We learnt three things as Manchester United threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium away from home in the Premier League on Thursday night.
Erik ten Hag’s men seemed to be cruising towards a nine-point lead in fourth place as they scored two well-executed goals in the first half, courtesy of Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford. Meanwhile, after Tottenham’s humiliating 6-1 defeat to Newcastle in their last match, their supporters had hoped for a better reaction in the first half of this game.
Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho celebrating, Tottenham, Manchester United
Image Obtained Via Manchester Evening News
However, in the 2nd half, Spurs managed to get a goal back through Pedro Porro, and then equalised with a well-deserved goal from Son Heung-min, who converted Harry Kane’s low cross. This result takes Tottenham up to fifth place in the Premier League table, six points behind Manchester United, who have played two fewer games.
1. Jadon Sancho Gets A Goal Finally
Jadon Sancho has had a frustrating season, struggling to build momentum in a campaign interrupted by multiple stops and starts. Despite this, there were indications of a return to form during the game against Ryan Mason’s team.
Jadon Sancho
Image Obtained Via TEAMtalk
Although he was given too much space and time by Porro, and Christian Romero failed to pressure the winger as the latter moved onto his right foot, the English international’s goal showcased the flair that he exhibited during his best days at Borussia Dortmund.
The 23-year-old played on the left-wing against Spurs, a position that Rashford is often said to prefer. Sancho appeared comfortable in this role, with him and Antony on the opposite wing able to cut inside and pose a goal-scoring threat.
Joe Bray
Pep Guardiola said he found the decision not to play Aymeric Laporte vs Arsenal a tough one but plumped for Manu Akanji instead. To keep Laporte relatively happy, he should come in at left-back and Akanji can move back into the middle. John Stones can move back wide to reprise his inverted role to help Rodri in midfield.
Someone has to drop out, and through no fault of his own it might be Ilkay Gundogan at Fulham. Kevin De Bruyne was incredible vs Arsenal and cannot be dropped, and Bernardo Silva is just ahead of Gundogan after another all-action performance.
Riyad Mahrez was unlucky not to face Arsenal on the back of his hat-trick in the FA Cup, so he should come back in. Phil Foden has made two substitute appearances now on his return from surgery, so can continue to be eased back off the bench. In general, Guardiola can use the games against Fulham, West Ham and Everton to rotate in order to give his players the best preparation to face Real Madrid in a fortnight.
Daniel Murphy
Fulham are by no means pushovers as City found out last year when it took a last-gasp penalty to beat them. City may be on a high following an incredible week but they can’t allow their focus or hunger to drop at Craven Cottage.