How times have evolved! For many years, it would have been unimaginable to leave Old Trafford disappointed after a draw. Spurs blew United off the pitch with a patched-up team that was missing twelve players, without its entire midfield from earlier in the season, and without its best goal scorer and right winger.
Spurs had excellent passing between the penalty areas the whole game. However, they frequently gave up possession needlessly, with Hojbjerg being especially guilty, though Porro was also at fault on a number of times.
It may sound harsh given that they scored two goals, but there was a clear lack of both inventiveness and cutting edge.
Manchester United appeared extremely dangerous whenever they broke forward in the first half, especially when they did it down the Spurs right. Rashford was very rough with Porro. His runs created havoc, and Hojlund scored a great opening thanks to one of those runs.
Spurs clawed their way back into the match gradually and looked strong from nearly every Porro corner during the first half. At the half, Romero headed against the crossbar with a header from Richarlison, who was still on a roll.
Rashford having given United a 2-1 lead in the interim. In the first half, United’s strategy of breaking Spurs’ high line with long, diagonal balls from deep worked, and at 1-1, Udogie unintentionally headed against his own post, which could have easily resulted in an own goal.
Despite this, Udogie played a great game, and it was thanks to his pressure to win the ball that Spurs were able to equalise through a corner.
Spurs took the lead in the second half thanks to a brilliant play that included a nice Skipp pass to Werner, who provided his first Spurs shirt assist, allowing Bentancur to get through and score a second equaliser.
Towards the finish, Radu Dragusin’s debut move to switch to a back three disrupted Spurs’ defence for the first time. Van de Ven hobbled off almost instantly after, perhaps merely cramping up so Royal could continue. With these adjustments, United nearly punished Spurs, as McTominay was left unmarked in the middle of the box. He should have scored but his unmarked header thankfully went beyond the bar.
A special mention should go to Romero, who is back, and Van de Ven, who, following extended periods of time off due to injury, found their footing and formed a strong alliance.
Romero is among the best readers of a game to have donned Spurs colours, as a fellow fan noted during the game.
Due to his rustiness, Van de Ven was surprisingly caught in possession early on. However, he quickly recovered to his usual controlled demeanour, and in the second half, his signature slide tackle was particularly noteworthy as it successfully brought the ball into touch. In the first half, Spurs’ corners appeared dangerous, but in the second half, United handled them with ease.
Werner made a polished debut, with good passing and link-up play. Three of his attempts were off target. missed the first, grabbed the second one, and sent his third, a respectable volleyed attempt over the crossbar. The supporters cheered the worn-out player off the pitch when he was replaced, demonstrating their appreciation for his efforts.
Johnson had a frustrating game when not much went his way. His play was generally poor and insufficient at this level, and his few crosses were overhit or delivered carelessly rather than searching for a partner. It takes patience, but he will definitely improve.
Richarlison performed admirably, winning man of the match. He put in a tonne of effort, pressing both defensively and offensively and making an outstanding headed clearance. His ability to link plays is getting better, and he completed a great performance with a goal to signal to the players that Son is calling for more effort.
Gil entered the stage and performed far better than he had the previous week.
It’s amazing how many players are missing: Solomon, Kulusevski, Veliz, Scarlett and Son; Davies, Sessegnon, Perisic, Sarr, Bissouma, Maddison, Lo Celso, Solomon. Twelve players are out of the lineup: three are on international duty, nine are absent due to illness or injury, and the squad was deemed undermanned before the beginning of the season by many.
There weren’t many midfield and attacking alternatives on the substitutes bench. Van de Ven, Romero, and Werner—three members of the starting eleven—haven’t played for a few weeks.
With three admirable draws away to Arsenal, City, and United, Postecoglou has instilled a great sense of team spirit in the organisation, which has allowed them to reject these as justifications and find a way to win.
A special thanks to today’s 3,000 travelling supporters who outsangered the 72,000 home supporters with their loud and spirited singing.
When several of the players return, it won’t be long, and Tottenham will undoubtedly make an assault on the top four spots at the very least.
Wonderful moments ahead!
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