Full time report: Manchester United Vs Tottenham Hotspurs
Score: 2-0
Manchester United extended their superiority over Tottenham Hotspurs by registering a controversial win.
An explosive match was experienced against Spurs from the opening whistle and Spurs dominated the pace of the game. United midfielder Ji Sung Park found the framework in the fifth minute, which has beaten goalkeeper Gomes from distance. Spurs played their
usual all action game and Rafael Van Der Vaart looked the most threatening. The player responded to the earlier shot by park with a shot of his own and was unlucky to find the bar despite beating Van Der Sar with pace on the shot. United then calmed things
down in the midfield and took down the pace. Spurs star Gareth Bale had a tough night to endure as he was carefully man marked by all the right players. Youngster Rafael did an extremely good job in matching the pace of Bale whenever he took the wide position
and the Welshman was silent for most of the evening.
United found the lead in the 31st minute, courtesy of Captain Nemanja Vidic. Kabola fouled Javier Hernandez to give a free kick to the hosts a few yards outside the box. Nani took the free kick and perfectly found Vidic who slotted home using
the pace of the ball. United were in the lead at half time and looked to score another home win.
In the second half, both managers changed the system, with Spurs bringing on Pavlychenko and right back Jermaine. Manager Alex Ferguson also changed the system and brought on Paul Scholes for Dimitar Berbatov, in an attempt to close down Van Der Vaart. The
change in system gave the Dutch midfielder little space and was also neutralized. The player’s evening was also cut short owing to a hamstring sprain he experienced and was replaced by Peter Crouch. United brought on Wes Brown for Rafael, who had a good time
marking Bale.
However, there was intense drama towards the end of the match. Nani, with his solo runs, entered the penalty box and was fouled by Palacios. The referee didn’t award a penalty and signaled play on. Goalkeeper Gomes rolled the ball to the edge of the area,
thinking that it was Spurs who were awarded with the free-kick. However, Nani took advantage of the situation and slotted home from short range, giving goal keeper no chance to stop the shot. A total outburst erupted, with Spurs players protesting with the
referee.
The goal is one of the most bizarre goals in the premier league and what actually went down is still unclear. Nonetheless, United were awarded with the goal and that wrapped things up for the Red Devils. Nani took the last chance of the game from distance
but was unlucky to find the post yet again. United displayed a solid performance against Spurs, even without the unusual goal from Nani in the dying moments. Ferguson outsmarted and outwitted Harry Redknapp and Spurs were hopeless without Van Der Vaart and
Bale being neutralized.
The win takes United to 20 points, 5 points behind leaders Chelsea, who managed a narrow win over Blackburn over the weekend. Spurs however move out of the top four and are 10 points behind Chelsea. United would have to keep winning more premier league fixtures
in order stay firm in the title race. The side displayed a solid performance and would need to replicate this every week in order to land the 19th Premier league title.
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