The Solanke character shown at Old Trafford is something Dominic Solanke says Tottenham can build on, while admitting they need to improve their finishing after the 1-1 draw with Manchester United.
His assessment came in an interview with Spurs following his late equaliser. The striker felt Tottenham had created enough chances to establish a first-half lead, but was encouraged by how they reacted to falling behind and losing a player.
Solanke character praise comes with a finishing warning
On finishing, Solanke said he had missed opportunities and could have scored more than once. His eventual header brought relief as well as enjoyment, especially with the travelling supporters celebrating behind the goal.
“We played so well in the first half, dominated the game and just wasn’t clinical enough.”
He described that as something Tottenham must work on. His comments show relief at the point alongside frustration at the chances that went begging. Taking a late point did not erase the chances they had failed to convert earlier.
Spurs responded with ten men
The Solanke character was tested when United went ahead in the 72nd minute, before Rodrigo Bentancur’s dismissal reduced Spurs to ten men six minutes later. Tottenham still found a way back into the contest.
Solanke met Sandro Tonali’s cross in the 92nd minute, getting the better of Lisandro Martinez to glance a header into the net. It completed a comeback from both a goal and a player down.
“The character we showed after going a goal down and a man down was magnificent from everyone.”
Solanke character message looks beyond one result
The Solanke character argument rests on context: the striker said Spurs had discussed previous occasions when they had not reacted well to conceding. Recovering away from home with ten players offered a different example.
That mentality is something he believes the team can build on. Tottenham’s own interview presents the draw as a result earned by the reaction to adversity, with the finishing still to fix. The next task is to combine it with sharper finishing, rather than needing another late rescue.
Earlier this week, Solanke was backed in the captain role.
Read the United draw report for the match story. Solanke’s comments are from Tottenham’s official interview.
