Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham needed extra time before seeing off non-league Tamworth 3-0 in their FA Cup clash on Monday morning (AEDT).
Tottenham, currently 12th in the Premier League, are 96 places above Tamworth, who sit 16th in the fifth-tier National League.
The supposed gap in quality was rarely apparent as Tottenham’s dismal display took them to the brink of a historic humiliation.
A part-time team whose players work day jobs alongside their football careers, Tamworth matched their highly-paid and supposedly superior opponents for long periods on the Lamb Ground’s sloping artificial pitch.
They should have caused one of the FA Cup’s greatest upsets in normal time but their missed chances proved crucial.
Nathan Tshikuna’s extra-time own goal and late strikes from Dejan Kulusevski and Brennan Johnson sent Tottenham into the fourth round.
Tottenham last won a major trophy in 2008, but the under-fire boss Ange Postecoglou boasts he always wins silverware in his second season at a club.
Having beaten Liverpool 1-0 in the League Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday, Tottenham remain in contention for a domestic cup double despite a troubled season.
“They made it hard for us, with the surface it was about us staying calm and being persistent. In the end, we got the job done,” said Postecoglou, whose team travel to Aston Villa in the fourth round.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Greek-Australian Head Coach Ange Postecoglou gestures on the touchline during the English FA Cup third round football match between Tamworth and Tottenham Hotspur at The Lamb Ground in Tamworth, central England on January 12, 2025. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /Source: AFP
MAN UTD PROGRESS
Ten-man Manchester United beat Arsenal 5-3 on penalties after a dramatic 1-1 draw in the FA Cup third round.
Defeated 2-0 by Arsenal in the Premier League in December, FA Cup holders United exacted revenge on their return to the Emirates Stadium to extend their revival after last weekend’s impressive draw at Liverpool.
Ruben Amorim’s troubled side took the lead through Bruno Fernandes, who smashed a superb strike into the far corner from the edge of the area in the 52nd minute.
United defender Diogo Dalot was sent off for a second booking after fouling Mikel Merino nine minutes later.
Gabriel Magalhaes grabbed Arsenal’s equaliser in the 63rd minute, the Brazilian defender swivelling to hit a low shot that took a hefty deflection off Matthijs de Ligt.
But Arsenal wasted a golden opportunity to take the lead when Harry Maguire’s soft challenge on Kai Havertz was ruled a penalty.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 12: Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United, gestures during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Manchester United.Source: Getty Images
The furious United defender and teammate Manuel Ugarte were involved in a melee with several Arsenal players before Altay Bayindir saved Martin Odegaard’s spot-kick.
Havertz missed a host of chances to win it and the German was culpable again in the shootout as his effort was saved by Bayindir, setting up the much-maligned Joshua Zirkzee to stroke home the decisive kick.
“We deserved to pass through this round because we all suffered together and showed character,” said Amorim, whose side host Leicester in the fourth round.
“A few weeks ago Joshua was in a difficult moment, now he was a game-changer. Life has these beautiful things.” It was another painful result for Arsenal after Tuesday’s 2-0 home defeat against Newcastle in the League Cup semi-final first leg and last weekend’s damaging league draw at Brighton.
“In a thousand games like this you lose one,” said Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, who hasn’t won a trophy since 2020.
“It’s unbelievable. We deserved to win the game by a mile. But the reality is we are out and the only thing that’s going to be judged is that.”
Ange Postecoglou “always wins things” in his second season in charge and his big statement remains on track as Tottenham defeated heavyweights Manchester City 2-1 to advance to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
The Round of 16 clash at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was a classic display of ‘Angeball’ as Spurs were electric early with two goals in the first 26 minutes of the game.
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City had more of the ball with 65% possession for the night but they could only get two of their 15 shots on targets, while Tottenham constantly threatened on the counter attack.
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Spurs tested out City’s second choice goalkeeper Stefan Ortega with seven of their 11 shots being on target as their speed and creativity in midfield caused headaches for Pep Guardiola.
