Europa League: Arsenal in mourning as Tottenham claim European trophy with victory over Man United

Perhaps the worst of two tragic outcomes for Arsenal fans played out as North London neighbours, Tottenham claimed their third UEFA Cup/Europa League title with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United.

Spurs had a scrappy goal from Brennan Johnson late in the first half to thank for the win over Manchester United, which now sees them qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League despite being in 17th position on the Premier League standings.

The match was far from a classic, with both sides determined to kick each other off the pitch in the opening exchanges.

However, it was Spurs who struck the decisive blow just before halftime. A whipped cross from Pape Matar Sarr created a mix-up in the Manchester United box, with Brennan Johnson nudging the ball goalward before Luke Shaw’s unfortunate touch helped it across the line.

That goal marked the 31st time this season that Manchester United conceded first, an unwanted record that perfectly summed up the Red Devils’ abysmal season.

In the second half, Manchester United pushed hard for an equaliser. Rasmus Højlund, Bruno Fernandes, and substitute Alejandro Garnacho all had chances, but Spurs held firm.

A heroic clearance from Micky van de Ven, after goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario spilt a free-kick, kept Tottenham ahead in a nervy end to the match.

Ange Postecoglou celebrated his 100th game in charge with a trophy, Tottenham’s first in 17 years, backing up his statements from the start of the season, where he promised silverware.

Meanwhile, Manchester United’s Europa League run came to a bitter conclusion, ending their unbeaten run in the competition and bringing down the curtain on a campaign riddled with disappointment.