Tottenham secured their spot in the Europa League with a convincing 3-0 victory over Sheffield United, who were relegated at the end of the season.
The match carried some uncertainty for Spurs, as a loss could have dropped them into the lower-tier Europa Conference League. However, goals from Dejan Kulusevski and Pedro Porro sealed the deal and cemented a fifth-place finish for the team.
It is a notable achievement for the North London club, especially considering the absence of star player Harry Kane. Spurs will aim to build on this success as they prepare for a brief trip to Australia.
Meanwhile, Sheffield United will be playing in the Championship next season after a dismal campaign that saw them record one of the lowest points tallies in the Premier League history, conceding a staggering 104 goals and finishing with a goal difference of -69.
Eager to end on a high note, the Blades began the match in a promising fashion. Ben Brereton Diaz missed a shot from Ben Osborn’s pass and later hit the post following a cross from Gus Hamer.
It was the usual tale of missed opportunities and poor defending that cost them dearly. Spurs took the lead in the 14th minute with ease as Kulusevski struck the ball into the bottom corner from close range.
The Blades’ back line was no match for Spurs, who had numerous chances to extend their lead. Kulusevski was denied by Foderingham, Maddison hit the post and Romero missed a chance to connect with Porro’s cross.
Foderingham made another great save to deny Porro, and his quick distribution led to a counter-attack that saw Cameron Archer receive the ball in a promising positioin. However, the on-loan Aston Villa striker hesitated and his shot was deflected wide.
Foderingham was kept on his toes and made a valiant effort to block Micky van de Ven’s shot, but Totteham quickly capitalized on the rebound with Porro’s powerful strike into the top of the net, extending their lead just shy of the hour mark.
Kulusevski scored his second goal of the game in the 65th minute, tapping in Son’s cross and bringing the score to 3-0. This goal meant that Sheffield had matched the record for the Premier League’s lowest goal difference, set by Derby during the 2007-08 season, which saw them relegated with only 11 points.
Referee Andy Madeley initially gave Andre Brooks a red card for his altercation with Son during a set-piece, causing him to feel embarrased when he had to overturn the decision. However, after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor, the official did not even book Brooks
Tottenham lost their momentum as the game neared its end to focus on their upcoming friendly with Newcastle in Melbourne.
