Daily Express

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou took a thinly-veiled dig at Arsenal after reaching the final of the Europa League. Spurs got the job done in the Arctic Circle, winning 2-0 away to Bodo/Glimt after already beating the Norwegian side in north London. They will face Manchester United in the final.

There have been some complaints raised that either Tottenham or United will be in the Champions League next season, courtesy of winning the Europa League, despite their disastrous Premier League campaigns. United and Spurs are 15th and 16th respectively, with just 21 combined wins in 70 matches, causing legendary Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger to lead furious calls asking if they deserve a spot in Europe’s premier competition next year.

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But Postecoglou has hit back, claiming that those inside the top three league positions, including Arsenal, should simply win a trophy “if it’s so easy to get to a final”. He claimed that those critics are trying to diminish Spurs’ European run.

"It's going to upset a lot of people isn't it,” Postecoglou said in his press conference. “The debate's now raging, the latest one is that neither of us will be able to get a trophy if we win, they're just going to take a team photo because we're not worthy.

"I mean, who cares if we're struggling in the league? Why is that important? If it's so easy to get to a final, then why doesn't everyone who finishes in the top three do it? It's a separate thing. It's got nothing to do with league form.

"We understand our league form hasn't been great. We understand the struggles we've had. A lot of them are because of the situation we've been in. But how that diminishes the achievement of getting to a final. Like I said, this club and others have finished in first, second or third in the Premier League and haven't made finals.”

Postecoglou argued that his side have beaten teams who will likely be in the Champions League next season, including Eintracht Frankfurt, and that Spurs’ potential accomplishments are already being undermined.

The Aussie asked: “Why should that be diminished? I couldn't care less who's struggling and who's not. I think both us and Manchester United have earned the right to be there.

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"I think we've probably beaten teams who will be in the Champions League next year, on our road to getting there. So looking forward to it, should be a great game.

"What do I care what Man United think? Why is that relevant to me? You [media] know better than me, you follow this club more than I have. What do you think a trophy would do for this club?

"People are fearing that it might actually happen. They're trying to tear it down and diminish it and try to compare us to Man United."

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim admits he is uncomfortable with the level of support he has received throughout a torrid first season at Old Trafford. The Portuguese tactician would prefer to earn fans' love, and he has the opportunity to do that in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur.

United booked their place in the Bilbao showdown by thrashing Athletic Club 4-1 on Thursday, completing a 7-1 aggregate triumph. Spurs, meanwhile, produced a professional showing in the Arctic Circle to defeat Bodo/Glimt 2-0 after a 3-1 victory in the first leg. The all-English final offers the opportunity for unlikely silverware and qualification for next season's Champions League.

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United and Tottenham are slumped in 15th and 16th in the Premier League, respectively. However, the former's fanbase routinely chants for Amorim despite his early struggles.

During his post-match interview on Thursday, the Red Devils boss agreed with a suggestion that he was uncomfortable with his treatment because he hasn't met his lofty standards thus far.

"Of course [it's uncomfortable]. I know [they love me], I know, but I can see that I should be a better manager at this moment.

"The team should be better at this moment, but we are trying, and I think we have done quite well in Europe. [But] we struggle a lot in the Premier League, so let's see."

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Amorim shared that he was already anxious for the Tottenham clash, knowing his entire maiden campaign at the helm rests on the result in Bilbao.

He said: "It's the least we can do for these fans, for all the support that they gave us in this tough season.

"But I'm stressed already because of the final, because if you don't, don't win it in the end, it's nothing. So we are happy to be there. Let's see."

United have tasted defeat against Spurs three times already this term, twice under Amorim. However, he cheekily noted that the odds suggest a fourth consecutive loss was improbable.

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Amorim added: "First of all, if you think of the odds, it's hard for a club to lose [against the same team] four times in a row. So we can think that way.

"I think we have to have a full squad, that is really important. And we need to study the game quite well.

"And then we need to have a little bit of luck, because today you felt we suffered a goal, but we had so many transitions to score a goal, and we didn't score, we have to be clinical in that game."

United and Spurs have two Premier League games to essentially use as warm-ups before clashing at the San Mames Stadium.