Postecoglou’s side made early in-roads with Dejan Kulusevski picking out much-maligned attacker Timo Werner at the far post to open the scoring in the sixth minute, but it was not all smooth sailing as defender Micky Van de Ven injured his hamstring in a slide tackle in the 11th minute.
Tottenham’s advantage grew to two in the 26th minute when midfielder Pape Sarr curled a beautiful low strike home from the edge of the box after a short corner, but their Australian boss would have entered the dressing room at half time frustrated.
Spurs conceded in the fourth and final minute of added time when Savinho – who had to be stretchered off in the second half with a leg injury – crossed the ball to Nunes at the back post.
The late goal made for a nervy second half for the home fans as City have trailed many times so far this season and on each occasion they have come back and won.
But this time around it was not to be as Guardiola made a head scratching move.
Goal scoring machine Erling Haaland remained on the bench for the entire game despite City’s search for an equaliser.
Postecoglou on other hand brought Brazilian attacker Richarlison on in the 69th minute to try extend their lead, and he had the chance to bury City when he was through on goal in the 83rd minute but hit a tame shot directly to Ortega.
It did not matter in the end as Tottenham defended soundly in a scoreless second half – which included six minutes of added time – to bounce back from their disappointing Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace last weekend.
Spurs have also kept alive their hopes of claiming their first trophy since 2008 when they won this very competition.
They will face Manchester United at home in a quarter-final and Postecoglou was refusing to buy into notions that things may get easier after toppling City.
“Are you suggesting the sides left are easy?” the Australian asked a reporter who wondered if the Cup now felt “wide open”.
“There’s always an opportunity if you keep winning. But as I say, there’s still some decent teams in there. It’s not really the quarter-final stage. But for us, what’s important is we’re in it. As long as we stay in it, we’ve a chance.”
FLURRY OF GOALS MARKS LIFE AFTER TEN HAG
Manchester United interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy could hardly have asked for a better start to his new gig with the Red Devils piling on the goals against Leicester City as they won 5-2 at Old Trafford.
Van Nistelrooy said pre-game that his side “can be unstoppable” when “players, staff and supporters pull together” and remarkably there were six goals scored to half time as United lead 4-2 at the break.
Casemiro – who scored the last goal under Erik ten Hag – started the new era with a stunner from long-range and the highlights continued as the game went on.
Garnacho thumped a low cross into the roof of the net for their second, Bruno Fernandes then curled home a lovely free kick for United’s third and Casemiro scored his second from a delicate chipped cross by Marcus Rashford.
In the second half, Fernandes got a brace of his own by coolly going around the keeper and beating a defender on the line to make it two straight Carabao Cup matches at Old Trafford where seven goals have been scored.
In the previous round, United smashed League 1 side Barnsley 7-0.
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LIVERPOOL HANG ON IN SECOND HALF THRILLER
Liverpool walked into the change rooms locked at 0-0 with Brighton at half time, but a flick was switched after the break as five second half goals lit up the Amex.
The Reds prevailed 3-2 to keep Arne Slot’s dream start to life at Anfield despite a late Brighton fightback.
The match looked all but over when, in the 63rd minute, Cody Gapko fired home his second of the night.
But a blunder at the back gave the Seagulls a sniff with a goal to Simon Adingra in the 81st minute before Luis Diaz added Liverpool’s third four minutes later.
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A stoppage time goal to Tariq Lamptey courtesy of a wicked deflection gave Brighton hope of levelling it up at the death knock but Liverpool held firm to book their place in the quarter-finals against Southampton.
In other matches, Arsenal were far too strong for Championship side Preston North End as the Gunners won 3-0 away from home to advance to the next round against Crystal Palace.
Newcastle knocked out Chelsea 2-0 to gain revenge for their Premier League loss at Stamford Bridge last weekend, and they will take on Brentford in a quarter-final.
Crystal Palace upset Aston Villa 2-1 at Villa Park, while yesterday Southampton defeated Stoke City 3-2 and Brentford overcame Championship club Sheffield Wednesday on penalties.
Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur will come up against newly-promoted Leicester City as the Premier League released the fixture list for the 2024/25 season.
It could mean Postecoglou comes up against a fellow Aussie in the opening contest given towering Socceroos defender Harry Souttar is on the books at Leicester.
Tottenham also face a tricky task on the final day of the season as they host Brighton.
The Seagulls were in the Europa League last season but struggled in the domestic top flight and will be without European football in this campaign, but are always a tough fixture.
Aussie duo Cameron Burgess and Massimo Luongo face an incredibly daunting task to kick off Ipswich Town’s Premier League campaign as they host Liverpool in the opening game at Portman Road.
It will be an incredibly intriguing contest given Liverpool have a new man in the dugout for the first time since the 2015/16 campaign as Arne Slot begins his Liverpool tenure after Jurgen Klopp’s departure.
Ipswich enjoy a kinder final day fixture than their season opener as West Ham United travel to Portman Road, with the Trotters hoping to be safe from relegation by that point.
The 2024/25 season kicks off on August 17 when Manchester United welcome Fulham to Old Trafford on August 17 (AEST).
It all wraps up on May 25 when every club plays at the same time on the same day, with Manchester United against Aston Villa perhaps the highest-profile fixture to round out the season.
Pep Guardiola urged history-chasing Manchester City to seize their title “destiny” as the battle for Premier League supremacy reaches a thrilling climax on Sunday.
Guardiola’s all-conquering team go into the final day of the season with a two-point lead over second-placed Arsenal thanks to an eight-game winning streak.
Follow all the action from EVERY game on the Premier League’s final day in our live blog below!
City host West Ham knowing a win will seal an unprecedented fourth successive English title.
Arsenal have been near flawless themselves in 2024, with 15 wins and one draw, away to City, in 17 league matches.
However, the Gunners’ costly 2-0 defeat against Aston Villa last month looks set to be decisive in a thrilling title race that also involved Liverpool until their recent stumbles.
Arsenal, who finished second last year, must beat Everton at the Emirates Stadium and hope City fail to win if they are to end their 20-year wait for the title.
Guardiola doesn’t expect a favour from Everton, who have nothing to play for, and will instead focus on ensuring his players finish the job themselves.
“The destiny is in our hands, but if you are thinking that Everton are going to do something, forget about it. I have seen Arsenal all season,” he said.
“We just focus on what we have to do against West Ham. There is not any contamination in my brain about anything other than what we have to do to beat West Ham.”
Not for the first time, City have been at their relentless best in the intense heat of the run-in.
Guardiola’s men have dropped just six points since mid-December, in draws against Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal.
City are on the brink of beating Arsenal to the Premier League title once again. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
As City close in on a sixth title in seven seasons under Guardiola, the competitiveness of the world’s most-watched league has been questioned.
But the Catalan coach has hit back at suggestions the Premier League has become boring and that City’s dominance is thanks purely to the financial muscle of their Abu Dhabi-based owners.
“It’s not boring, it’s difficult,” Guardiola said.
Arsenal have set a club record by winning 27 Premier League games this season, but that still might not be enough to dethrone City.
“We have to give ourselves the opportunity to live a beautiful day on Sunday, where the dream is still alive and is possible,” Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said.
“It’s football and once we are there we just have to live the moment.”
There will be an emotional farewell for Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp at the end of his memorable nine-year reign, but the Reds will finish third regardless of their result against Wolves at Anfield.
“I spoke before about how hard it will be to say goodbye,” Klopp said. “I love absolutely everything about this place, I do. I take memories with me, fantastic memories, I take relationships with me forever.”
Klopp will take charge of Liverpool for the final time against Wolves. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)Source: AFP
Manchester United are at risk of missing out on European football altogether after a miserable season.
Erik ten Hag’s men sit eighth and must better Newcastle’s result at Brentford when they visit Brighton to avoid finishing outside the top seven for the first time since 1990.
