Son Heung-Min celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal during the English League Cup quarter-final match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, December 19, 2024. /CFP
Injury-stricken Tottenham Hotspur overcame a rollercoaster of emotions to beat 2023 winners Manchester United 4-3 at home, securing a spot in the English League Cup semifinals.
The hosts took an early lead in the 15th minute, when Dominic Solanke pounced on a rebound from United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir. Just after the break, Dejan Kulusevski doubled Tottenham's edge, finishing neatly after a defensive lapse by Lisandro Martinez. Solanke struck again in the 54th minute, putting Spurs 3-0 up, and seemingly in control. However, stand-in goalkeeper Fraser Forster's two critical mistakes allowed substitutes Joshua Zirkzee and Amad Diallo to claw United back into the game, narrowing the gap to 3-2. As United pressed for an equalizer, Tottenham managed to score a stunning fourth goal in the 88th minute, through a corner from Son Heung-min, ultimately holding on for the win despite a late United goal from Jonny Evans.
Spurs will now face Premier League leaders Liverpool in the semifinals, as they chase their first trophy since 2008.