Here are my own thoughts on the match;
Tottenham played very well and did a good job of closing down
the Man U players. It prevented them from being able to play their
game. Tottenham actually were doing well against Man U at Old
Trafford in the FA Cup and it was a personal mistake by Dawson that
gave the game to Man U. Hence it wasn't surprising to see Tottenham
play well against Man U at their home ground.
Tottenham's goal was well and valid in my opinion because I
don't think it was a handball foul by Jenas. For one thing, he was
on the ground when his hand touched the ball. Moreover, he could
not even see the ball so the contact was not deliberate. Plus, the
contact was minimal and didn't even change the direction or impede
the motion of the ball. Credit to Aaron Lenon for picking up the
ball and good finishing by Berbatov.
Evra was lucky not to concede a penalty because he was not
watching the ball and the ball clearly hit his hand and the ball's
motion did change. It wasn't deliberate, but I don't think the
referee would be wrong to give the penalty.
Tottenham showed lots of determination in this match right from
start to finish and it was a tremendous team effort. Michael Dawson
seemed extra determined seemingly with something to prove after
getting sent off in the FA Cup match. But he did seem a bit too
eager at times and might have gotten into trouble with the referee
if he wasn't careful.
Ronaldo as well was lucky not to get sent off for 2nd yellow
because there were a few rash tackles in the 2nd half that seemed
like yellow cards to me. Perhaps the Tottenham players were
suceeding in winding him up.
Tottenham was so relentless and were chasing for every ball that
Giggs and Scholes were not able to keep up. With the game going so
high tempo throughout, Ferguson needed to introduce the fresh legs
of Anderson and Nani. Hargreaves wasn't tiring, but I'm not sure if
he was taken off due to injury. Hargreaves was having a first half
and it seemed the frustration was getting to him. So maybe subbing
him off was a good idea.
It would have been more ineteresting in terms of a title chase
if Man U lost, Arsenal drew and Chelsea won. But oh well....
whatever happens, happens....
