Separated by just four points at the end of last season – and only goal difference ahead of kick-off – it perhaps wasn’t a surprise to see the two sides evenly matched in the opening sequences that produced little goalmouth action early on.
The UEFA Europa League final contested by these two back in May was similarly cagey, and a repeat of that here arguably suited a Spurs side who’d seen six of the eight PL goals they’ve conceded this season come before HT.
Yet, with neither side managing a shot on target by the half-hour mark, the hosts’ early vulnerability reared its head again as they fell behind to the Red Devils’ first real chance.
Spurs repeatedly failed to deal with a United attack, and the ball was eventually recycled to the right wing, where Amad Diallo stood a cross up to the back post for Bryan Mbeumo, who steered an excellent header in at the near post.
The PL’s Player of the Month for October notched his fifth goal in nine appearances against Tottenham, and it was a potentially killer goal for Thomas Frank’s side, who’d rescued just two points from losing positions in the competition so far this term.
Spurs set about staging a comeback by showing greater intent following the restart, but found their best efforts thwarted by Senne Lammens in the visitors' goal.
First, the Belgian reacted brilliantly to turn Cristian Romero’s improvised finish around the post before he got down well to his left to keep out Joao Palhinha’s volley.
The home fans were celebrating just beyond the hour mark, but not for long, as Brennan Johnson’s cool finish into the bottom corner was ruled out for offside.
Bruno Fernandes reminded the hosts of United’s threat on the break when he fired over after being played in by Amad, but with frustrating spreading around the ground, Mathys Tel produced Tottenham’s first piece of quality to restore parity.
Within five minutes of coming off the bench, the Frenchman received Destiny Udogie’s cross and smartly turned away from Matthijs de Ligt before firing home via a deflection.
Micky van de Ven made a crucial tackle soon afterwards to dispossess Benjamin Sesko as he was bearing down on goal, with the Slovenian picking up an injury that left United to play out stoppage time with just 10 men.
Ruben Amorim’s men were unable to withstand the pressure, as a corner was cleared to the box, where Wilson Odobert aimed for the goal, and Richarlison brilliantly steered the shot into the bottom corner.
That looked to have sealed victory for Spurs, but United had other ideas, who countered and won a corner, which Fernandes delivered to the back post for De Ligt to head home and prolong the Red Devils’ unbeaten run to five matches.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur)
