Image Credit: The Independent
By Lee Clow 19 June 2020 | Premier League
Tottenham’s hopes of top four qualification were reduced further as Manchester United earned a late penalty to draw at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
With the quartet of Harry Kane, Heung Min-Son, Steven Bergwijn and Moussa Sissoko back, Tottenham went into the game looking for a much-needed win over top four rivals Manchester United.
The game started tentatively with both sides trying to work each other out in their first game back since lockdown.
The first chance of the game came after 20 minutes when Davinson Sanchez sloppy cleared a cross into the path of Marcus Rashford. The England star, who’s credibility as a role model and a hero significantly increased in recent weeks, immediately latched onto Sanchez’s wayward header before unleashing as strike which forced Hugo Lloris to make a sharp save with his feet.
Moments later, Fred came close for Manchester United as he struck from the edge of the box but Lloris was there to make an easy save from the Brazilian.
Despite the visitor’s dominance, it was actually Tottenham who managed to break the deadlock. A simple ball from Lloris was latched onto by Bergwijn, before the Dutchman rushed through the United defence and struck through David De Gea, who certainly didn’t cover himself up in glory.
Following the goal, United responded and almost equalised straight away. Fred delivered a wonderful free kick into the path of Rashford, who just could not divert the ball home accurately, with Lloris there to push out the effort.
Having hurt the visitors with the goal, Bergwijn again threatened as Spurs looked for a second. The man signed from PSV got down the right before crossing towards Son, who headed towards goal, but this time De Gea got a strong hand to tip the ball over.
Seconds before halftime, Bruno Fernandes struck from range strike, but Lloris got down comfortably to hold the swerving ball.
The first half ended with Spurs deservedly leading and Manchester United grateful for the interval.
In the second half, it was United who came out the blocks while Tottenham looked to ride out the storm.
On the hour mark, Manchester United manager decided to bring on Paul Pogba, who returned from injury during lockdown, and he imminently made impact on the field.
Pogba expertly linked up with Fernandes before the Portuguese playmaker superbly fed in Martial who went to turn and shoot but Eric Dier was there to slide and block for Spurs.
Moments later Anthony Martial found some space in the centre of the box before shooting towards goal, but once again Lloris was there to superbly tip the ball over the bar.
With 10 minutes to, Manchester United found their deserved equaliser as substitute Pogba won a penalty. Pogba whilst attacking his way into the box was clumsly tripped Dier leaving referee Jon Moss no choice but to award a penalty. Fernandes stepped up to the spot before sending Lloris the wrong way and bringing United level.
With minutes to go it appered that United won another penalty as Fernandes went down in the box from another Dier challenge. Jon Moss pointed to the spot, but VAR soon intervened overruling the penalty call.
Tottenham managed to hold out the final few seconds of the game, bringing a sigh of relief to all fans watching from home.
The draw keeps both teams in their respective positions in the table, but both drop points in the pursuit of European football next season.
What’s next?
Tottenham next play on Tuesday against West Ham while Manchester United return home on Wednesday against top four rivals Sheffield United.
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