Man Utd Victory Leaves Spurs Star Making Unwanted Premier League History
Matthijs de Ligt's last-gasp header for Manchester United means Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison now possesses an unfortunate—and certainly unique—Premier League distinction.
United and Spurs met for the first time since their lackluster Europa League final encounter over the weekend, with both teams delivering another tepid display of football before the match came alive in its final moments.
Richarlison believed he had secured victory in the dying minutes, pulling off his jersey in jubilation. However, a late leveler from De Ligt dampened the celebrations as both teams settled for a draw.
Opta were quick to highlight the misfortune afterward. They revealed that Richarlison has become the first player in Premier League history to receive two yellow cards for removing his shirt after scoring, only to see his team surrender their lead subsequently.
How Tottenham vs. Man Utd Developed
Outstanding summer acquisition Bryan Mbeumo nodded the visitors ahead 1–0 at the interval, but Spurs, who elevated their performance in the second period with the introductions of Wilson Odobert and Destiny Udogie on the left flank, rallied in the final stages.
Initially, Mathys Tel pivoted and found the net to level the score in the 84th minute before an emotionally charged Richarlison broke his goal drought by deflecting Odobert's effort beyond Senne Lammens.
The Brazilian's decisive strike arrived during the first of six added minutes, and his exuberant celebration, complete with shirt removal, appeared warranted. Nevertheless, United, despite being reduced to ten men after Benjamin Šeško's injury-forced departure, managed to equalize. Crucially, Spurs permitted De Ligt an unmarked header at the far post, and the Dutch defender, replicating his heroics for Ajax in their 2019 Champions League semifinal second leg, powered past the Tottenham keeper.
The initial occurrence happened in April 2023, when he thought he'd salvaged a draw for Spurs at Anfield following their early 3–0 deficit. He nodded home the equalizer during injury time, but Diogo Jota subsequently clinched victory for Liverpool after a dreadful Lucas Moura turnover.
Richarlison has also received a booking for overzealous celebrating, only to have his 'strike' disallowed by the video assistant referee. This occurred at the very beginning of his Tottenham tenure in a 2–1 triumph against Fulham.
Bad luck has been a constant companion from day one.