Manchester United Beats Tottenham 3-1: 5 Things Learned from Sunday's Match

Manchester United kept up the pace with Manchester City as they pulled within two points if the leaders after beating Tottenham 3-1 at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

The first half was an even affair when Louis Saha thought he had put his side on top. However, replays showed that referee Martin Atkinson made the right call as the ball deflected off Adebayor’s hand.

As he has done so many times in his fabulous career, Wayne Rooney stepped up right before the break and headed home a free kick to give the Red Devil’s the lead going into the half.

It was more of the same in the second as again Spurs were caught off guard by a quick restart. A throw-in caught the hosts out as Nani was able to put a low hard cross to Ashley Young who volleyed in for the second goal and a 2-0 cushion.

Young would make it all United 10 minutes later as his curling shot beat Brad Friedel to the corner and made it all, but officially over.

Jermaine Defoe would grab one back on a Ryan Giggs misplaced pass, but it was only consolation.

Here are five things learned from the match.

Ashley Young Is Back

After going a streak of 13 games with only one goal and one assist, it looked like Ferguson’s big summer buy was starting to cool off after a hot start to the campaign.

But today he stepped up when it mattered most. Two goals and an assist easily earns him man of the match honors, but it was more his energy and brilliance off the ball that should worry the opposition.

He was electrifying today, running all over the pitch, putting himself in a position to make an impact. His shots, touch and vision were in top form and it is the exact time for him to come around.

Like some kind of mad scientist, Ferguson, yet again, has his team playing at the exact right moment.

If United want to catch City they will need Young to be like this week in and week out. City will be hoping that this was no more than a good game for the winger.

But knowing the history of this club in Spring, it’s safe to say that this will be the player we see the rest of the season.

Rooney or Van Persie?: The Debate Goes on

Robin van Persie’s two goals yesterday were huge in keeping Arsenal’s European hopes alive for next season. As the current league leader in goals he will likely win the golden boot. He is arguably the most important single player to a team.

That is, unless you are a United fan.

Wayne Rooney again showed why he is the team. Playing up top today as more of a forward, he was still able to command the attack and display the kind of passing brilliance that would make a midfielder jealous.

Most importantly though, when United was getting out played in the first half on the road, he stepped up, scored and turned things in favor of his side. It is something he has done his entire career and epitomized him as one of the games greats.

Other than the title race itself, watching these two slug it out for player of the year honors will be the next best completion.

Tottenham Is Not Quite There Yet

For all the success Harry Redknapp has brought to White Hart Lane this year, the team is still not to a level to compete for the title.

Losses to Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, and to underperforming Chelsea and Liverpool, prove that their caliber as a squad is still only a high end mid-level team.

They just cannot seem to step up in the moment and take the leap that propels them into any kind of discussion for true contenders.

Luka Modric can dissect teams below him, but is useless against better midfields. Adebayor out muscles lesser talent, but is manhandled by his equal.

Until Tottenham can string together positive results against better sides, they will always be looked at as pretenders.

United Are Still Champions

When the game ended on the broadcast I was watching, the commentator made a definitive statement about the United performance by uttering four words, “That’s why they’re champions.”

A true statement through and through, games like today just are the kind that make you sit back in awe at how amazing of a manager Ferguson is. Every single year ,not only does he have a talented team that can compete, but they compete even when they should not be competitive.

Tottenham had plenty of chances to find their own victory, but were always denied and United made the most of their opportunities. That is the only recipe for success any team needs.

Even if United do not win the league, it is hard to argue that they could still not be the best team in the country. Not based on stats, but based on a culture of winning.

The Title Will Be Decided on April 30th

Today’s match between United and Spurs was the last meeting between top three sides before the Manchester Derby on April 30 at Etihad Stadium.

Both Manchester teams have relatively easy schedules coming up.

United will probably look at Everton as being the biggest thorn in their side. City have it a bit tougher with Arsenal and Chelsea both left on schedule. But the way they are playing compared to the Citizens should not worry too many.

Two points back and without much reason for either side to foresee dropped points, whoever wins that Monday night will surely be English champions.

What Did You Learn?

It is almost becoming clockwork the way Ferguson's team steps up big in every crucial English game.

But what else did you learn from the match?

As always, please post your comments below and thank for reading!

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