Much of England’s news is dominated by last night’s all-English Europa League final that saw North London club Tottenham Hotspur beat Manchester United to claim their first silverware in 17 years.
The 1-0 win comes amid a poor season for both Spurs and United – with many questioning if Ange Postecoglou and United’s Ruben Amorim will remain at their clubs. Despite the poor season, Ange still claimed a trophy this season and has guaranteed Champions League football for next season, so he might not be getting the boot just yet.
The game itself was poor – just as expected with little quality from either side. The solo goal in the game (thanks to Brendan Johnson) was scrappy and fairly unremarkable.
The i says billed the final as the “£100m game will define Man Utd and Spurs’ next decade” reporting Manchester United were “dreadful” and says things will only get worse at the club. The paper says the “scrappy” goal “proved” Ange’s prophecy – (that he always wins in the second season).
This headline uses nationalistic pride (“Spurs reigns in Spain”) and emotive language (“scrappy goal”, “first trophy in 17 years”) to dramatise the win. It frames Johnson as a hero and credits the manager’s foresight, suggesting narrative bias by reinforcing a story of destiny or prophecy fulfilled.
Star Sport says Tottenham turned their season from catastrophic to historic on a frantic but famous night in Bilbao. The paper says Ange has handed Spurs the “perfect leaving present” – before his expected exit as boss. Despite winning silverware and securing a spot in next year’s Champions League, it’s expected Ange will still get the boot. For United, the paper says they “subjected themselves to one final humiliation in an utterly shambolic and embarrassing campaign.”
The headline uses a pun (“All White On The Night”) to grab attention and reference Spurs’ kit colour, adding a light-hearted tone. It contrasts success with past failure (“horror season”), employing dramatic language and negativity bias to heighten the impact of the victory.
The Daily Telegraph reports Ange Postecoglou ‘did what he promised’ – delivered a trophy. The Aussie won in his second season – as he has always done, the paper reports. “Some scoffed at his claim. Others used it to ridicule him. Now it is probably the end for him at Spurs, with the expectation that he will leave after a wretched league campaign, despite also delivering Champions League qualification.”
This headline uses sarcasm and contrast—praising Postecoglou while calling it “the worst cup final in history.” The phrase “smash-and-grab” implies luck or opportunism, downplaying Spurs’ merit. It reflects editorial bias by framing the win as undeserved despite the result.
Daily Express reports “big Ange has the last laugh” highlighting the backlash the Aussie manager has faced all season (for a poor Spurs performance in the EPL). “The charismatic Aussie delivered on his promise to win a trophy in his second season at the club as the north Londoners edged past Manchester United. Brennan Johnson’s first-half goal proved to be the difference in a scrappy game of very little quality,” the paper writes.
This headline uses informal, playful language (“final fling”, “big Ange”, “last laugh”) to create a light, triumphant tone. It personifies the manager and reinforces a hero narrative, while “reign in Spain” adds national pride. The tone suggests a pro-Spurs bias, celebrating victory with flair.
Copyright WTX News 2025