Tottenham booked their spot in the final of the Europa League with a 2-0 victory over Bodo/Glimt to secure a 5-1 win on aggregate, setting up an all-English clash with Manchester United in Bilbao. Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro were on the score sheet in the Arctic Circle in what was an assured performance from Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Spurs rose to the occasion with a professional display, taking the sting out of every Bodo/Glimt attack where possible, and their resilience was rewarded in the 63rd minute when Dominic Solanke diverted Cristian Romero’s header into the back of the net. Porro then put the game to bed just minutes later when his cross looped over the head of Nikita Haikin, onto the post and into the back of the net.

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Express Sport takes you through how each Spurs star performed on the night…

Tottenham player ratings vs Bodo/Glimt (4-3-3)

Guglielmo Vicario: 7

A smart performance from the Italian, ensuring he was an option in possession and running down the clock where possible – much to the frustration of the home crowd.

Pedro Porro: 8

The full-back shone for Spurs, working hard at both ends of the pitch, particularly with his driving runs forward to relieve pressure from his defensive teammates. Despite the fortunate nature of the goal, it was deserved.

Cristian Romero: 8

Professional performance from the Argentine, reading danger well and managing the game well by frequently slowing play down. Rose highest to provide the assist for Solanke’s goal and did not allow the occasion to get the better of him.

Micky Van de Ven: 7

Similarly, a confident display from the Dutchman. Stepping out when required to attempt to build from the back and using his recovery pace to cover Destiny Udogie when he roamed forward.

Destiny Udogie: 7

Like Porro, the fullback was Spurs’ other key creative outlet. The 22-year-old impressed defensively too, showing maturity to ensure he was not caught too high up the pitch despite being given that licence to bomb forward.

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Yves Bissouma: 8

The midfielder grew into the game impressively, intercepting passes and slowing down Bodo/Glimt’s counter-attacks. Has risen to the occasion in both semi-finals.

Rodrigo Bentancur: 8

Covered plenty of ground to mop up danger throughout. Highlighted his experience and nous by resisting the urge to fire passes forward in favour of retaining possession, much to the frustration of his opponents.

Dejan Kulusevski: 6

Slow performance from the usually-influential Swedish playmaker. Kulusevski’s defensive work warrants credit, but he faded out of the game for significant periods.

Brennan Johnson: 5 (68', Sarr)

Offered very little throughout, with his most notable moment coming in the 33rd minute when he was booked for a late challenge on Jens Petter Hauge. Withdrawn after going down with what appeared to be a minor injury.

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Dominic Solanke: 6

On what was a tough night for the striker after being starved of any true service from his wingers, he continued to press, remained alert and was rewarded with his goal.

Richarlison: 5 (61', Tel)

With speculation swirling about where his future lies next season, the Brazilian did very little to justify why Spurs should look to retain his services. He remains a player that Spurs can replace in the summer transfer window.

Substitutes

Mathys Tel: 6. Delivered a dangerous corner for Spurs’ goal and added a spark off of the left.

Pape Sarr: 6: Added energy centrally to avoid any late scares.

Manchester United will face Tottenham Hotspur in an all-English Europa League final after an incredible 7-1 aggregate victory against Athletic Club. Mason Mount scored twice off the bench on either side of Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund's contributions as the hosts won the second leg 4-1, cruising into the May 21 showcase.

Express Sport runs through the player ratings on a celebratory night at Old Trafford...

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Man Utd player ratings vs Athletic Club

Andre Onana: 6

Beaten by a stunning long-range hit from Mikel Jauregizar, but replays showed he could have taken an extra step to get across.

Victor Lindelof: 6

He could mark his United exit with a trophy in Bilbao. A nervy start like in the first leg but played his part in riding the visitors' pressure.

Harry Maguire: 5

The hero in the last Europa League game at Old Trafford but almost became the villain in this one after giving the ball away cheaply for the opener. Recovered well.

Leny Yoro: 9

United have a superstar on their hands. Grown from strength to strength this season and was seemingly involved in everything against Athletic. Unbeatable defensively, confidently progressed the ball and provided the assist for Mount's equaliser.

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Noussair Mazraoui: 6

Most of United's attacks went through Patrick Dorgu on the left.

Manuel Ugarte: 4

Ruben Amorim's triple substitution on 62 minutes changed the game. The Uruguayan couldn't get a grip on the midfield battle and was deservedly taken off.

Casemiro: 7

Won 12 of 18 duels. Headed United ahead and was then promptly withdrawn after a few audacious lunges while on a yellow card. He will be crucial for Amorim in the final.

