New Look Spurs, Same Old United

With high expectations, I settled down to watch this afternoon's big game between two sides in bang-in form.

Tottenham Hotspur at home to Manchester United is always a big game which produces amazing matches. Today was to be no exception.

It was the home debuts for their big signings, Alan Hutton and Jonathan Woodgate. Both of whom slotted into the defence with Pascal Chimbonda switching to left back.

Tottenham bossed the early exchanges with both the new signings looking comfortable. Spurs played with the freedom and pace that we have come to expect from United and for the majority of the first half, Man Utd struggled to retain a grip on the game.

Spurs went in 1-0 up, thanks to Dimitar Berbetov, who tapped the ball home after good work from Jermaine Jenas and Aaron Lennon.

Spurs had a few chances to seal the game as Manchester United pushed forward more and more looking for an equalizer.

The second goal never came, and an encouraged United side got better as the match wore on.

I must say the poor signal my TV was recieving from England meant I missed the equalizing goal late on, but it was certainly coming.

I don't know where the injury-time came from at the end of the game, but it was a bitter end for Tottenham who played so well, and a lucky break for United's title challenge.

Man Utd fought back like true champions and took a point away on a day they were no where near their best!

Overall, it was a baptism of fire for Alan Hutton, who played well and never looked unsettled. Woodgate adds steel to the Spurs defence and nearly bagged his second clean sheet in a Spurs jersey.

I can see Tottenham shooting up the table now that their defence has had a chance to settle. Good performances by Tom Huddlestone and Steed Malbranque add to the new found Spurs optimism.

As for United, well, they're still my bet for the title, but you can't win them all!