaining both Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez from the start.

It was Palmer’s volley from a superb Jadon Sancho pass that forced an own goal from Brighton 'keeper Bart Verbruggen, who spilled the cross into his own net.

Georginio Rutter’s brilliant headed equaliser marked his fifth goal for Brighton in his last six appearances, after scoring only twice in his first 10 this season. He also grabbed a brace in Brighton’s 4-0 win over Norwich City in the third round.

The Frenchman was involved again in the winner from Kaoru Mitoma, laying on the assist for the Japanese winger to finish with a superb piece of improvisation past his former team-mate Robert Sanchez.

With the lead secured, Brighton put numbers at the back to contain any threat from a largely toothless Chelsea, whose only shot on target came in the fourth minute. While Rutter thrived up front, there was a particularly impressive shift from Tariq Lamptey, who won six of nine tackles in a stellar defensive display.

After a run of seven wins in a row in November and December, Chelsea now only have three victories from their last 10 games in all competitions.

Maresca will be keen to arrest this slide in form when the Blues travel to Brighton again in the league on Friday.

Watch: Mitoma’s goal

Which other Premier League clubs are in fourth-round action?

Sunday 9 February

Monday 10 February

Tuesday 11 February

When is the fifth-round draw?

Teams will discover their fate in the fifth round when the draw takes place from 19:10 GMT on Monday 10 February.

The fifth-round ties are scheduled to be held on the weekend of 1-2 March, after Matchweek 27 and before Matchweek 28 in the Premier League.

After Tottenham Hotspur completed the loan signing of forward Mathys Tel, football writer James Eastham explores the Frenchman's journey to the Premier League via the academy at Ligue 1 side Rennes and Bayern Munich.

Spurs' new signing Mathys Tel could not have wished for a better place to begin his professional career. By joining Rennes' academy at the age of 15, he was increasing his chances of making it in the game he loves.

Rennes’ long list of well-known graduates is testament to the fine work that scouts, coaches and educators have been doing in this particular corner of north-west France for a long time.

Six years before Tel’s 2022 move to Bayern Munich, France winger Ousmane Dembele - arguably Rennes’ most famous academy graduate - embarked on his own journey to Germany, in his case joining Borussia Dortmund.

In August 2021, when Tel became the youngest player ever to appear in a professional match for Rennes, aged just 16 years and 110 days old, breaking the record set by Eduardo Camavinga, who had joined Rennes at the age of 11. Now at Real Madrid, Camavinga made more than 70 first-team appearances for Rennes before moving to Spain.

When Tel captained France to victory at the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in 2022, there were two fellow members of the Rennes academy alongside him in the starting line-up in their 2-1 win over the Netherlands in the final - defender Jeanuel Belocian, now at Bayer Leverkusen, and attacking midfielder Desire Doue, who joined Paris Saint-Germain last year.

The club's influence was evident in the Premier League well before Tel’s Deadline Day move to Spurs. Players including Brighton & Hove Albion’s Georginio Rutter, Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure and Chelsea’s Lesley Ugochukwu, currently on loan at Southampton, all entered the professional game via the Brittany-based academy.

Who is Mathys Tel?

Tel was born in Sarcelles, in the northern suburbs of Paris. Before moving to Rennes in 2020, he spent time at several smaller clubs in the French capital - Villiers-le-Bel, Paris FC, Aubervilliers, Montrouge - plus the prestigious INF Clairefontaine academy, the base for the region’s most talented youngsters.

In that sense, Tel’s journey was typical of elite youngsters. Where he differed from many others was in the absence of unanimity over his best position on the pitch.

As a boy, he often played as a defender. Reda Bekhti, one of his coaches at Paris FC, explained to daily sports newspaper L’Equipe: “If you put him up front, with his running and shooting power, it was easy for him to score. He needed to work on his technical skills. By playing in a deeper position, he gained a different perspective on the game, and was able adapt to different situations.”

Defender turned striker

Tel was operating as a defender when Rennes identified him as a player to follow, and even after arriving in Brittany, there was debate about what his best position would be.

“You could tell he had tremendous levels of self-motivation," Mathieu Le Scornet, a senior figure in the Rennes academy, told L’Equipe.

"When he was 13 or 14 years old, though, it was hard to imagine him playing up front. I saw him more as a No 8, replacing Eduardo Camavinga.”

Such was his talent, Tel made his France Under-21s debut aged 18; he has netted three times in eight appearances in that age category now, scoring at an impressive rate of a goal every 102 minutes.

'It's a great move for both parties'

Former Spurs striker Harry Kane, who has been a team-mate of Tel's at Bayern over the last 18 months, believes the talented youngster can flourish during his time in north London.

"It's a great move for both parties. Mathys is a great guy and really hardworking," Kane told Spurs' official club website.

"Obviously, for his potential it’s important for him to get some minutes under his belt and some regular game time and hopefully develop, keep improving and hopefully fulfil all the potential that he has.

"It’s great for Tottenham to have a young hungry player with loads of talent to hopefully score some goals and help push Tottenham as far as possible.

"I’m wishing him all the best. I hope he has a fantastic time there. I know he will and I’m sure all the fans will make him feel really welcome as well."

Tel is available to make his Spurs debut on Thursday night, when they take a 1-0 lead into their EFL Cup semi-final second leg at Liverpool.

Having achieved so much before turning 20 in April, Spurs have signed a player of formidable potential, meaning there is much, much more to come.