- In the derby match of yesterday’s EPL program, Tottenham and Manchester United played 1-1.
- Both teams had periods in which they dictated the tempo, but in the end, the Spurs and the Red Devils split a point each.
- United is fifth, controlling the place which leads to the Champions League, but its position is endangered by other rivals.
Bergwijn and Fernandes Score
Some ten minutes before the end, Eric Dier’s challenge in the box, gave a chance for the Red Devils to avoid a loss in this one, which they successfully used.
It was Bruno Fernandes who netted from the penalty spot, to equalize and keep his team in the fifth place. For now.
Jose Mourinho was very upset with Jonathan Moss’ decision to award the penalty to United, and the Portuguese manager spoke about that publicly after the event.
“I think difficult to find the word, I have to try to find a nice word – a strange penalty because the team was so compact, so well organized.”
Also, he mentioned the fact that he couldn’t count on Lucas Moura and Dele Alli, who would be of great help in the late part of the event.
“I have to admit for the last 15 minutes I would love to have had Lucas Moura here, Dele Alli here. The last 15 minutes were difficult for us.”
Tottenham scored through Steven Bergwijn, whose excellent run and a laser-precise strike from the edge of the box brought a lead to the hosts.
Manchester was better until the goal, but they didn’t create some dangerous chances. Meanwhile, after their strike, the Spurs managed to threaten De Gea once more, when Son sent a header which was barely saved by the Spaniard.
After that, the game became slow, up until the point when Paul Pogba got on the pitch. The French playmaker was superb and he created several chances himself.
“He did everything a midfielder should do, he tackled, he won the ball, he played passes and showed skill. Everyone saw the quality he can provide,” said Ole Gunnar Solskjaer about him.
Champions League Race Heating Up
Right now, several teams are chasing the UCL spot for the upcoming season. After City’s ban form the international competitions, the fifth place in the EPL now secures the ticket to the Champions League.
Currently, United holds that spot with 46 points, but they have Sheffield United breathing down their neck with two points fewer and a game in hand. Wolverhampton also has one match fewer and is three points behind. Tottenham is 8th with 42 points, and Arsenal sits one place lower with 40 points but with a game to be played yet.
Up next the Spurs are welcoming West Ham in the next round, in a match which they simply need to win because of their current position. On the other hand, United has the game of the season coming up, as they face Sheffield United at the Old Trafford in a direct clash for the UCL position.
