Spurs sign off at White Hart Lane in style and secure second
TOTTENHAM Hotspur signed off 118 years at their soon-to-be-demolished White Hart Lane stadium with a 2-1 win over Manchester United yesterday that ensured they will finish as Premier League runners-up.
A carnival atmosphere preceded kick-off and the stadium erupted after six minutes when Victor Wanyama headed them in front against a weakened United side.
David de Gea kept United in the game with several fine stops while Harry Kane struck the crossbar shortly before half-time as the hosts looked to build on their advantage.
Home hero Kane scored his 22nd league goal of the season to make it 2-0 shortly after the interval but the celebrations were dampened when United skipper Wayne Rooney halved the deficit with just under 20 minutes remaining.
As rain began to fall on Tottenham’s parade there were some nervy moments, but they hung on to claim a 14th successive home victory and remain unbeaten at the Lane all season.
As the final whistle sounded to confirm Tottenham’s highest finish for 54 years, hundreds of fans invaded the pitch to celebrate a memorable finale.
And earlier in the day Liverpool kept their top-four destiny in their own hands as Philippe Coutinho’s double earned them a 4-0 Premier League victory at West Ham United yesterday that moved them back above Manchester City into third place.
Arsenal’s late surge had put Juergen Klopp’s side under immense pressure but they responded in style and will definitely finish in the top-four if they beat relegated Middlesbrough at Anfield on the final day of the season on Sunday.
Anything other than a victory at West Ham’s London Stadium would have left Liverpool relying on other results going their way but once Daniel Sturridge put them ahead in the 35th minute they were relatively comfortable.
Brazilian playmaker Coutinho struck twice in the space of four minutes midway through the second half and Divock Origi rubbed salt into West Ham’s wounds as the visitors ran riot.
Liverpool have 73 points with one game left, one ahead of Man City and four more than Arsenal who both have two to play.
“It was a fantastic game but difficult. At the end it was amazing but the start was not that good. After that we controlled the game and took our chances,” Klopp said. – Reuters
Yesterday’s results: Crystal Palace 4, Hull City 0; Tottenham Hotspur 2, Manchester United 1; West Ham United 0, Liverpool 4