Tottenham v Man Utd Match Review

Hello everyone,
It couldn't have been a better way for a ManU fan to end his Saturday. Manchester United travelled to White Hart Lane to face probably the most confident side of the Premiership season so far- Tottenham Hotspur who have done fantastically well for themselves ever since Harry Redknapp took over the charge last season.
ManU and Tottenham clashes have always been ones to remember (atleast for ManU supporters). This fixture always takes me back to September of 2002 where Tottenham rattled ManU with 3 goals in the first half and killed United's spirit. But perhaps after receiving some 'hair-dryer' treatment from the Gaffer, ManU fans witnessed a second-half performance of a lifetime. Beckham, Cole, Veron, van Nistelrooy and Sheringham scored to leave Tottenham distraught. 5-3 to ManU in the end. Similar scenes were seen at Old Trafford more recently when Tottenham got 2 in the first half, before ManU scored 5 in the second to rob a win out of Tottenham's destiny. Also, before today's encounter, Tottenham hadn't beaten ManU in the previous 16 encounters in all competitions. So with an ideal start to the current season, 3 points above ManU in the table and with revenge on their minds, Tottenham players must have thought that today could be the day to break the jinx.
And one really started believing this when a bicycle kick from Defoe within 55 seconds of the kick-off gave Tottenham the lead. Perfect start for the London team. But soon, ManU took control of the match and started pounding on the Tottenham goal. ManU earned a freekick just outside the Tottenham penalty-box. Last season Ronaldo would have jumped on the chance and would have probably scored a screamer. But with his departurem set peices have become an area of concern for the Red Devils this season. Old campaigner, Ryan Giggs stepped up and beautifully curled the ball in the top corner. Match on!!
From then on it was all United. Anderson got his first goal for ManU in the Premier League just before half time. Second half saw few and rare chances coming in for Tottenham. With just a 1-goal wafer-thin lead, Tottenham must have really raised their hopes of a comeback when Paul Scholes earned his 2nd booking of the match to be auotmatically red-carded. United were 10 men on the field and were in a real threat to lose their lead. Aaron Lennon looked impressive each time for Tottenham with his pace...but he was matched by Patrice Evra who is nothing but bags of energy. Berbatov showed more hunger today and worked hard to get the ball. But was sadly sacrificed for an ex-Tottenham player Michael Carrick after ManU lost Scholes in the midfield. Berbatov must be happy to have had shy at the goal on 2-3 instances.
Despite 10-men, United never looked shaky...or rather Tottenham never looked menacing. Rooney soon at 78 minutes, got his team a much needed 3 rd goal to cool the nerves after brilliantly controlling the ball from a long cross and then cutting 2 Tottenham defenders to beat the goalkeeper for his 5 th goal of the season. Wayne looks set to be making up for Ronaldo's loss this season already with 5 goals in as many matches. Soon he had 2 more chances which were not converted.
In the end, a 3-1 win for United at White Hart Lane. Tottenham must feel dissapointed for capitulating too easily and not seizing control during certain important periods of the match. ManU on the other hand must feel confident after some solid and clinical performance. They travel to Besiktas in mid-week and then entertain their city rivals, Manchester City next week at Old Trafford. The season has in much ways kicked off for United now! And I can't wait for Owen Hargreaves' return to Manchester after nearly one year. And we haven't had to use the Michael Owen weapon so far. It looks exciting for United.