Manchester United 2-0 vs. Tottenham Hotspur - Nani's Goal: Deserved or Controversial?
There was much talk before one of the most decorated clubs was subjected to face the dark horses of the 2010 season. This was a different tie altogether this time: Spurs were recognised as a top 4, Champions League quality team.
Reputations were on the line. United headed into the game after drawing 5 of their 9 games this season – Were we in for another draw? It seemed so, because both teams had a lot to prove in the meeting.
However, after an action-packed tale of 2 halves, Manchester United beat Tottenham Hotspur by 2-0 at Old Trafford. Some might have argued that the win was ‘deserved’ seeing that United had the home side advantage. But the game
is more likely to be remembered by the incident which led to United’s second goal of the match.
The game got off to a blistering start. Park Ji Sung hit the post in just the second minute with his strike from 30 yards. On the other hand, Van Der Vaart was causing difficulty for United’s defence from the beginning. The former
Ajax & Real Madrid player and part of the 2010 World Cup runners up team, Netherlands, was determined to make his mark on the game. Some argued that he was destined to be the X-factor that the team from North London has missed all these years. The attack-minded
midfield player did not disappoint as his effort, early in the game, rattled the crossbar – It was just the 8th minute of play. His initiative seemed to breathe in a newfound sense of purpose in the away team’s ranks as after that, Tottenham continued
to push forward and Gareth Bale almost embarrassed Rio Ferdinand when he outmuscled the defender and kept the ball in, but his shot was well saved by goalie Edwin van der Sar.
At the half hour mark, Younes Kaboul conceded a silly free-kick near the danger area. Nani delivered a delightful cross which saw Vidic oblige with a textbook header to put the Red Devils into the lead. Van Der Sar kept United’s
lead intact till half-time after a fine save from Luka Modric’s volley. The veteran goalkeeper, who turned 40 just days ago, was showing no signs of aging.
With the home side comfortably in front, the second half got off to a rather slow start. United looked to control the pace of play and could afford to put their step off the gas pedal as it was the away side’s turn to post a reply.
They closed the game down and made it difficult for Tottenham to find an equaliser. Late on in the second half, Nani was pulled down in the penalty box by Kaboul. The Portuguese winger thought that he had earned his side a penalty and therefore stopped the
ball with his hand. However, his appeal was turned down by Mark Clattenburg and Gomes gathered the ball. The Tottenham goalkeeper didn’t realize that the referee hadn’t blown for the free-kick following Nani’s handball. The United number 17 pounced on to the
opportunity and slotted the ball into a seemingly unguarded goal – the Tottenham shot stopper had placed the ball on the ground to take a free-kick and was therefore caught unaware. Initially, the goal was awarded and United’s players were celebrating but
the assistant had his flag raised. All 11 Spurs players backed by the travelling away crowd were objecting the decision. They were, however, left furious when Mark Clattenburg turned a deaf ear to their protests and didn’t change his original decision; albeit
having a word with his assistant.
The victory gave Manchester United three vital points to stay in touching distance with Chelsea, who had won their match earlier. However, the obvious question on the minds of football fans all over is: Was the result deserved
or justified? Perhaps it’s safe to assume that the game isn’t dead until the referee blows his whistle. The away team could be deemed naïve enough to ignore that but United were mentally present to take advantage on the day. It was still utter confusion that
led to the 2nd goal and perhaps it’s safe enough to reopen the ‘technology and football’ debate.
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