FA Cup 2018 Semi-final: Manchester United 2-1 Tottenham - Talking Points

Manchester United booked a place in their 20th FA Cup final after a 2-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur at the Wembley Stadium on Sunday (April 22).

They came back from a 1-0 deficit after Dele Alli scored for Spurs in the 11th minute of the game. An equalizer from Alexis Sanchez and a second-half winner from Ander Herrera sealed the deal for the Red Devils

It was a top-class defensive performance from Jose Mourinho's men, as they held their positions, and their lead, with discipline and determination. Spurs, on the other hand, will have to wait yet another year to long-standing thirst for silverware.

Here are five talking points from the game:

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#4 Alexis Sanchez's love affair with Wembley continues

Sanchez was back at his best against Spurs

The Chilean forward finally produced a performance of class for the Red Devils since his move from Arsenal in January. He was fast, worked hard, made tackles, and created some superb chances in attack.

He scored off a terrific cross from Paul Pogba in the 24th minute of the game, while also playing a crucial role in Herrera's winner later in the game.

Sanchez was given the Man of the Match award for his terrific performance on the day. He now has eight goals at Wembley Stadium in as many appearances.

#3 Paul Pogba wins the battle against Mousa Dembele

The Frenchman was immense, while the Belgian looked out-of-sorts

After a lot of speculation surrounding his relationship with United boss Jose Mourinho and his apparent dissatisfaction in being a sidelined from the Red Devils' starting XI, Pogba seems to be back on his feet and answering his critics in style, in the last few games.

He was immense on the day, and it was his pinpoint cross that saw his team equalize just 13 minutes after Alli had put Tottenham in front. Mousa Dembele, on the other hand, had a not-so-memorable night as nothing went right for the Belgian midfielder.

The central midfielder is usually a solid and strong performer for Spurs but looked completely off-colour on the day. Pogba produced a sensational turn against him in the first half to set up Sanchez's goal.

#2 Another trophyless year for Tottenham Hotspur

It wasn't a great day for Pochettino's team

Despite playing terrific football under Mauricio Pochettino, and with immensely talented players, Spurs will go trophyless for yet another season. There has been a significant improvement in their game over the last few years, but the Men in White have just been unable to take the last step when it has mattered the most.

This was their eighth consecutive loss in the FA Cup semi-final, and to make matters worse, it came at their home stadium. The loss will sting, but what will sting more is the lack of silverware through the years.

#1 Delle Alli's goal: A blessing in disguise for United

Ali's goal spurred United into action

Through the years, Mourinho's teams have been known, and criticized, for starting off slow in matches and waiting deep, instead of trying to attack the opposition in a blazing manner. The Portuguese manager prefers safety over extravagance, and most of the time gets it right with this tactic.

However, it goes horribly wrong at times, like it did against Sevilla in the Champions League this year. His men end up becoming too passive and it becomes difficult for them to change gears in attack if they end up conceding late in the game.

If and when they go down in the first half, though, it gives them the green signal to open up and attack with more vigour and conviction. That is why they could make thumping comebacks against Crystal Palace and Manchester City earlier this year, despite being down 0-2 at half-time on both occasions.

When Alli scored the opening goal of the day, it did not give United the chance to 'park the bus' and instead, spurred them to create more chances going forward. It fell into their lap beautifully, as Sanchez, Pogba, and Lukaku seemed to play with more freedom in the final third.