Tottenham Hotspur are now winless in their last three home Premier League matches
Tottenham were unable to secure all three points in the Premier League for the second weekend in a row after being held to a draw by Manchester United at N17. The Lilywhites came close to clinching another impressive victory over the Red Devils, only for Matthijs De Ligt to deny them late on with a dramatic equaliser in the final moments of the match.
The 2-2 draw leaves Spurs sitting fifth in the Premier League table, just two points behind second-placed Sunderland. They have now won five league matches this season as they continue their push for European qualification. Tottenham had enjoyed strong recent form against Manchester United, winning their previous four meetings in all competitions prior to Saturday’s result.
Three things we learned from Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United in the Premier League.
Tottenham players showed fight and unity to draw 2-2 with Manchester United
Failing to secure the win will certainly feel like a missed opportunity for the Spurs supporters. There was plenty to take away from the match as the North Londoners let another home result slip away in the league. Let’s have a look at them.
Poor home form continues to haunt Thomas Frank’s Tottenham
Tottenham remain fifth in the Premier League with five wins from their opening eleven matches. They are still positioned near the top of the table largely due to their impressive form away from home. There is a clear contrast between their performances on the road and their struggles at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Of their five victories this season, only one has come at home. Spurs have already dropped 13 points at N17, a concerning tally for a team with European ambitions. To add to this, heading into the United fixture, the Lilywhites had managed just three wins from their previous 19 home league games.
Three things we learned from Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United in the Premier League.
Tottenham are struggling to get positive results at home in the Premier League this season.
This form is not sustainable for a side aiming to qualify for European competition. Thomas Frank’s team must start making the most of their home advantage, beginning with their next league match at N17 against Fulham in three weeks.
Destiny Udogie should have started against Manchester United
There were questions raised when Thomas Frank opted to start Djed Spence at left-back against Manchester United. While the England international has performed well defensively when called upon, it was evident that he faced limitations on the left side. As a right-footed player, Spence struggled to advance into attacking areas and influence the play in the final third.
The introduction of Destiny Udogie at left-back in the second half changed the dynamic of the match. The Italian took full advantage of his opportunity and caused real problems for United wing-back Amad Diallo. His low cross from the left found Mathys Tel, who turned smartly and finished confidently to level the score.
Spurs looked far more balanced with Udogie on the pitch. He provided consistent width, allowing Wilson Odobert to drift inside and create chances. The full-back linked up well with Odobert, and most of Tottenham’s attacking threat in the second half came through their side of the pitch.
Mathys Tel silenced the loud boos in some style
Mathys Tel did not get the reception he was hoping for when he took the field in place of Xavi Simons in the second half. The Frenchman was welcomed at N17 with loud boos from the Spurs faithful, who were signalling their frustration towards Thomas Frank for his decision to bring on the talented attacker. But credit where its due, Tel found a way to silence his critics at N17.
The forward instantly added some much-needed energy up front, pressing the United defence and showing clear intent that he was there to make a mark. He was also dropping back to help defensively whenever the Red Devils broke forward in the second half. And it was Tel who helped shift the dynamics of the game in Spurs’ favour late on.
Three things we learned from Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United in the Premier League.
Mathys Tel calmly slotted the ball in the net to level the game against Manchester United.
Tel’s goal was well taken. He controlled Udogie’s first-time cross, turned De Ligt, and calmly slotted the ball past Senne Lammens. It was a deserved reward and marked his second Premier League goal of the campaign. This also proved to be a catalyst for the second goal that the Lilywhites scored in stoppage time, thanks to Richarlison’s quick reflexes from close range.
In the end, a 2-2 draw felt like a fair result. Both sides created moments but lacked composure in the final third. While the result may be disappointing for Tottenham, there will be recognition of the effort and resilience shown against an in-form Manchester United side.