Tottenham finally ended their long trophy drought on Wednesday night with a 1-0 win over Manchester United in the Europa League.
It was a horrible game to watch with the poor quality of football reflecting why Manchester United and Tottenham sit 16th and 17th in the Premier League. But Spurs will not care.
Brennan Johnson scored a scrappy goal in the 42nd minute. And it proved to be the match-winner as Spurs defended for their life in the second half.
And while there were a few notable performances from Tottenham players, with Micky van de Ven praised for his defence and Kevin Danso impressed with a solid cameo vs United, it is Archie Gray who has won the hearts with his gesture at full-time.
Archie Gray praised for his brilliant gesture after Tottenham’s win against Man United
Archie Gray, who has been a key player for Ange Postecoglou’s side this season, did not start the Europa League final.
He came off the bench in the 90th minute, playing a very limited role in Spurs’ win over the Red Devils.
However, it was his actions after the final whistle that has drawn widespread praise. BBC Sport commentator Ian Dennis praised Gray’s maturity, saying: “At the moment, you have got every Tottenham player celebrating in front of the Spurs supporters with the exception of young Archie Gray who is showing maturity and a great deal of grace beyond his tender years.
“For somebody who is just 18 years of age, he is the only white shirt going up to every single Manchester United player to offer his consoling words, he is going through everybody, Ruben Amorim, Bruno Fernandes, every single one.
“I just think that is a touch of class from the young man.”
Archie Gray’s impressive Tottenham season
Having signed from Leeds United in the summer, the 19-year-old made an instant impact at the club, delivering performances beyond his age.
His versatility has seen him play a number of positions across the pitch, a trait that left Micky van de Ven in awe of Gray.
He played right-back for Spurs when Pedro Porro was out and slotted into the centre-back position remarkably during the injury crisis that left Ange short of defenders.
| Position | Appearances |
| Centre-Back | 19 |
| Right-Back | 9 |
| Defensive Midfield | 5 |
| Left-Back | 5 |
| Central Midfield | 1 |
There’s little doubt that Archie Gray is destined to become a world-class player for both club and country, and he looks set to play an even bigger role for Tottenham next season.
