Tottenham bounce back, taking advantage of a struggling Manchester United
A solitary goal from Maddison decided the game in London
Manchester United are not lifting their heads. If they had joy with the controversial FA Cup victory against Leicester City, in the Premier League they are back on the path of defeat: three points from the last 12 possible and 15th in the Premier. ‘only’ 12 points above the relegation zone, already 14 in Europe. Maddison decided in London with a solitary goal in the first half… and Spurs are ahead of Old Trafford.
It was a nightmare of a match between two teams that this season (Tottenham and Manchester United) are closer to relegation than to Europe. Spurs, at least, had Vicario back in goal… but the ‘Red Devils’ had no name for him. 12 injured and the most unrecognizable bench in their history.
And the numbers spoke for themselves: Chido Obi, Sékou Koné, Harry Amass, Tyler Fredricson, Elyh Samuel Harrison, Jack Fletcher, Jack Moorhouse, and Ayden Heaven, a recent signing from Arsenal’s academy, were the Red Devil’s core. Alongside them, Lindelöf must have felt almost out of place. The Swedish center-back is the only player mentioned who came into this match with Premier League experience. The rest, none. And only Obi played… coming on in the 91st minute.
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Amorim’s men struggled mightily in the first half, with Tottenham reaching peaks of over 80% possession. The Londoners started dominating, but the first clear chances fell to the Old Trafford side. However, the return of Vicario was noticeable. It’s another level with the Italian in goal.
Tottenham were quick to respond, and they did so effectively. James Maddison was unforgiving after Onana blocked Bergvall’s shot. There was no offside because Dalot had been left behind. From then on, the game was open. The ball was in the home side’s hands, but both sides created dangerous chances against two defenses that were showing little or no security.
Ruben Amorim woke up his United at half-time without the need for any changes and they came out of the dressing room with a different face. They were finally showing some football. But they came up against, once again, an immense Vicario. The former Empoli player made himself huge against Garnacho with two very hard saves. Especially the second one, low down, where it hurts the goalkeepers the most. How important his return was for Postecoglou.
Tottenham held on and even had the chance to kill the game off with Kulusevski. But they didn’t. The 1-0 scoreline, however, was enough for them. Postecoglou takes a breath of fresh air while Amorim continues to live a nightmare.