Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspurs
Given Tottenham and Manchester United’s recent run of form, this game was supposed to be crucial for both Ange Postecoglu and Ruben Amorim who both are facing heat due to lack of results, while Ange’s problem has been the unavailability of players due to injury. Ruben Amorim is facing transition problems at Man United as they are still to adapt to Amorim’s high intensity style of play.
Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspurs Premier League: 1st Half
The game started with Man United pressing high at Tottenham’s half as Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho both got chances within the first 10 minutes but failed to convert. This allowed Tottenham to counter press which saw a Lucas Bergvall shot get saved by Onana but pushed towards James Maddison who slotted in the goal with the utmost composure.
Man United received more chances in the first half but failed to convert any of those with the poor display of attacking shown from the Red Devils.
While Tottenham played in their usual manner with a high risk high reward kind of play, the game was full of errors with both teams playing their role in it. Both teams had their chances but failed to convert any of them in the first half. In the 23rd minute, Alejandro Garnacho got the best chance of the half when Bruno Fernandes layed off a beautiful through ball to Garnacho but the Argentine could only manage a scuffed shot in the stands.
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Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspurs Premier League: 2nd Half
The second half started with Tottenham keeping more possession who looked more comfortable on the ball. After some Spurs’ chances, Man United got some good possession of the ball with 2 Garnacho shots getting saved by Vicario inside 3 minutes. Djel Spence was attacking the left flank with great enthusiasm along with Son who managed to keep Dorgu and Mazraoui under immense pressure.
In the 64th minute, Ange introduced reinforcements in the midfield as Bergvall and Maddison were withdrawn for the services of Brennan Johnson and Pape Sarr who added speed and physicality to the midfield. At 70th minute, Zirkzee headed wide a beautifully delivered cross from Mazraoui as another chance went away begging.
In game management by Tottenham
The game got cagy in the midfield afterwards as Ange was successful in his plan of keeping the ball and playing with patience. In the 78th minute, Archie Gray and Yves Bissouma were substituted for the likes of Danso and Bentancur. With these introductions, Tottenham looked far more dangerous than Manchester United who looked toothless in attack. Despite only having a slender lead, Tottenham were playing with a swagger that was contagious around the White Hart Lane.
Injury woes
With both teams struggling with injuries, it was supposed to be a mellowed down version of the game but Postecoglu managed his team better with timely substitutions and a better game plan after all. This win at White Hart Lane came after a long winless dry spell at home for Spurs who had not won here since November against Aston Villa.
History in making
This was the first time that Tottenham have had a double win in a Premier League campaign against Man United who were also defeated 3-0 in September. This campaign has been a reality check for both the managers as Spurs were without Van de Ven, Romero, Solanke and Man United were without the likes of Mainoo, Ugarte, Amad Diallo. The injury lists have been an alarming concern for many of the Premier League clubs and it would be right to say that these two clubs have been hit the worst.
Points table
With this win Tottenham have climbed to the 12th position while Manchester United have slipped to the 15th position just two places above the relegation battle.
