Van de Ven’s Heroics Resurrect Spurs as They Hold United to a Stalemate

Spurs 2-2 Man Utd

When it comes to illustrating Tottenham Hotspur’s revitalized spirit under Thomas Frank, Micky van de Ven stands out as a perfect example. The 24-year-old is truly carrying this team, showcasing leadership qualities that are commendable. Despite Spurs being unable to secure a home victory for the fifth time in six Premier League matches with a 2-2 draw against Manchester United, Van de Ven’s performance was a standout positive.

How many defenders in the world would undertake an electrifying 80-yard run—navigating past five opposing players—before executing a finish that would make even Harry Kane proud? That was exactly what Van de Ven accomplished during a 5-0 thrashing of FC Copenhagen, even while Spurs were down to 10 men. He has now scored six goals in 16 games this season, making him the team’s top scorer. Just five days later, he displayed similar heroics on the defensive end against Manchester United.

In the Saturday lunchtime match against United, Van de Ven prevented a frustrating defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with an exceptional defensive play. When Benjamin Sesko was played through by Mason Mount, it was Van de Ven who managed to block the Slovenian’s goal-bound shot against all odds. The fans erupted with approval, recognizing that his recovery to make that challenge was beyond expectations. Going 2-1 down late in the game would have been a devastating blow for Frank, which is why it was significant when Cristian Romero handed the captain’s armband to Van de Ven as he left the pitch injured, acknowledging the standard he set with his defensive efforts, even if his contributions going forward were less pronounced.

TNT Sports commentator Ally McCoist named Van de Ven as his man of the match, a choice few would contest. While it was uncharacteristic for Spurs to concede two goals and not keep a clean sheet, decisive moments in matches can shift the outcome—Van de Ven’s intervention was crucial for both Tottenham and Frank. This play bolstered their confidence and set the stage for a comeback. After falling behind to Bryan Mbeumo’s first-half goal, Spurs relentlessly fought for an equalizer, with João Palhinha and Brennan Johnson both denied by Senne Lammens. While Johnson did find the net, his goal was ruled offside, eliminating the need for VAR review.

However, quick goals from substitutes Mathys Tel and Richarlison, who deflected Wilson Odobert’s shot past Lammens, allowed Spurs to go ahead in stoppage time. United, who are finding form under Rúben Amorim, equalized in the 96th minute through Matthijs de Ligt. While the result was less than ideal for either team—Spurs still seeking their first home win of the season and United struggling away from Old Trafford—it showcased the current instability of both clubs. For Spurs, at least, the consistent performance of defensive star Van de Ven is a silver lining.