Tottenham beat Manchester United in an exciting match that they deservedly won for their first victory under Ange Postecoglou’s leadership and in the post-Harry Kane era.

There were protests before the game against the match’s chairman Daniel Levy and owners ENIC, but Postecoglou received a raucous welcome, and once play began, Spurs reacted with a striking example of the attacking style that is the Australian’s signature.

Spurs and United both had opportunities during the occasionally chaotic match before Pape Matar Sarr’s goal, hammered high into the net from close range four minutes after the half, broke the tie.

Spurs secured the victory in front of the jubilant home crowd after 83 minutes when Ivan Perisic’s cross was deflected in by Ben Davies and entered by Lisandro Martinez.

In the first half, the host team twice came close to scoring thanks to Pedro Porro and Luke Shaw’s deflection, while Antony struck the post for United, Casemiro’s shot was wonderfully saved by new Spurs custodian Guglielmo Vicario, and Bruno Fernandes managed to head the ball wide of an open net.

Martinez appeared to have bundled the Spurs defender to the ground at the other end after Cristian Romero handled the ball, but ultimately it was Spurs’ stronger offensive desire that made the difference.