The recent UEFA Super Cup final has been a tale of two halves, a thrilling narrative that encapsulates the agony and ecstasy of football. For Tottenham Hotspur, it was a story of minutes to glory, a chance to become the first Europa League team since 2018 to win the Super Cup. For Paris Saint-Germain, it was a testament to their resilience and the tactical genius of their manager. And for everyone watching, it was a lesson in how a game can turn on a dime.
Spurs, fresh off their Europa League triumph, came into the Super Cup final against the Champions League winners, PSG, with a point to prove. The Super Cup has often been a difficult proposition for the Europa League winners, a narrative that has been a source of pain for many a team. Tottenham, however, looked ready to rewrite that history.
For a long time, it seemed like they would. Thomas Frank, the new man in the dugout, had his fingerprints all over the performance. His pragmatic approach, a stark departure from the free-flowing football of his predecessor, was on full display. Spurs were disciplined, organized, and, above all, ruthlessly efficient. They didn’t dominate possession, but they didn’t need to. They were happy to cede the ball and pounce on the counter. And pounce they did. Two goals from set pieces, a hallmark of Frank’s coaching philosophy at Brentford, gave them a commanding lead. Their set-piece prowess, both offensively and defensively, was a sight to behold. They were a team on the rise, showing a maturity and tactical astuteness that many believed was beyond them.
The 2-0 lead, however, was not to last. The game was in their grasp, the Super Cup trophy glinting under the lights, but they let it slip away. A late comeback from PSG, fueled by a brilliant second-half performance, saw the French giants level the score. The match went to penalties, and in the cruellest of fashion, Spurs’ dream was shattered. They had come so close, only to be denied at the final hurdle. The Super Cup drought for Europa League winners would continue, and Spurs were left to reflect on what might have been. The “bottle job,” a term so often reserved for their North London rivals, had come home to roost.
Speaking of their neighbors, one can’t help but make a little jibe at Arsenal. While Spurs were on the cusp of a major European trophy, Arsenal fans are still waiting for their team to even get to a European podium. The Gunners’ European trophy cabinet has been gathering dust for years, with their last continental honour coming back in the mid-90s with the Cup Winners’ Cup. A Super Cup final, even a heartbreaking one, is a level of football that Arsenal have only been able to dream of for a long, long time. The narrative of “always a bridesmaid, never a bride” is one that has haunted them on the European stage, and for Spurs to come so close to breaking their own curse is a reminder of the gulf that has existed between the two clubs on the continent.
But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. While the Super Cup defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for Spurs, it was also a sign of things to come. The performance, particularly the first 80 minutes, showcased a team that is evolving under Thomas Frank. His pragmatic approach, a focus on defensive solidity, and a mastery of set pieces are all hallmarks of a team built for success. The defeat, as painful as it was, will serve as a valuable learning experience. It’s a team on the rise, and with Frank at the helm, they have all the tools to do great things this season. The Super Cup might have been a missed opportunity, but it was also a glimpse of a brighter future for Tottenham Hotspur.
