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Tottenham player ratings vs Manchester United: Micky van de Ven commanding as Spurs win Europa League

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Brennan Johnson is the hero for Tottenham, scoring the only goal in the Europa League final against Manchester United.

Star man: Micky van de Ven

Tottenham Hotspur were crowned Europa League champions after a scrappy 1-0 win over Manchester United here in Bilbao.

READ ALSO: Tottenham Triumphs in Bilbao: Grit and Defense Seal Europa League Glory Over Manchester United

Brennan Johnson bundled home the only goal of a low-quality final on 42 minutes, meeting Pape Matar Sarr’s cross with help from Luke Shaw’s arm.

The closest United came to an equaliser was a Rasmus Hojlund header spectacularly hooked off the line by Micky van de Ven.

Spurs defended resolutely through the final 25 minutes and held on to win a first European trophy in 41 years.

Here’s how we rated the Spurs players at San Mames…

Guglielmo Vicario 8

Stepped up when needed, drawing a fine, one-handed save from Alejandro Garnacho and saving from Shaw in stoppage-time. Otherwise unconvincing, and fumbed a high ball which led to a huge chance for Hojlund, only for van de Ven to clear spectacularly.

Pedro Porro 7

His delivery from open play and set pieces was always a threat in a game conscipuously lacking good technicians.

Cristian Romero 8

Outstanding in another final, sweeping up United’s attacks and setting the tone with his aggression. He was lucky, though, that Bruno Fernandes headed wide after he was drawn out of defence in the second half.

Micky van de Ven 9

Saved a certain goal when he leapt to clear Hojlund’s header from the goal-line. Composed and commanding at the back again.

Destiny Udogie 7

Amad Diallo stretched him down the right but he made a crucial tackle to deny the winger in a dangerous position in the second half and was an outlet on the counter.

Rodrigo Bentancur 7

Kept it simple at the base of midfield. The Uruguayan has been one of Postecoglou’s most trusted lieutenants during this European campaign.

Yves Bissouma 8

Mopped upped in front of the back four impressively and occasionally opened up the game with his passing.

Pape Matar Sarr 7

He was under pressure to provide some creativity and delivered with the cross for the opening goal.

Brennan Johnson 8

Claimed the opening goal, as well he might after a dart to the near post. Unsettled Shaw from the off with his pressing and direct running.

Goalscorer: Brennan Johnson

AFP via Getty Images

Dominic Solanke 7

Starved of proper service but did his bit to occupy United’s back three, especially Harry Maguire, allowing Spurs to profit from the second balls.

Richarlison 8

Worked tirelessly for the team in an excellent, selfless display from the left, justifying his selection ahead of Heung-min Son.

Subs

Heung-min Son (Richarlison 67’) 6

Largely played a defensive role, as Spurs held on to see out the win.

Kevin Danso (Johnson 79’) 7

Enable Spurs to move to a back five for the final 10 minutes plus stoppages and made a couple of important interventions.

Archie Gray (Sarr 90’) 6

Provided fresh legs for stoppage-time and deserved an appearance after his efforts this term.

Djed Spence (Udogie 90’) 6

Filled in at left-back for stoppage-time and was disciplined.

Not used: Austin, Whiteman, Tel, Odobert, Davies, Scarlett, Moore, Ajayi.

standard.co.uk

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Arsenal Push Forward in Pursuit of Benjamin Sesko in €80M Summer Swoop

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Arsenal are stepping up their pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, with sources confirming that concrete negotiations are now underway between the two clubs.

According to reports from Philipp Hinze of Sky Sport Germany, key Arsenal figures including Marcel Schäfer and Andrea Berta are in direct contact with the German club as the Gunners look to make a decisive move ahead of a competitive summer transfer window.

Arteta Keen to Add Firepower

Manager Mikel Arteta is believed to be a major driving force behind the deal, viewing the 21-year-old Slovenian international as a perfect fit for Arsenal’s attacking style.

READ ALSO: Real Madrid Secure Dean Huijsen in £50m Deal: Xabi Alonso’s First Major Signing

With a blend of pace, power, and finishing prowess, Sesko has enjoyed a breakthrough season with Leipzig, prompting interest from several top clubs across Europe.

While Arsenal are also monitoring alternative targets such as Viktor Gyökeres of Sporting CP, it’s understood that Sesko remains the club’s priority at this stage.

The Financial Details

Sesko’s current contract includes a release clause of €80 million, which becomes active this summer. Though Leipzig are reluctant to lose one of their brightest talents, they are resigned to letting him go if the clause is met.

