Match Report: Impressive Goalkeeping Ensures Spoils Shared at White Hart Lane
Despite their traditionally poor record against Manchester United, Tottenham came into this meeting on the back of a 4-game unbeaten run against their Premier League rivals, two of which they had won at Old Trafford. However, it was United who looked more likely to break the deadlock in the opening 45 minutes. Phil Jones appeared to head the visitors in front but he and Falcao were both deemed offside following a United a corner, while had it not been for the heroics of Hugo Lloris, Spurs could easily have gone into the break behind. The Frenchman made 5 saves in the first half to keep the score at 0-0 and, after the game, Mauricio Pochettino was enthused by his performance, stating: "I think (Hugo) Lloris is one of the best goalkeepers in the world."
The second half started in similar vein but with Spurs the better of the two, ultimately failing to make home advantage count. Robin van Persie and Juan Mata both blazed over from close range, while Andros Townsend, Federico Fazio and Christian Eriksen all worked David de Gea into smart stops, but in the end the shares were spoiled in Sunday's early kick-off. Ultimately, it was somewhat unsurprising that neither team was able to find the back of the net on a chilly afternoon at White Hart Lane. Both Lloris and De Gea, along with Chelsea shotstopper Thibaut Courtois, have been lauded as the best in their position in the Premier League and the pairing proved their credentials with commendable displays under the winter sun.
The pairing made 9 saves between them in what was a fairly even encounter between Spurs and United, the home side shading possession 51% to 49%. The impressiveness of the goalkeepers' respective outings is highlighted in their WhoScored ratings - only man of the match Federico Fazio (8.44) earned a better rating than Lloris (8.10) of all Spurs players. For United, Patrick McNair (8.14) and Jones (7.72) were the only two to better De Gea's figure (7.56). It goes without saying that without the two goalkeepers, Spurs or United could easily have come away from this one with nothing, such are the fine margins in the Premier League.
Spurs also owe plenty to Fazio in their clean sheet attaining display. The burly Argentine has endured his fair share of criticism in England's top-tier since signing from Sevilla, but the 27-year-old was imperious in defence for the hosts - Fazio won more aerial duels (10) than any other player on the pitch in the stalemate at White Hart Lane. United attempted 102 long balls in the encounter - against only Burnley (104) have they attempted more in a single league match this term - though the inneffectiveness of this means of attack was clear in Fazio's aerial dominance.
Unfortunately for United, this limited Robin van Persie and Falcao's impact. The pairing received the lowest WhoScored ratings (5.71 and 6.27, respectively) of all starters and were ineffectual over the 90 minutes, bar a number of half chances. Ángel Di María's absence - the Argentine sidelined since Christmas Eve - was felt with United lacking his creativity and energy from midfield. Had Di María been available, United could have come away with 3 points rather than just the 1, especially as Juan Mata's influence waned after the interval.
While Michael Carrick, Wayne Rooney and Mata are players who like to play intricate passes with the ball on the deck, Di María has the drive to carry possession forward with speed and intent. With the former Real Madrid star happy to drop deeper to collect the ball, his inclusion would likely have seen United attempt fewer long balls in the draw, which may have increased Van Persie and Falcao's impact.
Nevertheless, with the strike pairing nullified, the Spurs defence impressed, which pleased Pochettino. "(The) clean sheet (was) important. I am happy with the performance. (I am) very pleased because our players made a big effort today," he said after the game. If they show similar spirit in the welcome of Chelsea on New Years Day, their chances of picking up a positive result will increase significantly. Louis van Gaal meanwhile insisted that fans will see United at their best next season. If their first half performance was anything to go by, supporters of the former champions have every reason to be excited about the team under the Dutchman.
Do you think a draw was a fair result at White Hart Lane? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below
