Manchester United and Tottenham played out a pulsating 2-2 draw at Old Trafford, with Ange Postecoglou’s side coming from behind twice. This brings Tottenham level on points with north London rivals Arsenal, and completes the first half of fixtures in this winter break.
Here are five things we learned from the game
Top Four Race
Both clubs began the match outside the top four but this game was most significant for its impact on the race for the Champions League spots. Arsenal are currently occupying fourth place but, with the point gained today, Tottenham now find themselves level with their North London rivals. Whilst the top four is within reach for Spurs, more dropped points at home leave Man United 8 points behind their counterparts. With no European football left for either of the teams this season, they will both be aiming to return to Europe next season.
Strikers Finding Form
Rasmus Højlund went 14 games without a league goal at the start of his Man United career. However the tides may be turning for the £72 million man, as he has now found the net in both of his last 2 Premier League appearances. For Tottenham, Richarlison’s first half header has now made it 6 goals in 6 games in the league for him, in his best run of form since he left Everton for £60 million in 2022.
Werner’s Tottenham Debut
There were certainly some raised eyebrows at the news of Timo Werner’s loan move this January and today’s match saw his first appearance in a Tottenham shirt. Werner started for Spurs and took up some good positions as he attempted more shots in the game than anybody else, although none of them threatened the United goal. Early in the second half, he provided the assist for Bentancur’s equaliser, before he was replaced in the 80th minute, in what was a promising debut from the German forward.
Full Strength Spurs Defence
Ange Postecoglu was able to field his first choice back four today, for the first time since the start of November. This could be a huge boost for Spurs heading into the final months of the season, although Van de Ven could not complete the full match and his removal in the 89th minute was forced by injury. Tottenham will be hoping that there is not another serious problem for Van de Ven.
Lisandro Martinez’s Return
Lisandro Martinez was a key figure in United’s success last season but he has been out of action since the fifth week of this season. Today he made his return, replacing Jonny Evans in the 63rd minute, and Erik ten Hag will be hoping that Martinez’s reinstatement will inspire better form out of his teammates in the second half of the season.
