The situation in the tournament hasn’t changed, but the teams have learned more about themselves.
The match between Tottenham and Manchester United clearly showed why Eric ten Hag’s men could not succeed in the Europa League, and Spurs, most likely, will not be able to get into the top four of the English championship. Both teams showed their best and worst sides. And all in one game.
Deepening despair
It seems that proximity to the top four should inspire us to fight, to race for a place in the Champions League. But at Tottenham the situation is such that there is less trust in this team than at Aston Villa, for example, which is next door but has no similar name and potential. Tottenham came to the match with Manchester United in a completely broken state and had to admit capitulation.
Spurs bosses are desperate. They have already sacked interim manager Christian Stellini, under whom they lost to Newcastle by a humiliating 1-6 scoreline. Two years later, Ryan Mason was called back to the post of temporary mentor. They cling to straws. Even the fans spent the first few minutes in complete silence, tired of demanding the resignation of the management. And when, in the seventh minute, in the first attack, Sancho gave Manchester the lead, the Spurs fans showed no emotion. Rather, even this situation aroused ridicule from them: this is how a convicted person smiles, knowing that nothing will work out for him.
At the end of the first 25 minutes, United could have led with more confidence. The guests felt like masters in a foreign territory, they had free use of the ball, owning it more than 60 percent of the time. Inflicted six blows during this time, and after one of them Perisic had to knock the ball off the tape. Tottenham almost didn’t respond.
But as happens in the movies, the already fallen hero began to raise his head. Tottenham got going and organized several quick and dangerous counter-attacks, showing that the morale depression of the first minutes is a temporary phenomenon and that the team still has character.
However, the scenario where the beaten man stands up and hits the offender would be too simple. No, the offender at the most inopportune moment delivers an even more painful blow. Before the break Manchester United he doubled the lead thanks to another goal from Rashford. And he retired on 11 of six shots, with 60 percent possession.
He gave change
In the first half, Tottenham showed weakness and disunity. Manchester UnitedOn the contrary, he was assertive and confident. The second half was exactly the opposite. And if the ball possession stats haven’t changed. In the second half of the match, United still kept the ball under 60% of the time.
But the main thing has changed – attitude and pugnacity. Tottenham showed a completely different approach, taking advantage of the free zones that suddenly appeared Manchester United. “United” began to make mistakes again and lose control of the situation, while maintaining possession of the ball. An insane attack and insane punch from Porro gave Spurs hope. Even the fans forgot about the past humiliations and began to support their team with might and main.
However, Manchester United had a chance to quickly quench this rebellious fervor. But Fernandes missed a big moment, slamming the ball over the crossbar from close range. There were other moments as well. However, the psychological advantage remained with the hosts. Ten Hag’s replacements didn’t help either. Tottenham’s saving goal seemed only a matter of time, and he didn’t wait long. A connection with already half-forgotten efficiency worked: Son scored from a pass from Kane.
In the second half, Tottenham have already scored 12 shots, hitting the target four times, and Manchester United he answered with only six strikes with two hits.
Work on mistakes
This confrontation is somewhat reminiscent of the match “Manchester” against “Seville” in the Europa League. And they emphasized that ten Hagu still needs to seriously work on the composure of his wards, on the psychological component. At the same time, the situation has not seriously changed mathematically for both teams. Therefore, ten Hag reacted rather calmly to the result:
Of course, when you lead 2-0, you will be disappointed with the draw. It’s obvious. We had chances with the score 2:1, we could have gone 3:1. But they didn’t and they lost it. But let’s be honest, with the score 0:1, the opponent had a chance to score and restore balance. Instead, we scored before the break. I think both before the break and after we played the same way, but we lost control. We had to manage the game, control the ball. And we let Tottenham score very easily.
At the same time, for Tottenham, whose internal state is unstable and more worrying than the table, the scenario itself seemed ideal for recovery. It should be noted that Mason said words at the end of the game, exactly the opposite of those after which Antonio Conte resigned. About team spirit and selfishness:
I’m happy with the team’s reaction. In the second half we did very well and showed character by countering two goals. I hope the fans see how we were a team and how we fought for each other. We could have scored more in the second half. Manchester United he created problems for us, but also us for him. Sometimes single details change the fate of the game. I think when their lead was reduced to one goal, doubts arose in the minds of the players. We spent most of the match in the opponent’s half. And it’s nice. I know we have a strong team. My job is to inspire the kids and show that we are united. I liked the energy of the stadium. I hear the fans are with us. The most important thing is to remain a team. We can win, lose or draw, but it’s important to stick together. I have a team ready to fight.
