English Premier League
Result: Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Manchester United
Date: 31 January 2018
Venue: Wembley Stadium
Manchester United put in a lackluster display as they were defeated 2-0 by Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday evening.
United brought out an all-out attack, with new boy Alexis Sanchez upfront with Romelu Lukaku, Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard.
However, it was Spurs that got off to a dream start when Christian Eriksen ventured into the box to give them an early lead straight from the onset.
The lead was just what the doctor ordered for the home side, as United struggled to get into their rhythm with Eriksen, Delle Alli and the lethal Harry Kane unsettling them.
In a rare attacking foray following the 10 minute spell, Lukaku powered through the defence and looked to set-up Lingard, but Hugo Lloris was quickly off his goal-line to thwart the danger.
Martial cut inside from the right hand side after beating two defenders but the ball took wobbled before going over the bar in the 20th minute.
Kane got his first shot on goal after running on the shoulder of the defence, but was denied by David De Gea five minutes later.
It soon got better for them, thanks to Phil Jones who bundled the ball into his own net after trying to clear Kieran Trippier’s cross before the half and hour mark.
The Red Devils were on the back foot, and Martial tried to liven up the mood after bursting into the Spurs box, but his effort was helped onto the side-netting by Lloris.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side continued from where they left in the second half, with Son Heung Min trying to extend their lead, but he could produce a scuff shot on the edge of the box.
A half-hearted penalty appeal by the visitors fell on deaf ears after Son was adjudged to have made contact with his hand following a header by Sanchez.
They didn’t retreat nor surrender as Lukaku sneaked behind the Spurs defence to force Lloris into a flying save with 58 minutes played.
Meanwhile, Spurs were keen on extending their lead, but the ball just wouldn’t fall for their sharpshooter Kane who squandered yet another golden opportunity in front of goal to shot tamely at De Gea.
De Gea produced yet another goal-written save from Son, who in surprisingly broke through the defence with ease before forcing the Spaniard to a reaction save.
In the end, Spurs ran out comfortable winners to boost their top-four ambitions, while Jose Mourinho’s troops slip further down the runaway leaders Manchester City.
Other results:
Everton 2-1 Leicester City
Newcastle United 1-1 Burnley
Southampton 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Stoke City 0-0 Watford
