LONDON (AFP) - Manchester United proved on Sunday (Jan 13) that their recovery under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is no flash in the pan, with Marcus Rashford pouncing to seal a 1-0 win in a thrilling contest against Tottenham.
The two sides went toe-to-toe in an open game but while both teams had multiple chances, United goalkeeper David de Gea proved the difference, making a string of phenomenal saves.
Interim manager Solskjaer has installed Rashford as his number one striker and was richly rewarded when the 21-year-old scored the decisive goal in the 44th minute.
Paul Pogba sparkled for United, engaged in a personal duel with Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris for periods of the second half.
United's victory is their fifth successive Premier League win under their temporary manager in a contest seen as his first major test since he took over from the sacked Jose Mourinho last month.
Earlier, Mauricio Pochettino's Tottenham settled quickly into their fluid passing game at Wembley, enjoying the bulk of possession.
They went close to taking the lead when Harry Winks, seemingly unsure whether to shoot or cross, fired the ball across the face of the United goal after being played in by Son Heung-min.
Minutes later the visitors had a chance to take the lead when Ashley Young's cross fell to Jesse Lingard, who fired over from the corner of the six-yard box.
United, with Lingard, Anthony Martial and Rashford racing forward at every opportunity, looked dangerous and Martial forced Lloris into a smart low save with his legs.
The game lost a little of its frantic intensity midway through the first half.
Kane poked the ball into the net after being set up by Dele Alli but it was ruled out for offside.
Moussa Sissoko pulled up sharply with an apparent hamstring injury and although he returned to the pitch he was unable to continue, being replaced by Erik Lamela.
The decisive moment in the match came shortly before half-time.
Rashford strikes
Lingard cut out a careless cross-field ball from Kieran Trippier and nudged the ball to Pogba, who had time to look up and measure a raking cross-field pass to Rashford, racing down the right.
Rashford still had plenty to do but kept his nerve to fire right-footed past Lloris and into the far corner - Lloris got fingertips to the ball but was unable to keep it out.
Pogba, whose relationship with Mourinho had deteriorated sharply, looks rejuvenated under Solskjaer - he has been involved in eight goals under the interim boss, with four goals and four assists.
Tottenham came out of the blocks smartly after the restart and Kane looked certain to level from close range but De Gea saved brilliantly with his left foot before pulling off a fine save to deny an Alli headed effort.
Ashley Young sent over an inviting cross that Pogba headed straight at Lloris and the Spurs goalkeeper had to be alert to tip over another Pogba effort that came at the end of a long spell of United possession.
Spurs, roared on by a passionate home crowd, were building up a head of steam and Alli had a golden chance to equalise but De Gea was again equal to the task, saving with his legs.
The Spaniard produced yet another stunning save to keep out Toby Alderweireld before flying to his right to cling on to a Kane free-kick.
Spurs had further chances in a frenetic ending but could find no way past De Gea.
The win lifts United to level on points with fifth-placed Arsenal and six behind Chelsea, currently in the fourth and final Champions League spot, but Spurs remain nine points behind leaders Liverpool.
Madrid will deploy an unprecedented number of police and security personnel for Saturday's all-English Champions League final, and use a drone for the first time to monitor fan activity.
Madrid plans 'robust' security for all-English CL final
La Liga: Barcelona give fresh hope to rivals after Athletic Bilbao stalemate Description: The draw makes it three games without a win for La Liga's leaders, whose advantage is still six points but now with Real Madrid their closest challengers, after they beat Atletico.
Barca give fresh hope to La Liga rivals after Bilbao stalemate
Watford's Gray strikes to sink Everton, pile pressure on Silva Soccer Football - Premier League - Watford v Everton - Vicarage Road, Watford, Britain - February 9, 2019 Everton's Kurt Zouma reacts
Watford's Andre Gray strikes to sink Everton, pile pressure
BIMM Manchester Music Business student Connor Synnott is bringing together some of Manchester s most exciting new bands for a benefit gig at Salford's Sacred Trinity Church, with all proceeds going to Lifeshare.
Homeless people | Manchester City Council
Football: Diehard Malaysian fans sell prized memorabilia to
Latest Raffaele Maiello #8 news, stats, photos and videos on MSN Sport
Milan draw another blank in Frosinone stalemate - Football
In Tuesday's other replay, struggling Championship team Sheffield Wednesday came through another tough test at third-tier side Luton Town. London: Newcastle United beat Blackburn Rovers 4-2
FA Cup: Newcastle get extra-time win, Stoke fall to Shrews in
Kane can't pay out for Poch the gambler: Spurs' rusty talisman struggles on return from injury embarking on a 22-match unbeaten run, How have Unai Emery and Maurizio Sarri fared in English
javascript - React.js - access to component methods - Stack
REIMS, France (Reuters) - Ada Hegerberg was not needed as Norway kicked off their women's World Cup Group A campaign with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Nigeria on Saturday
Soccer: Hegerberg-less Norway canter past Nigeria | News
There's still one round of matches remaining to be played in Spain's La Liga but already big changes are happening with the division's top teams. Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid
Real Madrid Barcelona Sold Direct on eBay | Fantastic Prices on Real Madrid Barcelona
AD
Football: New FAS technical director Joseph Palatsides confident of rousing 'sleeping giant' Singapore - The Straits Times SINGAPORE - New Football Association of Singapore (FAS) technical director Joseph Palatsides hopes to rouse local football from its slumber.
0 comments:
Post a Comment