Patrick Dorgu: 7

A real attacking outlet for the hosts all evening. Displayed impressive pace and power, and should've had an assist for one of Alejandro Garnacho's misses.

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Alejandro Garnacho: 3

Missed two huge chances and was one of the three brought off just after the hour mark. Luckily United didn't pay the price.

Bruno Fernandes: 8

United look instantly better when he dropped deeper and got involved. He will be desperate to avenge that Europa League final defeat in Gdansk and lift European silverware.

Rasmus Hojlund: 7

A second goal in three games for the Dane. Amorim needs him to keep going for a few more weeks.

Substitutes

Luke Shaw: 6

Another half-hour in the tank.

Mason Mount: 9

His best night as a United player yet. Two sensational goals from the bench to fuel a joyous comeback. Has he finally arrived?

Amad: 8

A huge factor in the hosts turning the game around. So clearly technically superior to many of his team-mates. Notched an assist.

Harry Amass: 6

Over 10 minutes to shake off his struggles at Brentford.

Kobbie Mainoo: 7

Was on for just over 10 minutes but won three of three duels and completed two of two take-ons.

Ange Postecoglou has confirmed a significant injury blow, announcing that James Maddison's season has come to an abrupt end after sustaining knee ligament damage in the 3-1 first-leg triumph over Bodo/Glimt. The Tottenham and England midfielder felt severe pain which forced him off during the win, just after he had given his side a two-goal cushion.

While the creative maestro is expected to be sidelined for around three months, Postecoglou refrained from providing an exact return date: "It's disappointing for him. I'm disappointed for him more than anything else because he's been a big catalyst for us.

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"He'll miss out but that's been a constant of our season, dealing with these things, so we'll overcome that."

Amidst the unfortunate update on Maddison, there's optimism for Dominic Solanke as Postecoglou hinted at his swift return to spearhead the attack after his absence in the 1-1 stalemate with West Ham due to injury: "Dom's good, he's been able to train fully for the past couple of days, so he's no problem."

The Spurs boss also discussed Son Heung-min's condition, who didn't make the trip to Norway with the team: "It's also disappointing for Sonny. He was pushing hard.

"He has progressed, there's the possibility of him getting some game time on the weekend for us, but he hasn't trained with the team yet, but he is progressing, so we'll just wait and see how he goes."

Stepping into the void left by absentees, Dejan Kulusevski has earned Postecoglou's confidence, especially with Lucas Bergvall also out of action: "It's great that Deki's back. I feel like he's been getting stronger with every game."

Casemiro's stint at Manchester United might be determined by the team's success in the Europa League. If United, who lead 3-0 against Athletic Bilbao from the semi-final first leg, go on to conquer either Tottenham Hotspur or Bodo/Glimt in the final, they will consequently secure a spot in next season's Champions League.

Champions League qualification would see a 25 per cent salary increase for United players. Casemiro's wages would rise back to £300,000 a week as a result. United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already pinpointed Casemiro as one of the five players who are "overpaid" or "not good enough" while the club contemplates laying off up to 200 additional staff members.

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At 33, Casemiro has a year remaining on his contract and has expressed his desire to extend his tenure at United into a fourth year. Ruben Amorim, the head coach, recently revealed that Casemiro seemed to have made him reconsider his plans, fuelled by his commanding performance during the Europa League knockouts.

Nevertheless, United have been canvassing for interested parties for Casemiro over the last year. They are looking for at least £15 million to sell him, to prevent a financial loss under Premier League's profitability and sustainability laws, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Despite previous interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League, no deals materialised. United are keen to strengthen their midfield, a department where they lack specialist players. Manuel Ugarte was signed from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, but Amorim's long-term plans for Kobbie Mainoo remain uncertain and Toby Collyer has been sidelined for 29 games this season due to injury.

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Christian Eriksen is meanwhile set to be released. If United fail to secure European football next season, they will need a leaner squad. The Red Devils could play as few as 40 matches in the 2025-26 season if they do not qualify for the Champions League.

Ratcliffe would be reluctant to keep the oldest outfield player in the United squad and one of their highest earners, especially when Casemiro has only started 16 Premier League matches this term.

Casemiro, who joined United from Real Madrid for £60m, potentially rising to £70m, has started all five of United's ties and netted the first goal in the 3-0 win over Athletic last week.

