Game in a sentence
Spurs win for the first time in 23 years at Old Trafford in what is the early front-runner for game of the year.
Observations
- Winless in 26 fixtures at Old Trafford, Spurs destroyed some old demons while forging a new identity in a game that became an instant classic. Jan Vertonghen’s second minute strike was telling. Defensively, Manchester United are incredibly poor. Fergie’s reputation is well deserved – cannot argue with his record – but I’m shocked no additions were made to the back line in the summer. Ed’s note: H/t to Charlie for reminding me about Alexander Büttner.
- Vertonghen is the type of defender I love to watch. Probing runs forward with a devil may care attitude is great for a neutral – though I’m guessing AVB and the coaching staff would rather he play it safe at times. In this sense William Gallas is the perfect partner for a player with the Belgian’s attacking verve.
- Man did United miss Antonio Valencia on this day. Nani’s lack of effort on the Vertonghen goal may result in his final start for Ferguson. It should, anyways. At least pretend like you care.
- Gareth Bale’s great run/goal combo was the product of excellent work from Sandro and Jermain Defoe. Oh, and Rio Ferdinand’s inability to compensate for the Welshman’s incredible pace. It was the ultimate revenge for Bale – Ferguson referred to him as Christian Bale before the game. Two equally talented cats, so it could be worse Gareth.
- The narrative was set. Spurs depart on their road to the top four while United must do some soul searching. And then the game went off the freaking rails. Three goals in just under three minutes, Clint Dempsey’s first for his new squad and some brilliance from Rooney, Kagawa and company just for kicks. Can these teams play every week?
- The worst thing about a player like Nani – when you see the effort, you expect it to be consistent. Unfortunately that isn’t the case.
- Glad to see Wayne Rooney healthy. The game is better off with him playing and his 61st minute free kick nearly provided a goal of the year candidate. Going forward Van Persie and Rooney should play together. Doesn’t matter who will play the deeper role – they both can do it. It looks like this team will need all the goals they can get, playing your two best players together should be a given – formations be damned.
- The second half was insane. Tactically Tottenham sat way to far back for my liking. United dominated the central midfield for large portions of the game. Kagawa was immense – though his penchant for going down easily is disconcerting.
- Cherish the opportunity to watch Paul Scholes play football. He’s a pleasure to watch.
- In the end United were unlucky. Robin Van Persie missed chances he usually cashes with little problem. Rooney and Carrick hit the woodwork and in general, it felt like an equalizer was inevitable. Fortunately for Spurs supporters that wasn’t the case. AVB – loved the tie – can relax, slightly. What. A. Game.
Three stars
1. Shinji Kagawa
2. William Gallas
3. Paul Scholes
Everyone at this blog loves to gripe about the penalties United are given, but when they’re denied an obvious penalty (Vertonghen’s jersey pull on Nani) it doesn’t even get a mention. At least try to hide your bias, please.
Not sure how Kagawa was the best player on the field- he was invisible for the first half. Rooney was the player who made the difference when he came on, as well as Scholes dictating the game in the second half. Sometimes I read these and wonder if you actually watched the game.
Thanks for the comment, thedevil. The three stars section is subjective, I thought Kagawa was great in the second half before being taken off. I can see how others may view that differently. Cheers.
Yeah have to agree with “the devil”. Not sure how Kagawa is finishing as the top guy when he was barely visible in the first half. I would suggest Scholes or Rooney for that spot. I also believe that Dembele and Vertonghen were better than Gallas as well.
Psst, your United bias is showing
Everyone for United was invisible in the first half?
perhaps u shouldve spent more wisely in the transfer window maybe an addition to your aging backline or weak midfield was in order instead of another striker?
Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, John Evans, Rafael and Buttner.
are all under the age of 24. And you still think we need to sign more players in our “aging backline”? Come on now, be serious.
And I wouldn’t call a midfield of Kagawa, Valencia, Young, Carrick and Cleverley “weak”. Sure it could be better, but that is still a pretty decent midfield.
when r united gonna learn its a 90 minute game not a 45 minute one they were due for it to catch up with them
Once again United try to leave it late. A poor start and in the 2nd half I don’t know how many times the players/coaches/fans all called for handballs/penalties, even though there were none to call. Ref also let them play for quite a bit after the 4 minutes(why were there 4 minutes anyways?).
Anywho, good win for spurs, AVB looked very very happy(kind of scary tbh), never seen him that happy before.
Because there were six substitutions in the match (30 secs each) plus stoppages in play and tottenham’s time wasting. 4 minutes seems reasonable to be honest, not sure why SAF was so upset about not being given enough time.
Yes, thanks a bunch Spurs from this Blue Moon supporter for dispossessing United of three points. However, anymore I worry about staying ahead of Tottenham probably more so than anyone other than United and Chelsea.
Hi Devang, you are incorrect in stating there were no additions to the back line in the summer. Alexander Buttner signed days after Man U got Robin van Persie. I agree with you that Kagawa had a good game though.
Good call Charlie, thanks.