5 Talking points from Manchester United-Tottenham Game

1. Anthony Martial’s Impact

Having been substituted at half time against Huddersfield Town last week, Anthony Martial produced the winning goal that separated the two sides in this game. All four of the Frenchman's league goals this term have been scored after coming off the bench and he's quickly developing the reputation of a super-sub. He impacted the game significantly after coming on. After the disappointment last week, Martial, like United for that matter, has seen his fortunes change and he could be a vital component for the Red Devils this season.

2. Spurs’ struggle without Harry Kane

It was a cagey affair; Tottenham only had one clear chance, with Dele Alli missing it from very close range. Without Kane, their play in the final third was not as incisive as usual. If the Englishman were in the team, then they would have likely got something from the game. Fortunately for the North-London outfit, their key frontman will not be sidelined for much longer.

Tottenham missed their main man

3. Ashley Young put in a shift

Ashley Young showed glimpses of his former-self in this game. Having performed excellently both defensively and going forward, the 32-year-old has been in very good form of late. Most notably, he seems to have thrived since being deployed in a left wing-back role by Mourinho. Last Saturday, he was my 'Man of the Match' against Huddersfield, despite the result, and after yet another impressive display, it seems Luke Shaw and Matteo Darmian could find it difficult to break into the starting eleven in future.

Ashley Young is in exceptional form of late

4. Tottenham deserved a point

Despite a lacklustre end product, Tottenham controlled the match for the most-part and ultimately deserved more. Mauricio Pochettino's decision to play Eric Dier at the heart of Tottenham's back three was a big call and the England international was in no-man's land when Lukaku's flick-on allowed Martial through on goal. Had Alli buried his key chance in the game, the story may well have read very differently.

Mauricio Pochettino's side were unlucky to lose the game

5. Jose Mourinho’s game plan worked

This was a typical Jose Mourinho display and victory. The gameplan was, as always, focused on trying not to concede and snatching the game in the dying stages. Manchester United started strongly in both halves and were unlucky not to have scored early in the second period. Though Tottenham controlled the game, United scored the all important goal and put a very valuable three points on the board. Mourinho was criticized after the Liverpool game but this time he got it right and came away with the victory.

José topped Pochettino's tacticsAuthor’s Take

It was very tactical affair throughout. Tottenham played well without Harry Kane, but it was Jose Mourinho who got the result he wanted. Deli Alli needs to better his composure on the pitch.