Top of the Table: Tottenham Triumphs with 10 Men

Gabriel Barkhan
By:
Gabriel Barkhan
08/10/2023
EPL News, Predictions & Tips
Top of the Table: Tottenham Triumphs with 10 Men

Tottenham's Gritty Win, McTominay's Late Heroics at Old Trafford, Sterling Shines for Chelsea, Everton's Victory, and Fulham's Triumph

News Insights

  • Tottenham Tops Premier League After 10-Man Victory
  • Manchester United's Dramatic Comeback Seals Win
  • Postecoglou's Impact: Tottenham's Unbeaten Streak Continues
  • Sterling Shines as Chelsea Cruises to Victory

In a thrilling day of Premier League action, Tottenham remarkably claimed the top spot with a 10-man victory over Luton, while Manchester United narrowly escaped a third consecutive loss with a dramatic comeback against Brentford.

Ange Postecoglou's 10-man Tottenham secured an astonishing top spot in the Premier League with a gritty 1-0 victory against Luton, while Manchester United, on the brink of a third consecutive defeat, were rescued by Scott McTominay's stoppage-time double, clinching a dramatic 2-1 win against Brentford.

United's troubles seemed to be mounting as they faced the prospect of another disappointing result at Old Trafford. Beaten by Crystal Palace last weekend and then Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday, the pressure was on manager Erik ten Hag.

The opening goal in the 26th minute was a result of shambolic defending. Casemiro gave the ball away inexplicably, Victor Lindelof failed in his clearance, and Mathias Jensen's low shot found the net despite Andre Onana's weak save.

It seemed that United's woes would continue as they were trailing against a Brentford side that hadn't won since August 19. The fans voiced their displeasure as the team was booed off at half-time.

However, McTominay's entry into the game changed the narrative. He levelled the score with a close-range strike just three minutes into stoppage time, and in the 97th minute, he produced a powerful header from Harry Maguire's assist to secure a stunning comeback win.

After the match, Ten Hag emphasized the need for a reset in attitude, both individually and as a team. "This has to be the turning point, the reset, in our approach, our attitudes, as a team and as individuals," he said. The manager stressed that players must earn the right to play for the club, and recent performances haven't reflected that.

Over at Kenilworth Road, Tottenham faced their own set of challenges. Midfielder Yves Bissouma was shown a red card just before half-time for a needless second booking after a diving incident.

Despite being down to 10 men, Micky van de Ven's first goal for the club shortly after the interval secured Tottenham's sixth win in eight league games. The 1-0 victory pushed Tottenham to the top of the Premier League table, two points ahead of second-placed Manchester City.

Manager Ange Postecoglou praised his team's character and resilience, stating, "We started really well, should have been three or four up, but then you get the red card, and it is a different type of game."

Tottenham's impressive start to Postecoglou's first season in charge has ignited hopes of an unexpected title challenge. Though it's still early in the season, the Australian manager has made a remarkable impact on a club that was in turmoil when he arrived from Celtic.

Tottenham's poor results and uninspiring performances combined with Harry Kane's departure to Bayern Munich had led many to expect another season of turmoil. However, Postecoglou has instilled renewed energy into the team with his attacking tactics, and this hard-fought win will further boost their confidence.

This unbeaten start under Postecoglou is the best by any Tottenham manager, and with upcoming fixtures against Fulham and Crystal Palace, they have an opportunity to extend their impressive run throughout October.

"The players want to change the destiny of this football club, and that is what they are trying to do on the pitch," said Postecoglou. However, he also emphasized that there is still much work to be done.

In other Premier League matches, Chelsea's Raheem Sterling, who was left out of the England squad, inspired a 4-1 victory against Burnley. Everton secured a comfortable 3-0 win against Bournemouth, while Fulham beat Sheffield United 3-1.

In the late game, Crystal Palace played a goalless draw against Nottingham Forest at Selhurst Park.

Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham displayed resilience in a 1-0 win over Luton despite being reduced to 10 men, securing an unexpected top place in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Manchester United, on the brink of defeat, staged a remarkable comeback with Scott McTominay's late double securing a 2-1 win against Brentford.