Tottenham Hotspurs vs Manchester United - Match Review

Manchester United beat Spurs 1-3

It was just another day at the office for Manchester United as they came from behind once again to win 3-1 against Tottenham and dent the hosts top 4 hopes with just 7 Premier League games remaining. After having a goal overturned under controversial circumstances, The Red Devils reacted in the exact way they were supposed to and made yet another brilliant comeback to undo the injustice done to them. The whole team reacted positively, credit to the manager to keep up the spirits and keep the players calm.

Match Review

"FRED SCORES THE EQUALISER FOR MANCHESTER UNITED!"
Yes this actually happened

Cavani had a goal controversially disallowed in the 33rd minute after VAR spotted a flailing arm from McTominay on Son in the build-up. Apparently, Scott McTominay was trying to run forward but Son pulled his arm back, and while trying to get away from him the Scotsman fingers brushed Son, knocking him out for 3 minutes. I was scared if he had to be stretchered out but thankfully he was fit to continue. McTominay, who already had a yellow card, was not booked but the team and manager were flummoxed that the foul had been given for an error that was neither clear nor obvious. United were left fuming after 5 minutes as Son gave Tottenham the lead as he netted a ball across the goal from Lucas Moura.

Oh, the Golden Boy's at it again!
Greenwood has arrived ladies and gentlemen!

Both sides kept a high level of intensity in the second half with fine saves from Henderson and Hugo Lloris keeping things interesting. Lloris pulled off an excellent save in the 57th minute to deny Cavani, but could not manage to hold onto the ball and Fred fired it in on the rebound. Yes, you read it right. 

FRED SCORED!

Cavani got vengeance for his disallowed goal with a diving header to a brilliant ball from Greenwood in the 79th minute. To put a cherry on top, Greenwood got a goal himself after a fantastic display of skill from Paul Pogba to assist in 90+6.

Tactics Review

This man right here Sir. He's a genius!
Cavani's movement and positioning are immaculate!

Cavani's movement in the box and the final third was brilliant. He offered an outlet that United have been missing, the #9 United need. Even the manager expressed his desire to keep hold of the jewel he possesses. Pogba played a key role in dismantling Tottenham. It was a midfield masterclass from the Frenchman, who completed 5 take ons in the match, his highest since his Man Utd debut against Southampton in 2016. His movement freed up the left-wing often for Luke Shaw to exploit. Fernandes and Pogba acted as #10s leading to Cavani's goal.

What Next?

"Nah ain't giving him no food"

With this win, United have taken 28 points from losing positions, the most in the PL by some distance. United stand firm 2nd position with 63 points; 7 points clear of 3rd placed Leicester City and 9 points separating them from 5th placed Chelsea. Solskjaer would keep his fingers crossed hoping Cavani to stay at Old Trafford, who is rumoured to return to South America. His presence has had a great impact on the team and his mentorship seems to be brushing off on our young forwards. The Red Devils host Granada with a 2 goal advantage in the Europa League Quarter Final 2nd-leg on Thursday at 2000hrs.

More importantly, Manchester City dropped points against 10-man Leeds, giving Solskjaer and his men a glimmer of hope of catching their noisy neighbours. Currently, United are 11 pts behind City, but with a game in hand. If we manage to win our game in hand, the gap reduces to 8 pts.

Just saying...

Manchester City were 8 pts behind Manchester United with 6 games to go when City won the Premier League Title in 11/12 season, finishing level on points with us, but they had a better goal difference.