58′ Tottenham 1-0 Manchester United
Spurs are starting to become a bit disorganized, leaning towards cynicism now.
Bentancur was fortunate not to receive a yellow card for pulling Mason Mount back by the shoulder.
Richarlison, however, was not as lucky a moment ago, getting booked for tripping Mazraoui, who had surged past him.
55′ Tottenham 1-0 Manchester United
Tottenham’s approach seems solid.
I believe that Dejan Kulusevski would have been a valuable addition to their starting lineup, but the injuries to the creative yet defensively weak trio of Bergvall, Maddison, and Kulusevski have contributed to Spurs’ defensive prowess.
Bentancur, Bissouma, and Sarr are agile and dynamic, outnumbering and pressuring Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, who normally control the play from a deeper position. Johnson and Richarlison provide speed on counterattacks, while Solanke is effectively engaging the centre-backs.
Though Spurs occasionally press intensively, their defensive line is not the typically high one. They have kept it relatively narrow and compact, compelling United to maneuver around them rather than through.
This is reminiscent of their hard-fought victories earlier in this tournament.
54′ Tottenham 1-0 Manchester United
Richarlison has performed quite well thus far, arguably validating the choice to start him over club captain Son Heung-min.
A smooth, delicate touch brings the ball down from the air, forcing Mazraoui into a foul.
52′ Tottenham 1-0 Manchester United
Just as I mentioned that, Casemiro bends down to head the ball, and Pape Matar Sarr collides into him from behind, late. Casemiro’s eyebrows raised in surprise and irritation.
Free kick awarded. No yellow card shown. Good decision.
50′ Tottenham 1-0 Manchester United
Micky van de Ven, who has already barreled into Hojlund in the first half, goes in for another unnecessary heavy tackle on the striker.
It’s late, resulting in a yellow card. Free kick, cleared away.
Cristian Romero and Harry Maguire, two courageous centre-backs, engage in a fierce tussle, leading to Romero ending up on the ground with Maguire looming over him with a look of disdain.
They exchange some heated words. It’s great to witness that level of rivalry. Could this match be heating up with some added tension?
48′ Tottenham 1-0 Manchester United
Oh, Rasmus. Danish player Hojlund has a knack for turning opportunities into goal kicks.
Amad cuts in and delivers a cross, but Hojlund heads it over the bar, high and wide, and not exactly pretty.
Perhaps he’ll find renewed success as a centre-back, similar to how Joelinton transformed from a striker to a robust central midfielder.