"Hey, compared to the past, it's too easy."
The British 'Tribuna' reported on the 28th (Korean time) that "Michael Owen pointed out that the reason Tottenham was able to win the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League was due to the changes in the rules by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA)," adding, "Owen shook his head saying that this match between Manchester United and Tottenham was truly the worst game."
Tottenham Hotspur finished the season with a 1-4 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in the final match of the Premier League 38th round for the 2024-2025 season held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, UK on the 26th. The final league record was 38 points (11 wins, 5 draws, 22 losses), with a goal difference of -1 (64 goals scored, 65 goals conceded), finishing the season in 17th place, the worst performance in the club's history. The previous lowest record was 15th place in the 1993-1994 season.
Tottenham had already secured their place in the Champions League for the next season with their UEFA Europa League victory. Tottenham won 1-0 against Manchester United in the Europa League final. Consequently, the match against Brighton was one in which key players, including Son Heung-min, who were sidelined due to foot injuries, did not need to participate. It was the last home game of the season conducted amid the celebrations for their European victory.
Son Heung-min was also left out of the lineup, supporting his teammates from the bench in black civilian clothes. He took a break due to not being in perfect condition with his foot. As a result, Son finished this season with 7 goals and 9 assists. By missing the final match, he was unable to extend his significant record of scoring double digits for nine consecutive years. This ended his streak of double-digit goals that had lasted for eight years since he scored 4 goals in the 2015-2016 season.
Tottenham, missing Son Heung-min, suffered a 1-4 defeat at home. The joy of their European victory was soon forgotten, and the home fans could not hide their bitter expressions as they accepted the league's worst report card. Without the Europa League victory, the gap with the relegation zone was just a few points. There are significant concerns that if Coach Ange Postecoglou remains, next season will also be unstable.
In fact, both Manchester United and Tottenham recorded some of the worst performances in league history, with both teams merely avoiding relegation. This has led to debates about the level of the final. Owen reiterated this statement, saying, "Objectively speaking, Tottenham's victory in the Europa League was entirely due to the changes in UEFA regulations," adding, "The absence of teams eliminated from the UEFA Champions League (UCL) made the victory relatively easier."
The change in UEFA regulations highlighted by Owen was regarding the rule that allowed the 3rd place teams in the UCL to join the UEL. Until last season, teams competing in the UCL would come directly to the UEL, but this time, with the restructuring of the UCL, that rule was eliminated. As a result, the UEL was conducted solely with existing teams, making the competition relatively easier.
Owen noted, "Objectively, there are no proper strong teams among those Tottenham faced for the Europa League victory. There were no teams eliminated from the UCL, and the draw was also favorable," adding, "The final itself was truly the worst match I've played in my entire football career. Frankly, it was shockingly poor. I've never wanted to turn off the TV while watching a game, but this time was a real exception."
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