Tottenham 0-0 Manchester United: Five Talking Points

For all the talk of the attacking threat posed by both teams, it was the two goalkeepers who came out on top in a engaging encounter. Manchester United were on the front foot in the first half, where they should have taken the lead. But some lackluster finishing and brilliant goalkeeping by Hugo Lloris meant that they went into the break level.The visitors were almost left to pay for it in the end, as the home side took the game to the Red Devils. In the end, it was Lloris’s man of the match winning performance that stood out as both sides extended their unbeaten run.Here are the major talking points from the game.

#1 United forwards fail to apply finishing touch

One of the main reasons why Manchester United are currently third in the table is their ruthlessness in front of goal. Although they haven't played well in certain games, their ability to find the back of the net meant that they kept on winning. But against Spurs, even the presence of three world class strikers in Wayne Rooney, Radamel Falcao and Robin Van Persie wasn't enough as the visitors failed to score, for just the third time this season. The Red Devils created more than enough chances in the first half to have killed the game off, but although Mata hit the post with a free kick, they simply couldn't apply the final touch.

#2 Lloris outshines De Gea

Such has been David De Gea's performances this season, that not many goalkeepers can claim to have outperformed him in a game. But that is exactly what Hugo Lloris did. Although the home side finished the game on the front feet, they had their keeper to thank for keeping them in the game, especially in the first half. Whether it was commanding his box from set pieces, producing a stunning save to keep out Ashley Young's curling effort or coming out of his line to snuff out any danger, the Frenchman showed just why he is regarded as one of the best keepers in the League. Although it was only his fourth clean sheet, the 28-year-old is proving to be a formidable final line of defence.

#3 Mata keeps Van Gaal on his toes

One player who was expected to be the casualty of Angel Di Maria's arrival was Juan Mata. After a bright start, the Argentine's injury has seen the Spaniard take the opportunity with both hands. Against Spurs, Mata's ability to find space and pick out a precise through ball was what gave the visitors the upper hand. Although he isn't the quickest, Mata found a way to get time on the ball and picked out his strikers with some delightful through balls. Unfortunately for him, none of them were able to take their chances, but that should take nothing away from his performance, one that showed that it won't be easy for Di Maria to simply slot straight back in.

#4 Jones illuminates as much as he infuriates

Sir Alex Ferguson has said a lot of things. But his description of Phil Jones, comparing him to the legendary Duncan Edwards is certainly something that is starting to come back to bite him. The main problem with Jones is his inconsistency and that was in effect against Spurs. Although the Englishman performed admirably when it came winning the ball or sliding into last-ditch tackles, there were times when he was simply running into a blind alley, when he had the ball. One of the key qualities that is needed to succeed as a centre back is concentration and consistency and that is something that Jones lacks even though he has plenty of potential.

#5 Spurs future looks bright

Although they sold Gareth Bale for a world-record transfer fee, the replacements who cost a lot of money haven't been anywhere near as good as the Welshman. The appointment of Mauricio Pochettino has seen the club look to their youth system for players and that has paid dividends so far this season. Harry Kane has been the best English forward in the League so far and in Ryan Mason, the club have unearthed a midfielder who can cope with the physical demands of the League, while also being able to pick a pass. Aside from Lloris, the duo were the side's best players on Sunday and it was they who combined for a late chance, which