IN A European final between 16th and 17th in the Premier League, no wonder the ultimate scrappy goal proved the difference.

It may have been a Luke Shaw own goal, it may have been a Brennan Johnson tap-in on the line.

Brennan Johnson of Tottenham Hotspur scoring a goal.The scrappy goal just before half-time broke the deadlockLuke Shaw scoring an own goal during a soccer match.The ball bounced up off Luke Shaw’s arm and spun into the net as Brennan Johnson swung a boot at itTottenham's Brennan Johnson celebrates a goal in the Europa League final.Johnson took in the adulation from his team-matesTottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou celebrates with his team.Ange Postecoglou celebrated with his coaching staff in the dugout

But Tottenham do not care as their long, long wait – 17 years – for a trophy is over.

Johnson thought he had on 42 minutes and wheeled away to take in the adulation of his adoring team-mates and fans.

Replays showed the ball bounced off Shaw’s arm before spinning beyond the diving Andre Onana and squeezing into the corner as Johnson swung a boot at it as it crossed the line.

But Spurs had Micky van de Ven to thank just as much for his epic goal-line clearance.

After Guglielmo Vicario completely butchered a catch, the ball ricocheted off his head to Rasmus Hojlund.

The Manchester United striker thumped his header over Vicario and looked to have equalised – but for the flying Dutchman Van de Ven who acrobatically cleared off the line.

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..

Micky van de Ven of Tottenham Hotspur clearing a ball from the goal line.Micky van de Ven produced a superb acrobatic clearance off the line at 1-0Amad Diallo kicks the ball past Micky van de Ven during a soccer match.Amad Diallo was a threat down the United rightSir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Alex Ferguson at a UEFA Europa League Final.Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Alex Ferguson sat next to each other in the standsTottenham's goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario attempting a save.Neither goalkeeper looked convincingHarry Maguire of Manchester United reacts during a soccer game.Manchester United’s pain was clear to see as they missed out on European footballRuben Amorim, Manchester United manager, reacting during a game.Ruben Amorim watched on helpless from the sidelinesTottenham Hotspur and Manchester United soccer players interacting on the field.Tensions boiled over late on

Eze Chidiebere Paul

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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