Ice-Cold Spurs get the least they deserve
Up until the 91st minute Sunday I was questioning what I was doing with my life. Why had I been stood on a terrace (in front of a seat I had paid a premium for) for the best part of two hours in the freezing cold, with the snow blowing into my face, watching Spurs inevitably lose to Manchester United?
Just when I felt at my lowest, there was a scramble in the Manchester United box and Clint Dempsey knocked the ball into the net. It was the 92nd minute. I went absolutely crazy and my cold turned into warmth. This is why we do it. Because of wonderful moments like this that make you forget about reality and transport you into a world of sheer joy.
Up until the moment when Spurs scored the late equaliser, I was enjoying a miserable afternoon. It had been snowing solidly in London for the best part of 10 hours. My feet were soaking wet and I was cold as it is possible for a human to be (in a safe Western way).
I was thinking about how I was going to write about how Robin van Persie was the difference between Spurs and Manchester United. They had seemingly been given one chance and put it away, while Spurs had countless opportunities to score and missed one after another.
The strengths and flaws in the teams were plain to see. United looked strong in defence, with Nemanja Vidic clearing away any danger that came his way. They always looked dangerous in attack and only needed one chance to take the lead.
Yet the midfield was an area where Spurs enjoyed the advantage. Tottenham had the majority of the possession and converted this advantage into chances. When it came to opportunities, Spurs had 18 shots on target compared to four from United.
It was further evidence, if further evidence was needed, that Tottenham need to add to their attacking options. Jermain Defoe missed the bulk of the chances Sunday. It adds to the evidence he is the sort of player who can put the lesser teams of the league to the sword, but will never make the difference against the very best.
If Defoe was the player who wasted the most chances for Tottenham, then it was Aaron Lennon who made most of them. With Gareth Bale having a subdued game on the left, Lennon was exuberant on the right and caused Patrice Evra all sorts of problems.
The England winger is having a really good season and is simply getting better and better with every game. With his pace he is always a danger attacking his full-back on the outside and his crossing ability has improved immeasurably.
Lennon is also a danger when he comes inside. He made a great drive towards the centre of United’s defence and then played a perfect ball to release Defoe, who took an extra touch when a first-time finish was needed.
He didn't deserve to be on the losing side and thanks to Dempsey he wasn't. The American didn’t contribute much during the game, but stuck away his chance when it was presented. This sums the player up. There are players who would contribute more to Tottenham's all-round play, but few who’d be more clinical when presented with a chance.
Had Tottenham lost, I would still be feeling cold. Instead the blood started pumping round my body when Dempsey hit the equaliser and I still haven’t quite calmed down. Four points is a pretty impressive haul from Manchester United. Alex Ferguson will no doubt be blaming it on the weather, but those who braved the elements will know that better team got the least they deserved.


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