Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Manchester United: 6 best & worst | Premier League 2018-19
On paper Spurs vs United was the most highly anticipated fixture of gameweek 22, and it is safe to say that it certainly lived up to expectations.
It was a tale of two halves. Manchester United started the play with a bang, catching Tottenham completely off guard, as nobody expected them to start so brilliantly. The Red Devils took the lead close to half time, courtesy of a beautifully weighted lob pass by Paul Pogba which Marcus Rashford slotted past Lloris.
The second half saw the game turn on its head, as Spurs came out all guns blazing. Despite Tottenham putting a mammoth total of 11 shots on target, the Red Devils clung on to the lead till the final whistle.
The win for United has taken them to equal points with Arsenal, while the defeat for Spurs perhaps means their title hopes are virtually over, as they are 9 points behind the league leaders, Liverpool.
So lets take a look at the 3 best & 3 worst performers of the game.
The best performers
#1 Nemanja Matic
Due to the heroics of the United goalkeeper, one man whose performance certainly went under the radar was Nemanja Matic. The Serbian international provided the much-needed barrier in front the back four in the first half.
He occasionally recovered possession, and made several crucial blocks, one of which was to deny Harry Kane at 0-0.
#2 Paul Pogba
In a thrilling fixture with end to end action, one player who was constantly present at both ends, and often at the crux of the action was United's box to box midfielder, Paul Pogba. The arrival of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has seen the resurrection of the United superstar.
The Frenchman kept making efforts to be at the helm of the action, and his assist for Rashford's goal was absolutely sublime.
#3 David de Gea
Tottenham gave their blood, sweat, and tears in the second half in search of the equaliser, but couldn't find one. The only reason they could not was David de Gea. The Spanish goalkeeper denied Kane, Alli, and Alderweireld in a display of absolute goalkeeping mastery.
In a crucial fixture for his team, de Gea stood taller in stature than any other player on the field, showing yet again why he is one of the best in the business.