Second-last in the Premier League table is not a position Man Utd are accustomed to. Yet there they were sitting majestically above Derby before the clash with Tottenham on Sunday. To put it plainly, losing – or even a point – would be catastrophic even at this stage of the season. I guess it does put into perspective how competitive the EPL has been since Chelsea became a force.
Martin Jol’s team were not exactly flying high themselves and with the recent flak he was getting, it was imperative that Spurs got a result at Old Trafford. Not the easiest of things to do considering their poor record there – Spurs’ last win was in Dec 1989. All the hype and statistics seemed to point towards an intense, open, attacking fest. Well, there was plenty of ‘goal-mouth action’. Unfortunately, not the kind of action neither United nor Spurs fans would be relishing.
Most of the game was played in midfield with both sides striving hard for penetration. With Tevez up on his own, the trio of Carrick, Scholes, and Hargreaves proved ineffective in getting anywhere beyond Spurs’ resilient back-line. Only Nani provided that bit of flair and industry and hopes of any ‘magic’. At the other end, the ever-immaculate Berbatov was wrecking havoc for Vidic and Ferdinand; his two well-crafted chances in the 2nd half requiring heroics from Brown and Ferdinand to keep United in the game. Both chances also substantiated valid claims for penalties though neither was given, thus inviting a flurry of post-match controversy.
Berbatov put on a masterclass performance – even with lack of service
Former United target Gareth Bale started his first match and impressed. Playing most of the match on the left of midfield, the 17-year old was more than a match for Wes Brown and his dead-ball pedigree nearly gifted Ricardo Rocha a goal. Unfortunately, the defender fluffed his chance and sent the ball wide.
At the end, the scoreline was settled by a spectacular effort by Nani – though Carlos Tevez’s intervention may have proved more vital than it appears. Only Paul Robinson knows if it mattered.
Tottenham were the better team at Old Trafford. However, like Chelsea, it is important for potential champions to grind out results when least likely. Chelsea did it against Portsmouth and United had to against Spurs.
I’d hold the celebrations for now…
Indeed there’s a lot to be happy about, but Ferguson will not be celebrating considering his team were outplayed for the first time this season. Ironic, eh? With Solksjaer’s immediate plans to retire, the Scots will probably have to reconsider his decision not to purchase a striker before January. Suddenly, that seems like a long time away.
Man of the match: Dimitar Berbatov
Play of the day: Berbatov collecting a high-ball, pulling it behind him on his foot between Vidic and Ferdinand before attempting to bend it top right corner. Van der Sar was grounded.
Controversy take: 1) Vidic had eyes on ball, no obstruction. 2) Hit Brown’s chest. Even if arm, too close and after Rob Styles’ case, was unlikely to be given.
