Manchester United were taught a footballing lesson at Wembley on Wednesday as Tottenham Hotspur ran out as 2-0 victors with a rampant performance. An own goal from Phil Jones, 20 minutes after which Christian Eriksen scored the second fastest goal in PL history, condemned United to their 4th loss of the season.
A chaos in the box immediately after kickoff allowed Eriksen to finish from close range. United responded very well as Lingard’s shot was well saved by Lloris after 2 minutes. The game flowed at a rapid pace with both sides threatening, but Spurs gradually took control, and a wonderful passing sequence saw Trippier with space on the right and his delightful cross was turned in by Phil Jones with Kane lurking behind. United responded well again and it was Martial whose shot was saved at the near post by Lloris.
However, Spurs took control and comfortably led at halftime. The second half saw Spurs control and dictate the game, with a few half chances. Lukaku had a decent chance after some powerful work from the Belgian but Lloris was on hand to save again. It was a miserable night for United and no player really covered himself in glory.
David de Gea- 6.5/10
Had a busy night and was tidy throughout. His ball distribution was poor, however.
Antonio Valencia- 6.5/10
Protected his side well, but Spurs’ threat meant he couldn’t really bomb forward like he usually does. Put in a brilliant tackle on Alli when he was through.
Chris Smalling- 5.5/10
Spurs’ movement up front had him on strings and endured a torrid evening trying to keep the fluid Spurs attack at bay.
Phil Jones- 4.5/10
Had a few decent moments in tricky situations but got beaten a number of times, and rash in the tackle. Own goal could’ve been prevented had he used his left foot to clear the ball.
Ashley Young- 5.5/10
Tried hard up front but the final ball was always lacking. Defensively, he left a lot of space behind that Spurs happily exploited.
Nemanja Matic- 4/10
The Serb needs a rest and had a nightmare as he was totally overrun. His passing was horrendous as he gave far too many balls away cheaply.
Paul Pogba- 4.5/10
Started well but was anonymous after that. Spurs’ pressing made it impossible for him to do anything.
Anthony Martial- 5/10
Tested Lloris with a well struck shot but the young Frenchman endured a frustrating game as most of his crosses were poor and fluffed his lines on a few occasions.
Jesse Lingard- 6/10
One of the few United players who tried their hardest. Always buzzed around and pressed well. Nearly scored but Lloris denied him well.
Alexis Sanchez- 6.5/10
Made his league debut for United and was at the heart of whatever little United did. Fouled numerous times though, which didn’t allow him to play at his best.
Romelu Lukaku- 5.5/10
The Belgian was starved of service yet again and couldn’t involve himself in the game bar one shot.
SUBSTITUTES
Juan Mata (Lingard 63’) – 5/10
Tried but couldn’t make much happen.
Fellaini (Pogba 63’) – N/A
Ander Herrera (Fellaini 70’) – 5.5/10
Made a few tackles and interceptions but very poor in possession.
