Manchester United barely deserved a point yet ended up comfortable 3-1 winners at Tottenham who dominated the game throughout. Tottenham have now gone 26 games since they last triumphed over Manchester United and boss Harry Redknapp must be wondering how his side contrived to lose this one after dominating possession but then defensive frailties handed the visitor's three goals.
This was Spurs first home league defeat in 12 games yet for most of the first half they looked the more likely to score and thought they had but Emmanuel Adebayor was correctly adjudged to have handled before scoring.
Then on the stroke of the break United took the lead with a rare attempt on goal. Ashley Young swung in a corner and Wayne Rooney glanced home a free header.
The pattern of the game continued in much the same way in the second half with the home side continuing to press, but again they were caught out by a rare United breakaway.
Nani easily slipped his marker Luka Modric and his low cross found its way through to Ashley Young who acrobatically volleyed past Brad Friedel.
A few minutes later and Young got his second of the afternoon to totally demoralise the home side. The Spurs defence allowed Young too much space as he advanced towards goal and the England international simply lashed home number three.
Near the end substitute Ryan Giggs gave away possession allowing Jermaine Defoe to score a Spurs consolation.
So United reduce the arrears on leaders Manchester City to two points whilst Spurs outside chance of the title has all but gone and they must regroup and try to finish in the Champions League places.
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Venue: White Hart Lane
Attendance: 36,034
Tottenham scorers: Defoe 87 Man Utd scorers: Rooney 45, Young 60, 69
TRIBAL ASKS: Is this the sign of Champions elect, winning whilst not at their best?
Yellow cards: Sandro (TOT), Jones (MANU), Jones (MANU)
