Ange Postecoglou Guides Tottenham to Europa Cup

Ange Postecoglou led Tottenham to their first trophy since 2008 with a scrappy Europa League Final win against Manchester United 1-0 in Bilabo.

Brennan Johnson capitalized on a rare scoring opportunity for the Spurs in the 42nd minute, and the Spurs' defence held firm from that point on.

Johnson's goal was one of just three shots the Spurs fired all match, and the only one on target, while United took 16 shots and had six on target.

United also dominated with 73% of possession, but couldn't find a breakthrough goal despite several near-misses as the Spurs played outstanding goal line defence.

Tottenham prevailed without their first-choice midfield — James Maddison missed the semi-final and final, and Dejan Kulusevski was ruled out of the decider with injury.

Additionally, star Spurs striker Hon Seung-Min was limited to 23 minutes of game time as he returned from an injury layoff.

"Usually in my second season I win things"

Ange Postecoglou elated to get his hands on the Europa Cup. Picture: Catherine Ivill.

Postecoglou famously declared on the eve of this season "Usually in my second season I win things".

Immediately following that declaration, he doubled down by saying “I’ll correct myself. I don’t usually win things - I always win things in my second year. Nothing’s changed. I’ve said it now. I don’t say things unless I believe them”.

Postecoglou becomes the first Australian manager to win a major European football title. The Europa League title also secures Tottenham a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Postecoglou has now won trophies with Tottenham, the Brisbane Roar in the A-League, the Asian Cup with the Socceroos, and league titles with Yokahoma FC in Japan and Celtic in Scotland.