Tottenham vs Manchester United: Five things we learned as Spurs said goodbye to White Hart Lane with comfortable win
The result means that Mourinho's side are now mathematically unable to finish in the top four
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Your support makes all the difference.Tottenham bid farewell to White Hart Lane with a dominant performance against Manchester United as they secured a 2-1 victory against Jose Mourinho's men.
Goals from Victor Wanyama and Harry Kane secured victory for Mauricio Pochettino's side who looked head-and-shoulders above their opponents.
Wayne Rooney pulled one back for the visitors but it wasn't enough to spark a comeback. The result means that Mourinho's side are now mathematically unable to finish in the top four.
Here's five things we learned:
“Lads, it’s United!”
Roy Keane tells a famous story in one of his books regarding Sir Alex Ferguson. Manchester United were on a poor run of form, Spurs were heading to Old Trafford, and Keane feared a long team talk from Sir Alex. The Scot walked in, simply said: “Lads, it’s Tottenham” and walked out. United went on to win 4-0 and that was that.
How times have since changed. In light of the visitors’ form this season, and the result here at White Hart Lane, it’s not hard to imagine Mauricio Pochettino delivering his own version of the famous Ferguson team-talk before today’s match. As was the case with United at home during their days under the Scot, Tottenham have been formidable at White Hart Lane this season. From the off they played with a swagger and confidence that suggested they knew they were going to win. After today’s win there’s no doubting that these two sides have swapped roles – for now, at least.
Mourinho puts his faith in Tuanzebe – again
Axel Tuanzebe was thrown into the deep end in last weekend’s 2-0 defeat against Arsenal, having been tasked with the challenge of keeping Alexis Sanchez under wraps. It was a composed and confident performance from the 19-year-old who largely succeeded in neutralising the Chilean’s threat down the flank.
As a result, Mourinho once again put his faith in the youngster who retained his spot in the Portuguese’s starting XI. This time round, though, Tuanzebe was played out of position as he lined up alongside veteran Michael Carrick in the centre of the park. The youngster impressed nonetheless and played with the same calm approach that marked his defensive display last week. Although Mourinho’s decision to field a weakened team has played against United in their last two games, it certainly hasn’t harmed Tuanzebe’s education as a player.
Rooney goal papers over the cracks
Against the power, precision and quality of the home side, Rooney was out of his depth here at White Hart Lane. He may have briefly flashed with the sharpness that marked his game as a youngster to pull one back for United, but, as a whole, the 31-year-old was found wanting.
Indeed, it was his poor defending and lack of athleticism which handed Tottenham their opener as he attempted, and failed, to intercept Ben Davies’ assist with the weakest of jumps. He looked sluggish on the ball, too, and was repeatedly snuffed out by Tottenham’s quicker and stronger players when he got hold of possession in the home side’s final third. As a result, his yellow card in the first half came as no surprise as his frustration got the better of him. He took his goal well but it merely papered over the cracks.
Kane too much for United
Harry Kane was at his best this afternoon as he set about terrorising the United defence with his movement, bullish presence and exquisite goal-scoring abilities. Off the ball, the forward was tireless in his pressing game and provided his team-mates with a reliable target all game long. On it, he was sublime. His first touch was exceptional while his quick interchanges with those around him in United's final third brought a dangerous fizz to Tottenham's forward play. It was his goal, though, which summed up his game. Intelligent, shrewd and quite simply brilliant, Kane showcased his world-class credentials to meet Christian Eriksen's free-kick with the slightest of touches and hand Spurs what turned out to be the winner. A magical afternoon.
Martial redeeming force for United
As was the case last week at the Emirates, Anthony Martial was one of the few players in red to genuinely threaten today. While his team-mates looked subdued and disinterested at times, the Frenchman brought an urgency to United that helped to keep the game alive. With his pace down the left flank he provided the visitors with a constant outlet and was equally reliable on the back foot, repeatedly tracking back to aid his side's defence. He succeeded on a number of occasions in getting behind his opposite man and it was his run and delivery which set Rooney up for United's goal. If it weren't for him, the visitors would have looked very flat indeed.
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