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Article by Mark Graham, Editor, Record Keeper & Official
Reporter @ MUFCINFO.COM
United drew another blank away at Spurs on Saturday, but
more importantly also threw away another opportunity
to capitalize on an additional Liverpool slip up. With
Liverpool sharing points with Hull City at Anfield earlier
in the day, United looked to winning to put immense pressure
on the leaders who are creaking & groaning at the top.
With the return of fitness to several players who were
doubtful before the game SAF had almost a full strength
squad to choose from as JOS filled in for the suspended
Patrice Evra & Berbatov replaced Wayne Rooney.
Rio Ferdinand overcame back spasms to partner Vidic while
Rafael took the right back slot
Carrick & Fletcher took the midfield roles with JSP & the
very quiet Ronaldo on the flanks.
As predicted
United bossed possession which seems like death & taxes
these days, but United's passing & urgency of their game was
leaving allot to be desired as time & time again United
attacks broke down as desperate balls were played into
tightly marked United players & movement into space was at a
minimum.
Spurs created the 1st chance of the game forcing EVDS to
save from distance as David Bentley chipped the ball with his
right before letting fly a 25 yard effort which the United
keeper could only parry to safety.
Spurs moments later lost Jonathan Woodgate through injury
when the former Leeds United defender landed after jumping
for the ball with Carlos Tevez.
A shift around of personnel from Harry Redknapp had Vedran
Corluka replacing Woodgate as United replied with their 1st
chance.
Ronaldo crossed for the continually jeered Dimitar Berbatov
who's tame header found the arms of Heurelho Gomes. Ronaldo
then again created an almost certain goal for the visitors
as his low cross was destined to meet the onrushing
Berbatov, however after his rough start to Premiership life
Brazilian keeper Gomes made a world class save taking the
ball away from the Bulgarian.
The Vampire
looking United forward then went close after he got on the
end of a JOS cross searching to silence the White Hart Lane
crowd.
An interesting battle was developing between United's
Brazilian full back Rafael & Speedster Aaron Lennon, the
Reds defender young & inexperienced shows week after
week an ever increasing level of maturity & experience
beyond his very young age as both players showcased their
talents.
Tottenham then pressed for an opening goal as Aaron Lennon's
low powerful drive after an exciting run was saved by EVDS &
for a diminutive couple of inches to the left Luka Modric
could easily have put himself in for MOTD Goal of the month
as his impressive diving header was marginally off target.
The 1st half seemed somewhat pedestrian from the United
attack and after half time Michael Dawson pickpocketed his
former team mate Berbatov as he was about to shoot steering
the ball wide for a United corner.
United finally found the net from the resulting corner but
referee Mike Dean correctly disallowed the goal after
Ronaldo had controlled the ball with his arm before smashing
the ball home.
David Bentley shot a free-kick at the impressive EVDS before
United turned the screw increasing the pressure on the home
side.
Overall MOTM
Gomes was the difference between the two sides as he
continued his glittering form saving from a Nemanja Vidic
shot and the anxiety continued for Spurs as Rio Ferdinand
headed inches over the bar.
South Korea's finest Ji-Sung Park was the next victim for
Gomez to thwart & a Kodak picture moment awaited the Keeper
later as after Giggs & Scholes were introduced for Fletcher
& Tevez.
United were awarded a free kick outside the penalty box on
the right & Giggs with his trademark left foot then clipped
the ball over the wall goal bound & not unlike Brad Friedel
has done many times before against United tipped the free
kick over the bar.
With another 0-0 draw United's game in hand on the apparent
stuttering Premiership League leaders and the obviously
easier title run in, couple this with advantageous home
ties, United look healthy for a title assault in the new
year.
The Reds can not be faulted for their miserly defence which
has not conceded a league goal in almost 500 minutes of
football, but as SAF stated last week about being
embarrassed by not finishing the plentiful chances that we
spurn time and time again, Two chances to capitalize have
been wasted by 0-0 draw & United need to step up & kill off
teams before the so called big four step up & kill of
United's title challenge.
With Arsenal about as reliable as chocolate fire guard,
Aston Villa are building an impressive young side led by
Agbonlahor & Young and have taken the fourth spot this
weekend.
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