So, Tottenham away next up for United after a bit of a dull cup tie midweek. Neverthelss, through to the next round and it was mesmerising seeing Ryan Giggs roll back the years. The team has enjoyed a very good record vs Spurs and in the table, United are in an excellent position. Tottenham are in hot form and it is going to be a difficult game. Spurs have already beaten United this season, at Old Trafford for the first time in yonks- 11 games to be precise. Anyway, with United in good form, not too many injuries to contend with and getting results they are cetainly on a good run. Robin van Persie's goals have been instrumental and the attacking play pretty good, can even argue that the team needs to be less careless and more clinical infront of goal. The game earlier in the season was approached the wrong way, it was annoying points dropped, as when United changed things accordingly they were a-lot better- alas the changes came too late. Encouraged that they had Spurs on the ropes at times in the second half. Hoping that this time it is an energetic combination in midfield to match that of Spurs. Evra has had trouble on occasion dealing with Aaron Lennon, however the Frenchman has improved of late and looks much more like his old self- as long as he concentrates on defending he'll be fine. Rafael, whom is having a good season has always come out on top in contests vs Bale so no worries there. The Welshman is having a good season and therefore will be a danger. Spurs have a good deal of pace in their side, which will need to be nullified. Vidic and Ferdinand are the likely duo at centre back, both performed very well vs Liverpool.
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"Down the years few clubs have provided better entertainment when they've met than Spurs and Manchester United..." - John Motson, 1986
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Over the years, there have been some cracking matches between the sides. The first match played was in the FA cup in 1899. Way back when, United were Newton Heath. It wasn’t until 1902 that the club changed it’s name to Manchester United. Tottenham are Manchester United's fifth most played opponent in their league footballing history. On the 22nd of August 2011 the sides met for what was the 180th time in all competitions.
1. Premier League, White Hart Lane- 2001
The age old cliché of “a game of two halves” couldn’t be any truer regarding this fixture. It is a match regarded as one of the finest comebacks in the Premier League era. It was late September and United were coming into the game off a disappointing mid-week game in Europe. Two late goals were conceded to Deportivo in a match that United were dominating and were sure to win until that hammer blow. The season had only begun and concerns were high due to the sheer number of goals the team was conceding and how easily. Stam had been sold in the summer and his absence left a gaping hole in United’s back line.
Spurs had a very good team and one that had an excellent defensive record at that time. It had been four years since United had beaten them at White Heart Lane. Tottenham’s first goal came after fifteen minutes and scored by Dean Richards. It was Richards debut for Spurs following an £8.1 million move from Southampton- what a dream start for him! Six minutes later, Spurs powerful Uruguayan midfielder Gus Poyet put Les Ferdinand through on goal with an immaculate through ball, a powerful shot into the bottom left hand corner had the beating of Barthez and put Tottenham two up. By the 45th minute United were three down. Spurs third was a cheap goal to give away- free header for Ziege. Manchester United were totally outplayed in the first half. The energy and power of Spurs midfield had been too much and Spurs had pulled an already unsteady United defence to pieces. As the whistle sounded the Tottenham players celebrated as if it was full time, if only they knew then what would happen next.
It was a United team without Keane due to suspension and Giggs due to injury. Shortly before half time yet another midfielder was lost when Nicky Butt went off following a nasty challenge. Butt was replaced by Solskjaer who slotted in and was the main instigator in United’s fight back. The Norwegian’s intelligence and energy breathed new life into the side and it was like watching a whole different team to the one in the first half. Silvestre replaced Irwin for the second half adding more energy, directness and pace to the team. United were one up in no time, scoring one minute after the restart. Goal courtesy of Andy Cole following a superb cross from Gary Neville. It was one way traffic from then on in, United were sensational. Four goals followed all scored within 15 minutes of the other. Blanc, Van Nistelrooy, Veron and Beckham all scoring to make it 3-5 in United’s favour. Veron collected the bubbly and was rightfully man of the match- his performance is very well remembered for his slick passing.
2. Premier League, Old Trafford- 2009
A crucial match in the title race and yet another comeback. It was the match that put United in their rightful place at the top of the table that ended close and bitter rivals Liverpool’s title aspirations. United played poorly in the first half and went in at half time two down. Spurs goals coming from Darren Bent and Luka Modric.
It was a controversial penalty that brought United back into the game twelve minutes after the restart. Tottenham simply couldn’t handle United and duly collapsed. United put on an excellent display in the second half. The penalty was easily slotted home by the greasy Portuguese one. A brace, each from Ronaldo and Rooney was followed by a fifth by Berbatov who knocked in the loose ball after his initial header was saved by Gomes. It was a great afternoon for United and provided the team with the momentum that steered them to lifting that glorious 18th title.
4. Premier League, Old Trafford- 1999
The game that effectively sealed the title in 1999. A win was must with Arsenal breathing down United’s necks. Fans recalling this meeting remember Spurs willing United to win, not at all comfortable with their rivals stregnth and success at that time not to mention them being reigning league champions. It was a curious atmosphere on the Spurs fans part in light of circumstance. Arsenal were looking excellent and were still “well in” the title race. They had a formidable team and one of winners.
It was the 16th of May 99’ and the United juggernaut was on course, it was the final day of the Premier League season. The season had been tough and gruelling due to the relentless schedule of matches played. Much like the season, United fans were kept on tenterhooks when team spurned a number of good chances early on. Then midway through the first half Les Ferdinand put Spurs ahead. Mercifully their lead didn’t last too long. Beckham scored the equaliser shortly before the break. United fans nerves were eased when Andy Cole slotted home the last and winning goal of the game. United prevailed and Old Trafford was in party mode, securing the Premier League title was the first step to football heaven- the final was taken when United secured the clubs second European Cup just ten days later.
Memorable Goals Between The Sides
1. Best chip, a beauty!
2. Jennings beats Stepney! 1967 Shield match at Old Trafford see’s Spurs keeper score a stunner from his own penalty area.
3. Unfortunately couldn’t find what I was looking for, from 93, Irwin and an exquisite pass from Cantona. Instead a current player who usually does pretty good against them, Nani and his debut United goal in 2007.
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