Tottenham Hotspur drew 2-2 with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday night. The Red Devils led twice, but Spurs rallied both times and were undoubtedly the better team on the day.
The hosts took an early lead when Rasmus Hojlund fired into the roof of the net from inside the area for his second consecutive home league goal, the latter being the winner against Aston Villa in the memorable 3-2 win late in December.
Marcus Rashford went close a few minutes later, but his cushioned volley went wide.
Spurs certainly settled down well after falling behind and almost restored parity in the 11th minute when Rodrigo Bentancur’s header after a corner was cleared off the line by Diogo Dalot.
Spurs equalize from a corner
The north London team earned several corners before finally scoring from one to restore parity in the 19th minute. From a Pedro Porro corner, Richarlison rose highest to head home at the far post.
It was from start to finish and both teams looked to get the go-ahead goal before the break. Ange Postecoglou’s side certainly came with a game plan as they pressed all over the pitch while maintaining a high defensive line to cause United problems.
Erik ten Hag’s team almost got the second when Destiny Udogie’s header from Rashford’s cross hit the post.
A few seconds later, the Red Devils took the lead when Rashford played one-two with Hojlund before firing a low shot into the back of the net for his first goal this season at Old Trafford.
Timo Werner went close for the visitors, but his left-footed shot went wide and United went into the break with their noses ahead.
Spurs tie just after half-time
However, the joy was short-lived for United as Spurs equalized just after the restart. After a delightful long ball from Cristian Romero opened up the United defence, Werner’s cross from the left was headed home by Bentancur.
The visitors dominated from then on and had most of the possession. They almost went ahead in the 52nd minute when Richarlison squandered a golden opportunity when he shot straight at Onana in the United goal.
The visitors had almost three-quarters of the possession around the hour mark, as Ten Hag’s side looked flat and clueless on the pitch. Lisandro Martínez returned to the hosts after a long injury layoff, adding defensive solidity to the back four.
Tottenham were at their creative best, falling behind United four times several times, but failed to convert clear opportunities in the final third during the second half.
Scott McTominay had a glorious chance to steal the three points right at the end but the hosts will be disappointed with their second half performance in failing to get a shot on target as the game ended with two apiece.
The result means Tottenham remain fifth, with 40 points from 21 games, five behind league leaders Liverpool, while United are seventh, eight points behind the north London side. Ten Hag’s side now turn their attention to the FA Cup fourth round match next weekend, while Spurs face Manchester City in almost two weeks.
Photo credit: IMAGO/Pro Sports Images.
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