West Ham United are set to host Tottenham Hotspur at the London Stadium on Sunday, as a disappointing Premier League season for both teams draws to a close. The Hammers, currently in 17th place, could have been embroiled in a relegation fight if not for the poor performances of Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town throughout the 2024/25 season.

Having failed to secure a win under Graham Potter since their 2-0 victory over Leicester at the end of February, the east London side will be focusing on damage control ahead of the summer break. Yet, they are not alone in their struggles this season, with Spurs only one position above them in the league table, leading by a slim margin of just one point. Manager Ange Postecoglou has faced criticism from fans this term, having managed to secure victory only 11 times in total.

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Coming off the back of a 4-2 defeat to Wolves, a 2-1 loss to Nottingham Forest, and a 5-1 drubbing by Liverpool that saw the Reds clinch the Premier League title last Sunday, morale is undoubtedly low in north London. However, Postecoglou may look to capitalise on the momentum from Spurs' 3-1 victory over Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals on Thursday, hoping it will inspire a positive result against their city rivals this weekend.

While Premier League enthusiasts worldwide will have access to the match, it won't be broadcast live on UK television, and the only way to catch the action is by securing a seat at the London Stadium. Here's why...

Why isn't West Ham vs Tottenham on TV?

The clash between the Hammers and the Lilywhites is one of four fixtures scheduled for Sunday afternoon. Alongside the clash in east London, Brighton vs Newcastle United, and Brentford vs Manchester United are set for 2pm, while Chelsea vs Liverpool is slated for 4.30pm.

Sky Sports has opted to screen the Brighton and Newcastle match during their 2pm slot, with the Chelsea vs Liverpool game being the main event. West Ham was initially set to host Spurs in east London on Saturday, but the match was rescheduled after the visitors qualified for the Europa League semi-finals, allowing them sufficient recovery time from their initial encounter with Bodo/Glimt.

However, starting next season, all matches not slated for a 3pm kick-off on a Saturday will be broadcast live across the UK, thanks to a new Premier League TV deal.

How to watch West Ham vs Tottenham outside of the UK

Although UK football fans won't be able to watch the game live on TV, those residing abroad may still have the opportunity. You can find out who your local Premier League broadcaster is here.

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How to follow West Ham vs Tottenham

Football enthusiasts in the UK eager to catch the highlights of West Ham vs Spurs won't have to wait long. The highlights will be available on the Sky Sports website and Sky Sports' YouTube channel approximately 20 minutes after the match concludes.

Additionally, Match of the Day 2 will broadcast extended highlights of the fixture, along with all the action from Sunday's games, on BBC One at 10.30pm. For those who prefer live coverage, options are limited to audio, with outlets such as BBC London providing radio commentary in the UK.

Bodo/Glimt defender Fredrik Sjovold has taunted Tottenham’s players ahead of their trip to Norway next Thursday. Spurs will go into the Europa League semi-final second leg with a 3-1 lead and are clear favourites to progress through to a clash with either Athletic Club or Manchester United.

Ange Postecoglou’s side dominated for much of the night at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and led 2-0 at half-time thanks to goals from Brennan Johnson and James Maddison. Dominic Solanke’s penalty then appeared to make the tie safe for the hosts before things unravelled late on. Both Maddison and Solanke limped off before Ulrik Saltnes scored seven minutes from time to set up a nervy finale.

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here was no further scoring, but the Saltnes strike gives Bodo/Glimt renewed hope for the return match next week. Tottenham’s trademark pressing game under Postecoglou also appeared disjointed in the latter stages, and Sjovold has cited that tactic as a reason why his side can overturn the deficit.

“I think their press will collapse pretty quickly,” the 21-year-old told VG. “Then we can cause trouble.”

Sjovold started at right-back on Thursday and struggled in the opening 45 minutes to deal with the threat of Maddison and Richarlison. However, his bullish comments underline the perception that Postecoglou’s side lacks game management.

Furthermore, the pressure is all on the visitors as they bid to salvage their season. Spurs lie 16th in the Premier League, with Europa League glory their only chance of salvaging silverware and European football for 2025/26.

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Bodo/Glimt coach Kjetil Knutsen also made telling comments after his side’s defeat in north London, saying: “If you see when Tottenham conceded a goal, they were really disappointed.