READ ALSO: Liverpool Target Florian Wirtz in Sensational Summer Swoop

Arsenal’s willingness to meet the valuation will be key to accelerating the deal. With Champions League football on the horizon and ambitions to challenge Manchester City domestically, the Gunners are expected to be aggressive in the transfer market.

What Sesko Brings to the Emirates

At just 21, Sesko already possesses a skill set that has drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland. Standing at 6’5” (1.95m), he combines physical dominance with intelligent movement, making him a formidable presence in the final third.

Adding a striker of Sesko’s caliber would not only address Arsenal’s need for a more clinical No. 9, but also signal their intent to push harder for silverware next season.

Deal Heating Up

With club-to-club talks now active and personal admiration from Arteta confirmed, Arsenal’s pursuit of Sesko is very much alive. Whether the deal can be finalized swiftly will depend on how negotiations progress in the coming weeks—but the north London side appear determined to get it over the line.

Stay tuned for further updates as the transfer window approaches.

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Antonio Conte: The Trophy Machine Adds Another Title to His Decorated Career

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Italian tactician Antonio Conte has further cemented his legacy as one of modern football’s most successful managers by adding yet another trophy to his impressive collection.

The fiery and passionate manager, known for his tactical discipline and relentless winning mentality, has now claimed:

  • 5x Serie A titles
  • 2x Supercoppa Italiana
  • 1x Premier League title
  • 1x FA Cup victory

With silverware across both Italy and England, Conte has proven himself on multiple stages, building champions in different leagues and adapting to diverse football cultures.

His latest success adds weight to his reputation as a serial winner—a manager who transforms teams into title contenders.

Master of the Domestic Game

Conte first made his mark with Juventus, where he led a revival that resulted in three consecutive Serie A titles between 2011 and 2014.

He later added another Scudetto during his stint with Inter Milan, breaking Juventus’ nine-year dominance by clinching the league in 2020/21.

In England, he won the Premier League in his debut season with Chelsea (2016/17), before following it up with an FA Cup win in the subsequent campaign.

A Manager in Demand

Renowned for his intense, high-energy style and meticulous preparation, Conte has earned admiration not just for his trophies, but for the dramatic improvements he brings to each squad he leads.

His methods may be demanding, but they yield results—often in record time.

As the football world watches where he’ll manage next—or how far he’ll go with his current team—one thing is certain: Antonio Conte is far from done.

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Liverpool Target Florian Wirtz in Sensational Summer Swoop

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Liverpool are closing in on what could become the biggest transfer headline of the summer, as German star Florian Wirtz has reportedly expressed his desire to join the Reds, signaling a major boost for Arne Slot’s new era at Anfield.

According to multiple reports, including those from reputable football insider Fabrizio Romano, Wirtz has communicated to Bayer Leverkusen that Liverpool is his preferred destination.

While the deal is not yet finalized, early indications suggest that personal terms have been discussed, and negotiations between the two clubs are underway.

Why Liverpool Want Wirtz

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has emerged as one of Europe’s most dynamic young talents.

In the 2024/25 season, he played a pivotal role in Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga campaign, contributing 16 goals and 15 assists across all competitions.

His creativity, agility, and technical brilliance make him an ideal fit for Liverpool’s evolving tactical approach under new management.

Record-Breaking Potential

Wirtz is under contract with Leverkusen until 2027, which places the German club in a strong negotiating position.

Reports suggest that any deal could exceed £100 million, potentially making it a record-breaking transfer for a German player and one of the most expensive in Liverpool’s history.

Despite interest from Bayern Munich and other European giants, Wirtz is believed to have turned down those advances, favoring a move to Merseyside instead.

His admiration for Liverpool’s culture, passionate fanbase, and exciting project under Arne Slot are thought to be key factors influencing his decision.

Where Things Stand

  • Player’s Desire: Wirtz wants Liverpool.
  • Liverpool’s Stance: Confident but cautious.
  • Transfer Fee: Expected to exceed £100 million.
  • Club Negotiations: Ongoing between Liverpool and Leverkusen.
  • Official Status: No club confirmation yet.

The Bigger Picture

If the move goes through, it would be a clear statement of intent from Liverpool, showing the world that they are ready to rebuild and compete at the highest level.

Wirtz would bring not only attacking flair and versatility but also a winning mentality, having already lifted silverware in Germany.

The deal is not done yet, but the momentum is building. As Liverpool fans eagerly await updates, one thing is clear: this could be the blockbuster signing of the summer.

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