Man Utd 1 - 0 Spurs

A tenacious Spurs were unfortunate not to come away with something against a blunt looking Man Utd in a performance that was hardly befitting of the champions.

It was an anxious opening period for the hosts as Spurs started on the front foot with Keane hitting the bar in the first minute.

It took 11mins for Man Utd to have some meaningful possession, Scholes started seeking space in “the hole” between midfield and attack to orchestrate an unusually flustered Untied.

Berbatov too was dropping off to receive the ball and looked far more energetic than in previous performances this season. He got his chance after 20mins, catching Ferdinand napping to slip in behind the defence only for Vidic’s last-ditch block to deny the Bulgarian.

This seemed to spark United into life and they began knocking the ball around with a lot more purpose. Their attacks lacked a focal point, however, with Tevez looking to create chances rather than finish them. His tame long range effort on 32mins the epitome of his side’s lack of penetration.

Spurs weren’t making it easy for them though as they, rather uncharacteristically, closed down sharply in midfield and denied United space. United showed their pedigree for passing and movement for the remainder of the first half but it was all played in front of Spurs. The only shot on target in the first half coming from Rio Ferdinand forcing a decent save from Robinson.

Tottenham would’ve expected to have more of a storm to weather after the break but it was Spurs themselves who came closest to breaking the deadlock on 56mins as Rocha rose unchallenged to meet a well-struck free-kick from Garreth Bale only to head wide.

Spurs continued with some good spells of possession and on 63mins Berbatov saw his shot roll past Van DerSaar only for Ferdinand to clear off the line. 2 minutes later Berbatov had beaten the United keeper again, this Brown was on hand to block (with what may or may not have been an arm)

Man U responded immediately and it was Spurs’ turn to clear off the line as Jenas denied Tevez. But moments later, on 68mins, it was one nil, Nani’s shot from well outside the box had too much power and swerve for Robinson to get more than a finger-tip to.

United looked happy to defend their lead when on 77mins Tevez was withdrawn to be replaced by a midfielder in the shape of Fletcher.

Spurs came closest to an equaliser a minute later, Berbatov with a fantastic turn and half-volleyed shot which wasn’t far over. They continued to have most of the play for the closing 10mins or so but they failed to create anything of significance as United shut up shop.

Man of the Match: Garreth Bale - Got forward well and delivered excellent set-pieces