Spurs escape bottom spot after Solanke's late goal against United
On a drizzly evening at Old Trafford the crowd was surprised when Dominic Solanke found the ball in the net in the closing stages, giving Tottenham Hotspur a draw against Manchester United and thereby losing the position as a relegation battler in the Premier League.
Spurs started without Micky van de Ven, who was missed due to injury, and Jan Paul van Hecke got former Feyenoord player Marcos Senesi as a partner in defence. At Manchester United, Matthijs de Ligt was still absent, while Joshua Zirkzee began on the bench. Both teams started with a number of key players on the bench.
In the first half the visitors dominated the game, with countless chances but no goals. Van de Ven and Zirkzee, who were watching from the bench, noted United's dominance. Nevertheless United kept a clean sheet, despite a mediocre performance.
Second half drama
After the break more balance arrived; Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring for United with a header that passed Van Hecke and ended up in the far corner. Shortly afterwards Luke Shaw received a hard tackle from Rodrigo Bentancur, after which Bentancur delivered a headbutt and was sent off.
Tottenham earns a point at Old Trafford after the sending‑off
With ten men United seemed to gain the upper hand, but Dominic Solanke, the former Vitesse striker, found himself in a clash with Lisandro Martínez. Solanke won the duel, headed the ball past goalkeeper Senne Lammens and brought Spurs back level.
Consequences in the league table
Because of the point Tottenham Hotspur is no longer a relegation battler in the Premier League; that spot is now taken by Fulham. Both clubs remain without a win, but Spurs have improved their position.
After the match the red lantern‑bearer left for Spanish Marbella for a training camp. Coach Roberto De Zerbi has decided to use the rest period, as Spurs will not be back in action for another nine days.
On 19 October a home match against newly promoted Coventry City awaits, giving Tottenham the chance to further improve their form. The match will be played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and provides the team with an opportunity to break the negative run.