- Solskjaer maintains clean slate
Spain international and Manchester United’s safe hands, David de Gea was unbeatable, as the Old Trafford side stunned Tottenham Hotspurs in a thrilling match to sustain Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s immaculate start at United
Making an incredible 11 saves in regulation time, de Gea was in an inspiring form on Sunday as he led United to another clean sheet and vital victory over Tottenham.
At the end of 90 minutes, the spectacular performance had the Red Devils faithful falling over themselves to pay tribute to the Spanish national team goal tender. The Solskjaer managed United claimed all three points in a tense top-six clash, with the only goal coming just before half-time.
It was Marcus Rashford who took full advantage of a terrific Paul Pogba’s pass and converted past Hugo Lloris to make it 1-0, a strike which proved the only goal of the game at Wembley.
At the other end, however, De Gea had to be at his very best as Spain’s No. 1 was bombarded throughout the game by Spurs.
No fewer than 11 shots on target were repelled by the goalkeeper, whose heroics helped United to move level with Arsenal in fifth place and keep up their brilliant start to life under interim boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
It was the most shots De Gea has stopped in a top-flight league match without conceding any goal. And he took all the plaudits from observers for his latest match-winning display in United’s shirt to prove again that their recovery under Solskjaer is no flash in the pan.
Both sides went toe-to-toe in an open game with multiple chances coming their way. However, United’s goalkeeper de Gea made the difference, with a string of phenomenal saves. Having installed Rashford as his number one striker, Interim manager Solskjaer was richly rewarded as the 21-year-old scored the decisive goal in the 44th minute.
As usual, Pogba sparkling for United, engaged in a personal duel with Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris for periods of the second half and United’s victory is their fifth successive Premier League win under their temporary manager in a contest seen as his first major test since he took over from the sacked Jose Mourinho last month.
Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham had settled quickly into their fluid passing game at Wembley, enjoying the bulk of possession. They went close to taking the lead when Harry Winks, seemingly unsure whether to shoot or cross, fired the ball across the face of the United goal after being played in by Son Heung-min.
Minutes later the visitors had a chance to take the lead when Ashley Young’s cross fell to Jesse Lingard, who fired over from the corner of the six-yard box. United, with Lingard, Anthony Martial and Rashford racing forward at every opportunity looked dangerous and Martial forced Lloris into a smart low save with his legs.
The game lost a little of its frantic intensity midway through the first half. Kane poked the ball into the net after being set up by Dele Alli but it was ruled out for offside. Moussa Sissoko pulled up sharply with an apparent hamstring injury and although he returned to the pitch he was unable to continue, being replaced by Erik Lamela.
The match defining moment came shortly before half-time. Lingard cut out a careless cross-field ball from Kieran Trippier and nudged the ball to Pogba, who had all the time to look up and measure a raking cross-field pass to Rashford, racing down the right. Rashford still had plenty to do but kept his nerve to fire right-footed past Lloris and into the far corner. Lloris got his fingertips to the ball but was unable to keep it out.
Pogba, whose relationship with Mourinho had deteriorated sharply, looks rejuvenated under Solskjaer and he has been involved in eight goals under the interim boss, with four goals and four assists.
Tottenham came out of the blocks smartly after the restart and Kane looked certain to level from close range but De Gea saved brilliantly with his left foot before pulling off a fine save to deny an Alli headed effort.
Ashley Young sent over an inviting cross that Pogba headed straight at Lloris and the Spurs goalkeeper had to be alert to tip over another Pogba effort that came at the end of a long spell of United possession.
Spurs, roared on by a passionate home crowd, were building up a head of steam and Alli had a golden chance to equalise but De Gea was again equal to the task, saving with his legs.
He again produced yet another stunning save to keep out Toby Alderweireld before flying to his right to cling on to a Kane free-kick. Spurs had further chances in a frenetic ending but could find no way past De Gea.
This victory puts United level on points with fifth-placed Arsenal and six behind Chelsea, currently in fourth and final Champions League spot. However, the loss leaves Tottenham nine points behind current league leaders Liverpool.
