Matthijs de Ligt’s dramatic equalizer in the sixth minute of stoppage time helped Manchester United overcome a 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
Tottenham looked set to take all three points on Sunday when Richarlison’s header in the first minute of stoppage time saw Spurs come back from behind.
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De Ligt still had time to find space at the back post for a corner and send a header goalward over the line, but Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario scraped the ball away.
Tottenham equalized in the 32nd minute with Brian Mbeumo’s header, and dominated the second half, scoring the equalizer in the 84th minute when substitute Matthijs Tell’s shot was deflected by De Ligt.
De Ligt said United deserved more than just the points.
“I’m proud of the team for fighting back and getting the points in a very difficult stadium,” he said.
United, who had made all five changes and played with one man less for the final few minutes after Benjamin Sesco was sent off injured, added: “You can see we still have that desire in our stomachs to score goals and get points – even if it’s just 10 men.”
However, Tell said he felt Spurs deserved all three points.
“I feel 50-50. Even though we conceded a goal, our reaction in the second half was great,” Tell said.
“We changed the game and I’m angry because we have to win today. The substitutes brought the energy that changed the game and showed great mentality. We deserved to win.”
United extended their unbeaten run in the league to five games (three wins, two draws), while Tottenham have only won one of their six home games so far.
However, the Red Devils have failed to beat Spurs in their last eight meetings, the most recent of which will live long in the memories of the Tottenham support.
Spurs ended a 17-year trophy drought with a 1-0 win in May’s Europa League final and also qualified for the Champions League, while United missed out on European football altogether.
Despite dealing a huge blow to United’s finances and reputation, Ruben Amorim is finally looking to find some momentum after a tough first year at Old Trafford as he spends more time on the training ground.
Unlike many of United’s big-money signings in recent years, Brian Mbeumo has proven his worth since his £65 million ($86 million) move from Brentford in July.
The Cameroonian was named Premier League Player of the Month for October, taking his tally to four goals in as many games, heading in from Amad Diallo’s cross in the 32nd minute.
Spurs were booed after their disastrous attacking performance in last weekend’s 1-0 loss to Chelsea in the London derby.
After another depressing first 45 minutes, the hosts came to life early in the second period.
Senne Lamence made a brilliant stop to reverse Cristian Romero’s flick.
The Belgian goalkeeper was soon back in action to deflect a shot from Joao Parinha.
Brennan Johnston scored the winning goal the last time they played in Bilbao, but his equalizing goal was disallowed due to an offside flag.
However, the threat of Tottenham’s explosive attack quickly dissipated and frustration with manager Thomas Frank was expressed among the home fans when his decision to replace Xavi Simmons was met with a round of boos.
But the Spurs manager can claim his changes have turned the game around.
Destiny Udogie turned with fellow substitute Tell and fired a deflection from De Ligt into the top corner.
Wilson Odbert, who was brought on from the bench at half-time, curled a shot into the far corner, which Richarlison parried, leaving Lamence helpless.
The Brazilian player took off his shirt and burst into tears during the celebration.
However, it still wasn’t enough for Tottenham to claim their first home league win since the opening weekend of the season.
Bruno Fernandes’ corner left De Ligt with too much space at the back post and his header was too powerful for Vicario.
Arsenal then take a six-point lead into their game against Sunderland, while Chelsea host Wolverhampton in one of their other three games.