“They lost energy and I think we got a lot of energy because of the goal. I think we can take the energy from this game into the next game. It’s totally different for us to play at home.”

Graham Potter has risked the wrath of West Ham fans by confessing that he hopes Tottenham can reach the Europa League final. The London rivals meet in the Premier League on Sunday just days after Spurs put one foot in the European competition’s showpiece event.

The north Londoners defeated Bodo/Glimt 3-1 on Thursday in a relatively routine first-leg performance. There is now less pressure on Ange Postecoglou’s side heading into the second leg in Norway next week. Aside from also reaching the Carabao Cup semi-final, Spurs have endured a nightmare campaign, and Postecoglou’s job has hung by a thread for much of 2025. Despite West Ham fans basking in their rivals’ misery, boss Potter is ‘hopeful’ that Spurs can reach the Europa League final.

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Potter said after Spurs’ success: "They’ve had a tough season. I’m pretty sure if you speak to Ange [Postecoglou], injuries, young players, the double competition [have had an impact]. In this league, nothing is forgiven. They’ve done well in Europe and hopefully they can finish the job and reach the final."

Goals from Brennan Johnson, James Maddison and Dominic Solanke sealed a rare good evening for Spurs. Should they successfully navigate the second leg, they could meet Premier League rivals Manchester United in the final.

The Red Devils head into next week's second leg at Old Trafford with a 3-0 lead over Athletic Bilbao, having produced one of the best performances of Ruben Amorim's tenure in Spain.

Meanwhile, West Ham have endured just as underwhelming a season as Spurs. Potter, who replaced the sacked Julen Lopetegui in January, has already faced criticism over his inability to arrest his side’s poor form.

The Hammers’ 3-2 defeat against Brighton last weekend left them 17th in the Premier League - although they have sealed safety for another season. Potter was criticised after the match for a perceived lack of emotion.

Asked about those claims this week, Potter responded: "Wherever I am, the feeling internally is the same because you want to do well for yourself, your family, the club you are working for. I feel the pressure of 62,000 West Ham fans - it's a massive club with a desire to do better than we are, so you feel that.

"As I get older I care less what [the media] think, to be honest. I'm happy to just be myself. And if myself is that I'm annoyed after we've conceded two goals in three minutes, then I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't.

"On the one hand you're having a go at me for being too nice, or for whatever. You get criticised for being too nice or too emotional. At the end of the day we are not winning so you have to accept that. My reaction was a human reaction from a football manager. I'd be surprised if there were too many other managers who would give you any other emotional reaction than what you got from me."

Tottenham have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of saving their season by winning the Europa League. The Premier League strugglers are set to face Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of the semi-finals later this week, and Ange Postecoglou will welcome the news coming out of Norway.

Spurs were forced to dig deep to secure their spot in the final four of the competition, beating Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 on aggregate thanks to Dominic Solanke’s goal in the away leg of the tie.

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Despite suffering a 5-1 defeat at the hands of Liverpool over the weekend, Tottenham may now be encouraged heading into Thursday’s clash as Bodo/Glimt will be without two key players for the match in north London.

According to Norwegian media, Bodo captain Patrick Berg and fellow midfielder Hakon Evjen have been ruled out of the first leg as club officials misinterpreted UEFA’s booking rules in the quarter-finals. The rules state that yellow cards from the earlier stages of the competition are wiped out after the quarter-finals have concluded.

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However, those at Bodo/Glimt believed that their stars would avoid a one-match suspension for picking up three bookings in the Europa League even if the third booking came in the second leg of their quarter-final victory over AS Roma.

Both Berg and Evjen were booked late on in Rome, with striker Andreas Helmersen being sent off in extra time, before their penalty shootout victory. The bookings were initially overlooked by those at the club before Viaplay made them aware that the trio would now take on Tottenham without their two midfielders.

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After being made aware of the consequences of the bookings, the ‘atmosphere in the dressing room’ changed and spirits were somewhat dampened as the squad were under the impression that bookings in Rome would not have any impact on their players being available.

The mishap was interpreted as a ‘administration mistake’ which will leave Kjetil Knutsen with plenty to consider as he looks to ensure that Spurs do not run away with the tie before the second leg. The Bodo boss may also be without centre-back Odin Bjortuft for his side’s trip to England after he sustained a groin injury over the weekend, with winger Ole Didrik Blomberg also not featuring in the victory over FKUM due to an unknown injury.