Premier League: Manchester United edge past lackluster Tottenham Hotspur
What's the story
Former champions Manchester United managed to come up with a composed display of gameplay as they edged past Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in their Premier League tie at Old Trafford on Wednesday. Marcus Rashford scored a brace, which was enough for the hosts to secure the three points, while Spurs faced their first loss under new manager, Jose Mourinho. Here is the match report.
1st quarter
Marcus Rashford puts hosts ahead in just six minutes
It took just six minutes for the hosts to put themselves ahead as a fierce strike from Marcus Rashford, right from the box, put the ball into the left bottom corner of the net. Notably, six minutes later, star striker Harry Kane shot a direct free-kick just high over the bar, while Rashford's 18th-minute free-kick also went wide.
2nd quarter
Dele Alli pulls one back to make it interesting
The second quarter turned out to be an eventful one, with as many as eight attempts. While six of them were from United, Serge Aurier's 39th-minute strike for Spurs saw a good save by David de Gea, only for Dele Alli to score the equalizer in the same minute. The acrobatic goal from Alli was checked by VAR for hand-ball, but the goal stood.
3rd quarter
Early second-half penalty puts United ahead
Following the half-time, United were awarded a penalty in the 49th minute, as Rashford comfortably converted it into a goal. The 52nd and 54th minute saw Son Heung-Min and Harry Kane attempting shots, from inside and outside the box respectively, only for the United defense to stand tall. Meanwhile, 62nd-minute by Daniel James strike was saved by Paulo Gazzaniga.
4th quarter
United maintain composure to win the game
The final quarter saw United maintain their composure as they switched to defensive tactics in order to maintain the lead. While another strike by James was denied by Gazzaniga, Serge Aurier's 83rd-minute was saved as well. Spurs tried to put up pressure, but it was too late as the United defense was rock solid to allow any further slip-up.
Match stats
Some key stats from the match
Following are some key stats from the match: - Tottenham have suffered the most EPL defeats (35) against United than against any other side. - For the first time since March 2017, Alli has scored in three consecutive appearances, across competitions. - In his last 10 appearances at Old Trafford, Rashford has scored in six of them, netting seven goals.
What's next?
United will lock horns with City, Spurs entertain Burnley
With this win, United rise to the sixth spot in the table, while Spurs drop down to eighth. As for their next venture, United would travel within the city next Saturday to indulge themselves in the biggest derby of all, against Manchester City, while Spurs would entertain Burnley on the same day.