Highlights, Interviews and Analysis!
United outclass Spurs
What was supposed to be a tight match between potential title pretenders and the reigning champions ended up as a no-contest as Manchester United put in a display that was simply a class above what Tottenham were capable of. The champions sent out an ominous sign to the rest of the league after putting in a convincing performance to silence any critics over their ability to challenge for the title without star player Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo who?
No disrespect to Ronaldo but United have shown that their attacking powers have not diminished one bit despite his absence. Even after falling behind to an absolutely magnificent goal by red-hot Jermaine Defoe within 50 seconds, the Red Devils never pressed the panic button. With Ferdinand back from injury, United remained calm and composed even under intense pressure from a Tottenham side eager to show that their current form was no fluke. United exhibited a passing masterclass that had Spurs chasing shadows throughout the game and even after the dismissal of Paul Scholes it was clear that there was only one side going to win it. In fact, United posed even more of a threat after the departure of Scholes with Evra proving himself a nuisance to the Spurs defence. In the end, it is fair to say that the better team won.
Player Analysis
Carlo Cudicini
Preferred to Gomes probably because of his consistency. Kept the scoreline down with several impressive stops especially from Wayne Rooney whose effort was remarkably clawed away. Could do nothing about Giggs' free kick though.
Tottenham Defence
Turned inside out again and again by Rooney, Spurs' defence as a whole endured a torrid time against the waves of United attacks. Spurs could definitely use the reinforcement of Jonathan Woodgate when he returns from injury.
Wilson Palacios
Fought a losing battle against the tough-tackling Darren Fletcher. United overcame him simply by passing rings around him and the other Spurs midfielders. His ineffective display resulted in his substitution at half-time.
Aaron Lennon
Despite a wonderful run of form, Lennon met his match against a superb Patrice Evra. Couldn't play his usual game against a solid United defence and was kept quiet throughout most of the game.
Robbie Keane, Jermaine Defoe and Peter Crouch
Shuffled into the midfield, Keane looked a shadow of his former self as he was shut out most of the game by United's midfield enforcers. Defoe's goal was a piece of magic but he didn't pose much of a threat for the rest of the game. The same can't be said of Crouch who caused nightmares for United's back four in the air and had an effort which clipped off the bar.
Ben Foster
Beginning to stake his claim for the No.1 jersey for club and country. Produced a stupendous fingertip save from a goal-bound Jermaine Jenas shot.
Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand
Were able to adapt to Peter Crouch's aerial dominance by allowing Crouch to head but snapping up all of his knock-downs. With Vida and Rio back, United's defence look solid once again
Patrice Evra
Contender of Man of the Match with Rooney and Fletcher. Besides keeping Lennon under wraps, caused Spurs all sorts of problems with his limitless energy and direct running after Scholes had been dismissed. Best left-back in the world now without any doubt.
Darren Fletcher
The plaudits will go to Rooney and his fellow goalscorers but unsung hero Fletcher was surely my MOTM. Bustling around covering every blade of grass, breaking up attack after attack, shielding the defence, Fletcher was everywhere. Even managed to pop out an assist. No wonder the Scottish captain is a fixture in the team this season. The next Roy Keane maybe?
Wayne Rooney
A one-man battering ram this boy. Even with a player or two in front of him he never fails to squeeze in a shot on target. Would've scored even if Tottenham parked a bus in front of goal. In this current vein of form, it would take a brick wall to stop England's crown jewel from scoring.
Tottenham Verdict
Clearly in dire need of a creative spark after the loss of talisman Luka Modric. Robbie Keane needs to recover the form that saw him become one of the league's best strikers. Spurs showed that they have a Plan B: Route One football with Peter Crouch as the spearHead but what they really need to work on is their defence. Whenever United came forward they always looked capable of scoring against a shaky Tottenham backline. Spurs have the quality and talent to overcome most of the teams in the league, but it is against top four(six?) opposition where the true test of their abilities lies. One win and one loss so far, but still plenty of positives. Next up - Stamford Bridge.
Man United Verdict
Silenced all critics with an awesome display of one-touch passing and clinical finishing. Goals coming from six different players already this season show that United are no longer reliant on one player to deliver the goods. It has to be said, though, that Rooney has shown himself more than capable of carrying the mantle of goal-scoring machine once worn by Ronaldo. United have passed their second test with flying colours. With the brilliance of Rooney, the determination and tenacity of Fletcher and the defensive solidity of Vidic and Ferdinand, probably only Chelsea can provide any challenge to the champions as the Red engine kicks up a gear. Next up - Derby Day.
*Sidenote - Anyone know what to make of Anderson's goal celebration?
Sunday, September 13, 2009
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United played a great tactical game. It was Sir Alex's tactics that really won United the game. Evra's play against Lennon, forcing Lennon inside on his left foot, frustrated the Englishman so much he swapped over the left wing for awhile. Evra took that chance and bombarded the Tottenham defence. Once, he was even found in the Tottenham penalty box in a counter attack. Sir Alex's decision to play two center midfielders (Anderson and Fletcher) on the wings worked as it crushed Tottenham's midfield and even though Redknapp responded with Jenas, it still wasn't enough to gain control of the game. I'm sure United would have scored more goals if not for the linesman's wrong offside decisions.
Spurs will need Downing and Modric back from injury to provide some width and creativity respectively. Keane was barely in sight throughout the game on the left and Huddlestone and Palacios provided no creativity. Defoe looked deprived of support with Crouch only managing to head the ball to a United player. With London Bridge the next destination, it looks like Spurs will be falling down the bridge.
United have a tough game next week against the blue half of Manchester. They have a terrible record on a league match after a champions league game. Considering having to travel all the way to Turkey, this derby is coming at the wrong time. It's going to test the strength in depth of Sir Alex's squad. His player selection for the coming week will be vital.
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