Solanke’s Stoppage-Time Goal Earns 10-Man Tottenham Draw with Man Utd
Dominic Solanke struck deep in stoppage time as 10-man Tottenham rescued a 1-1 draw against United, denying the visitors a win after Bryan Mbeumo’s opening goal.
Key takeaways
- Solanke’s late headed finish earned Spurs a point despite their numerical disadvantage.
- Rodrigo Bentancur was dismissed in the 78th minute following an incident involving Luke Shaw.
- Mbeumo had put United ahead and appeared to have Spurs heading for a fourth loss in six matches.
- Roberto De Zerbi praised Tottenham’s response and the character shown after the red card.
- Spurs remain 18th with three points from six league fixtures and are still without a win.
De Zerbi backs Bentancur’s fighting spirit
The game turned sharply when Bentancur was shown a red card after appearing to head-butt Shaw. The Uruguayan midfielder reacted after Shaw had pushed him to the turf in the aftermath of a reckless challenge.
De Zerbi made clear that he does not want his players being sent off, but said Bentancur’s reaction reflected the edge his struggling team need. The Tottenham boss said he embraced and thanked the midfielder in the dressing room after full time.
“I kissed Bentancur because this is the reaction and personality we need,” De Zerbi said. “Football needs character. I liked that situation, even if I do not want a player to receive a red card.”
He felt Spurs became more forceful after going down to 10 men, adding that they played with greater bravery and intensity during the closing stages.
Spurs seek first league win against Coventry
Tottenham had already passed up a number of clear first-half opportunities, with wasteful finishing drawing visible frustration from De Zerbi on the touchline. Yet the manager believes the display, capped by Solanke’s late intervention, could be a pivotal one.
“For the first time this season, we looked like a team,” he said. “The players fought for one another, stayed in the match through every moment and showed the right mentality.”
The point leaves Spurs in the relegation zone, 18th after taking only three points from their first six league games. It is just the fourth occasion in Tottenham’s history that they have gone winless through the opening six league matches.
Next up, Spurs face Coventry City on October 19 as they attempt to finally register their first victory of the campaign.
