For nearly 20 years, Tottenham Hotspur were routinely laughed at. A banter team, if you will, existing solely to torture their supporters and receive merciless ridicule in the cruel hate-fest that is football fandom.
There had been brushes with glory, though always tainted with failure. Their remarkable Champions League run in 2019, for example, ended in a whimper following a string of heroic performances, and they infamously put the pressure on Leicester in 2016 before surrendering at the Battle of the Bridge. Throw in two EFL final losses in 2015 and 2021, and their case of the nearlies seemed terminal. They were, not to put too fine a point on it, looking like bottlers; a fragile outfit with a habit of falling at the final fence.
But last night in Bilbao, a cure was administered, albeit in turgid circumstances. The much-anticipated spectacle saw Spurs and United swing clumsily at each other like two journeyman boxers wishing they were home with a can of beans and a glass of cheap whiskey. Tottenham eventually came out on top and it wasn’t pretty.
The ultimate victors didn’t even have to try that hard. Firstly, Luke Shaw’s own goal during a dismal first half relieved Tottenham of their attacking duties, and they were happy to sit back and soak up the pressure. United offered some response after the break, only really coming close with Højlund’s header – miraculously hoofed off the line by Van Der Ven in one of the game’s few moments of real quality.
Tottenham’s jubilant fanbase will and should cherish this coveted achievement. But this must be reconciled with dire domestic performances. Currently languishing one spot above the relegation zone, it is the North London club’s worst league showing since they dropped into the second tier in 1977.
Spending next year in the Championship was never a real risk, so poorly were the teams below them playing. But Spurs’ inability to string convincing performances together will paint a confusing picture when reflecting on this contradictory season.
While many correctly point out the Europa League’s drop in quality following changes this season, simply getting over the line shows grit and determination – two things Tottenham famously lacked over the years.
Most people (Gunners aside) will also enjoy Ange Postecoglou’s vindication. The always entertaining Tottenham manager teed himself up for scorn upon insisting he always wins in his second season, and, when Spurs were facing a weekly humbling, scorn seemed on the cards.
Ange can now relish the realisation of his prophecy while scanning the heavens for future glory. With Champions League football (and its £100m windfall) incoming next year, a complete re-boot is both needed and possible as the team hopes to build on its successes while burying its forgettable Premier League campaign.
And somewhere (probably in Germany), Harry Kane smiles on, having won his first major trophy at Bayern Munich following a famous silverware drought. While I think many would have liked to see him win at Tottenham, the successes of both parties indicate that if you really love something, sometimes you have to let it go…
Michael Quinn
