Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Manchester United: The Afterthought
Huge win for Spurs. You would expect this sort of match to take place much higher in the table but considering the circumstances both clubs are going through, this was a massive game and a massive result for Spurs and Ange Postecoglou. So, what did we learn from Spurs’ clinical win against Manchester United?
Level-playing field
Spurs came across a club that was in a similar position to them. Injuries galore and make-shift players in the starting eleven. Maybe Spurs’ experience in this regard helped them because they beat a poor United side. Mind you, you can only beat what’s in front of you.
Manchester United’s bench could be mistaken for a youth side because there was barely anyone above the age of 21, Spurs have faced similar problems for months now. In that regard, it was a level playing field and Spurs came out on top.
A couple of days back, Ange was alluding to how Liverpool would have to fare if they had a similar injury crisis, Manchester United can now vouch for that too. It is difficult when key players are out injured, and you have to rely on teenagers and playing players out of position. Ange got his tactics spot on against United.
Ange has United on the String
Ange Postecoglou is the boogeyman for Manchester United. Spurs have done the double over United this season and as always Ange seems to always get his tactics right against them. Ruben Amorin is his latest victim.
The game also showed how much Ange had to suffer because of injuries because, with players coming back from injuries, Spurs look more potent. It will take a bit more time for the injured players to get their sharpness back, but if Spurs can keep their momentum in the Europa League, then there is a very good chance a revived Spurs can go deep in that competition.
Vicario had a solid game and Danso was razor-sharp in this game. The fitness and conditioning staff will now have to make sure that the team remains fit and intact for the final run-in because this squad has the potential, just not the luck.
A word on Spence
In a huge win, it is impossible to pick just one player out because there were a lot of good performances. Maddison had a point to prove, and boy did he prove it! Bergvall was solid, as was Bentacur. The defensive partnership between Danso and Davies was solid as well.
Djed Spence, though, had one of the best games in a Spurs shirt. He put in a real shift on the left side. He held the shape well defensively, and always offered good support as an attacking outlet. A complete game. He is one of the few players who are having a promising season.
This just might be the breakout performance for Spence, who has been seeking relevancy for the past couple of years. This might be his time, he needs to grab this opportunity and run with it.