Solanke penalty sends Spurs into Europa League semi-finals

By George Sessions, PA, Frankfurt

A 43rd-minute penalty from Dominic Solanke sent Tottenham through to the Europa League semi-finals with a 2-1 aggregate win over Eintracht Frankfurt to keep their season alive and ease the pressure on Ange Postecoglou.

Spurs were back in the last-chance saloon and up against it at Deutsche Bank Park after a 1-1 draw in the first leg last Thursday, but produced one of their best displays under Postecoglou to ensure his tenure goes on.

Solanke’s spot-kick two minutes before half-time settled the tie and was won after vice-captains Cristian Romero and James Maddison combined.

It was Solanke’s first goal in 12 matches and even though Tottenham missed opportunities after the break, they admirably held on to earn a first last-four spot in this competition in 41 years.

Postecoglou had admitted to having “no idea” if he would still be in a job after this tie on Wednesday, but can now focus on a two-legged semi-final in May with his team still on course to win the club its first trophy in 17 years.