Tottenham visit relegated Sheffield United knowing a point is enough to guarantee fifth spot, while in-form Chelsea would secure a top-six finish with a draw against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.
The top six teams will all definitely qualify for Europe, while seventh could be enough as long as Manchester United do not shock City in next week’s FA Cup final.
At the bottom, Luton will be relegated if they fail to beat Fulham or if Nottingham Forest avoid defeat at Burnley.
Even if Luton win and Forest lose, the Hatters’ vastly inferior goal difference means they need a mathematical miracle to survive.
FULL PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS
Liverpool v Wolves
Sheffield United v Tottenham Hotspur
Luton Town v Fulham
Brighton v Manchester United
Manchester City v West Ham United
Arsenal v Everton
Brentford v Newcastle
Crystal Palace v Aston Villa
Burnley v Nottingham Forest
Chelsea v Bournemouth
Follow all the action from EVERY game on the Premier League’s final day in our live blog below!
Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur’s trip to Brighton has started in horrendous fashion as two costly defensive errors gifted the Seagulls a 2-0 lead at the Amex Stadium.
Brighton went ahead in the 11th minute through teenager Jack Hinshellwood when he fired a rapid strike past a helpless Guglielmo Vicario inside the box.
Seagulls striker Joao Pedro wriggled away from defenders before shifting the ball to the right, where an unmarked Hinshellwood waited.
The teen took a touch before smashing his effort into the net.
Brighton doubled their advantage just 12 minutes later through Pedro from the penalty spot thanks to a VAR check.
The hosts were incensed when Danny Welbeck looked to be pulled down in the box by Dejan Kulusevski, although referee Jarred Gillett initially did not see the foul.
Joao Pedro doubled Brighton’s lead from the penalty spot. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
But VAR directed Gillett to review the incident on the pitchside monitor and it didn’t take long for the Australian ref to see Kulusevski’s blatant pull of Welbeck’s shirt and subsequently point to the spot.
Pedro stepped up to take the penalty and sent Vicario the wrong way from the spot as the Seagulls boosted their lead.
Brighton could and perhaps should have been ahead by more, if not for two superb stops early on from Vicario to deny Welbeck from close range in the box.
Liverpool fell behind for the fourth time in five matches this season but fought back to beat LASK 3-1 in Linz in the Europa League on Friday (AEST).
Elsewhere in the early matches in the first round of the group stage of the second-tier European competition, Romelu Lukaku earned last year’s beaten finalists Roma a 2-1 victory at Sheriff.
Bayer Leverkusen crushed Swedes Hacken 4-0, Rennes cruised past Maccabi Haifa 3-0 in France, Spaniards Villarreal lost 2-0 to Panathinakos in Greece.
Liverpool, playing in the Europa League for the first time since finishing runners up in 2016, changed their entire starting 11 away to LASK and quickly fell behind.
In the 14th minute, Sascha Horvath lobbed a corner to Florian Flecker just outside the Liverpool box. The Austrian midfielder controlled the dropping ball before smashing a rocket shot past Caoimhin Kelleher in the Liverpool goal.
Darwin Nunez levelled with a 55th-minute penalty kick after Luis Diaz was brought down.
After 61 minutes, Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp started to replace teenagers with regular starters.
Within two minutes they were ahead when Ryan Gravenberch burst down the right and crossed low for Diaz to score from close range.
Liverpool came back from a goal down to beat LASK. (Photo by Christian Hofer/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Two minutes from the end Mohamed Salah, a second-half replacement, poked home a third.
In Moldova, Leandro Paredes scored four minutes into first-half injury time to give Roma the lead away to Sheriff.
Colombian Cristian Tovar levelled but Romelu Lukaku gave Jose Mourinho’s team a narrow victory.
Brighton were also given a brutal reality check of just how difficult European football is as they lost 3-2 to AEK Athens.
The Seagulls had to come from behind twice courtesy of two Joao Pedro penalties before AEK’s Ezequiel Ponce popped up in the 84th minute to secure three points at the Amex Stadium.
