Tottenham Hotspur booked their place in the Carabao Cup semifinals with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Manchester United in a match filled with stunning goals and calamitous goalkeeping. Dominic Solanke’s first-half opener and Dejan Kulusevski’s strike after the break had Spurs cruising at 3-0 up, but a spirited United fightback, aided by errors from Spurs keeper Fraser Forster, set up a nervy finale in North London.
Early Spurs Control Rewarded by Solanke Opener
The hosts started on the front foot and were rewarded on 15 minutes when Dominic Solanke finished smartly at the near post. United struggled to impose themselves as Spurs dominated the first period.
Kulusevski and Solanke Extend Lead After Break
Spurs looked to have put the tie to bed when Dejan Kulusevski and Solanke struck within eight minutes of the restart to make it 3-0. The home fans were in dreamland, but United had other ideas.
Forster Errors Spark United Comeback
A triple change from United boss Ruben Amorim turned the tide as substitute Joshua Zirkzee pounced on a Fraser Forster error to pull one back. Incredibly, Forster then dallied on the ball minutes later allowing Amad Diallo to charge down his clearance as the ball flew into the empty net. Game on.
Son Restores Cushion, Bayindir Flaps
Spurs captain Son Heung-min eased home nerves on 88 minutes when his corner kick evaded everyone and nestled in the far corner. United keeper Altay Bayindir, at fault for Spurs’ opener, got a hand to it but couldn’t keep it out.
Evans Header Sets Up Grandstand Finish
Jonny Evans’ stoppage time header from Amad’s corner gave United hope, but Spurs clung on to reach the last four. The entertaining clash was marred by poor goalkeeping at both ends, but that only added to the drama.
I always say that my ambition is to build a team and a club that has an opportunity for sustainable success.
– Tottenham Manager Ange Postecoglou
The result is a huge boost for under-fire Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou and keeps alive their hopes of a first trophy since 2008. For United and new manager Amorim, the search for silverware goes on. The high-octane cup tie showcased both sides’ attacking quality, but also the defensive frailties that have hampered their consistency this term.
- Spurs survive scares to reach Carabao Cup semifinals
- Solanke brace and Son goal seal 4-3 win over United
- Goalkeeping errors lead to chaotic second half
The two Premier League heavyweights served up a pre-Christmas cracker in this last eight showdown. While the purists may point to shambolic defending and goalkeeping mishaps, the neutrals will simply savor a December night filled with goals, gaffes, and no shortage of drama at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
A triple change from United boss Ruben Amorim turned the tide as substitute Joshua Zirkzee pounced on a Fraser Forster error to pull one back. Incredibly, Forster then dallied on the ball minutes later allowing Amad Diallo to charge down his clearance as the ball flew into the empty net. Game on.
Son Restores Cushion, Bayindir Flaps
Spurs captain Son Heung-min eased home nerves on 88 minutes when his corner kick evaded everyone and nestled in the far corner. United keeper Altay Bayindir, at fault for Spurs’ opener, got a hand to it but couldn’t keep it out.
Evans Header Sets Up Grandstand Finish
Jonny Evans’ stoppage time header from Amad’s corner gave United hope, but Spurs clung on to reach the last four. The entertaining clash was marred by poor goalkeeping at both ends, but that only added to the drama.
I always say that my ambition is to build a team and a club that has an opportunity for sustainable success.
– Tottenham Manager Ange Postecoglou
The result is a huge boost for under-fire Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou and keeps alive their hopes of a first trophy since 2008. For United and new manager Amorim, the search for silverware goes on. The high-octane cup tie showcased both sides’ attacking quality, but also the defensive frailties that have hampered their consistency this term.
- Spurs survive scares to reach Carabao Cup semifinals
- Solanke brace and Son goal seal 4-3 win over United
- Goalkeeping errors lead to chaotic second half
The two Premier League heavyweights served up a pre-Christmas cracker in this last eight showdown. While the purists may point to shambolic defending and goalkeeping mishaps, the neutrals will simply savor a December night filled with goals, gaffes, and no shortage of drama at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
