Man United 1 Tottenham 0
Was really looking forward to this clash and we rushed home from Archway to see it.
I know, I know…. It’s the hope that kills you.
We expected a tight game and, sure enough, both teams tried hard to dominate physically.
United sparked as early as the second minute when Zlatan hit a low cross to set up Pogba with a chance on his left foot.
Not wanting to lash it wide, Pogba kept the shot down but it went straight to Hugo Lloris.
I thought: United look quite slick today.
When Dembele allowed Pogba to tackle him in 5, I saw that as an indication of how the game might go.
However, Spurs managed to camp in the United half early on and were winning a lot of tackles.
It became clear that the first goal would be vital.
Because this was never gonna be a see-saw struggle or a high-scoring thriller.
When Eriksen hit a free-kick from 25 yards, De Gea got down to his right and saved superbly.
Co-commentator Gary Neville said that Spurs were far better at defending free-kicks than United and then he said Wanyama was doing a good job on Pogba so far.
One of the strengths of Pochettino’s style is that his team can contain you, box you in, force errors.
When the first goal came in 29, it was from a mistake that United swiftly punished.
Harry Kane miscontrolled a ball in the centre circle, Herrera’s instant killer pass released Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and his finish from inside the box was as emphatic as you’ll see.
A superb goal by the Armenian, who was the best player on the pitch until he was stretchered off.
In 35, De Gea tipped over a Son shot.
At half-time Jamie Carragher was almost suggesting that United had been Chelseafied, saying they were solid & compact but could launch penetrating counter-attacks.
Second half, Spurs produced a very nice attack that ended with Eriksen shooting straight at De Gea.
And when an Eriksen free-kick reached the unmarked Wanyama, the Kenyan, out of his comfort zone, panicked. Instead of heading at the goal, he tried to nod the ball down towards Kane.
As the game went on, with Dele Alli having very few touches and Harry Kane barely visible, Spurs were starting to look like a team of journeymen.
Then Pochettino made a 57th minute substitution that worked well.
Bringing on big Frenchman Sissoko for Son, they began to attack left back Darmian.
Sissoko, powering forward like a runaway train, went past the Italian again and again and again.But nothing came from that and the game slowly fizzled out.
I never believed that United would score again.But far too many of the Spurs passes looked obvious.
The lack of a further goal threat allowed me to consider summing up the match long before the final whistle: Two great goalkeepers star in a 1-0 to Manchester United?
Racing for a 50-50 with Danny Rose in 82, Mkhitaryan put his foot across into the left back’s path to prevent him reaching the ball, then fell, twisting his ankle.
A routine incident but one that ended very painfully. He will miss two games.
Going forward, the return of Tony Alderweireld is massive for Pochettino.
Maybe the left-footed Eric Lamela can give Spurs something they lacked in this game.
Although the contest was close, I expected more from Spurs.
Golden Rule No.1 of football-watching: You can only play as well as you’re allowed to play.
For lots of fun on culture & sports check out https://twitter.com/invadingmypriva