Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Manchester United: 3 Takeaways from United win at Wembley | Premier League 2018-19

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United - Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United - Premier League

Manchester United extended their winning streak under the interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as they defeated Spurs at Wembley on Sunday. Marcus Rashford’s terrific first-half strike was the difference in the end, but the Red Devils had their goalkeeper, David de Gea, to thank for a series of top-class saves, particularly in the second half.

With the victory over Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal’s surprise loss to West Ham on Saturday, Manchester United have now moved level on points with the Gunners, who sit in the fifth-place, separated only by goal difference.

Here are the big talking points after Manchester United’s win at Wembley.


#1 David De Gea is unquestionably the world’s best goalkeeper

According to Opta, David de Gea made 11 saves in total against Tottenham Hotspur. That is the most saves a goalkeeper has made in a single top-flight match without conceding a goal. The only Premier League match in which De Gea has made more saves than Tottenham was against Arsenal at the Emirates last season when he made 14 saves in total.

The United No.1 thwarted almost every attempt aimed at him, brilliantly keeping out Harry Kane, Delle Alli and Toby Alderweireld with his legs. If there were any doubts prior to the match about De Gea’s performances this season, the Spaniard pretty much answered the critics.

#2 Solskjaer passes first real test as caretaker manager

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United - Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United - Premier League

The interesting scenario about this match was not just David de Gea’s brilliance. This encounter was to some extent an audition of who could potentially take over permanently as Manchester United manager next season.

Pochettino was one of the top contenders before kick-off, but now, the pendulum has swung in Solskjaer’s favor. The Norwegian is the first Manchester United manager to win his first six matches in a row, eclipsing the legendary Sir Matt Busby in the process.

#3 Fourth place is now a realistic target for Manchester United

The timing of sacking Jose Mourinho could not have been any better. While the decision was slightly risky, it now looks an absolute masterstroke. The feel-good factor was restored when United appointed Solskjaer and the former United striker seems to turn everything he touches into gold.

The Red Devils were eight points behind Arsenal when the Norwegian was appointed, but following successive league victories, they have now moved level on points with Unai Emery’s Arsenal. United are also not far off fourth place, trailing Chelsea by only six points.

The significance of Manchester United’s win over Spurs was that they play Brighton and Burnley at Old Trafford in the next two games, while Arsenal face off against Chelsea next weekend. The fixture list could almost effectively put Man United within touching distance of fourth, something that looked entirely unlikely when they lost to Liverpool in December.

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Edited by Sujith M