The story of last season's home win over Spurs
When Manchester United welcomed Tottenham Hotspur to Old Trafford on 28 October 2017, two of the Premier League’s most in-form teams at the start of last season were going head to head.
The Reds had won all four of our previous home league matches without conceding, while Spurs had taken maximum points from their first four away games, scoring 12 goals in the process.
Indeed, both teams had taken 20 points from the first nine league outings heading into the Saturday lunchtime encounter, so something had to give at the Theatre of Dreams.
Unsurprisingly, Spurs – who were without injured top scorer Harry Kane on the day – proved a tough challenge for United to overcome but, thankfully, the Reds came out on top in a hard-fought game as Anthony Martial stepped off the bench to score the only goal in the 81st minute.
'WE DESERVED TO WIN'
United boss Jose Mourinho acknowledged that it was a tough game, against a Spurs team who were among the early pacesetters last term, but felt his side merited the three points.
“I think we got what we deserved,” the boss reacted. “It was a difficult match that could have been a draw between two big teams. I think both were trying to win but both knew that their opponent was strong, so [we] tried to win but with one eye on the thief.”
Jose went on: “We controlled them very well and I think we had more chances to win the match than they had, but it was a big football match, tactically difficult for both teams and tactically difficult for the players. [We had] a good referee [in Jon Moss] with just one yellow card in a match that was strong, aggressive, and every 50-50 was like the last challenge of their lives.”
"It's important for us because we lost the last league game at Huddersfield. It was important for us to win and I’m happy to score."
Phil Jones also reflected on a job well done by the Reds, as he played in a three-man defence which kept Spurs’ free-scoring attack at bay.
"Any time you keep a clean sheet is massive,” our no.4 told MUTV after the game. “I felt we never really felt threatened, like they were going to cause us a problem in terms of scoring, so we’re pleased, we’ve got the clean sheet and a valuable three points too.”
HOW UNITED’S WIN WENT DOWN ON SOCIAL
Twitter was awash with positive vibes after the Reds claimed an important victory. Here’s how some of our fans, players and our own official account reacted…
Scored again! #MUFC pic.twitter.com/5MCuPy3zrr
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 28, 2017
Skiaaaaaaaaaaaa 🔥🔥🔥 @AnthonyMartial !!!!!!!!! Comoooooon boys @ManUtd 🔴🔴🔴
— Joel Castro Pereira (@ElgatoPereira1) October 28, 2017
Well earned victory for Manchester United today, another home win and clean sheet. Dominated the second half. Top finish from Martial. #MUFC
— Mickey T (@therealMickeyT) October 28, 2017
Massive win, and absolutely brilliant from Martial. Comes on and takes his chance. Ice cool! ❄ pic.twitter.com/PNMKEZkVeO
— J.A.O (@JuanAnderOnly) October 28, 2017
It is on these big games when we need our fans the most and you never disappoint us 🔴⚽️+3 pic.twitter.com/1Sg12CqznI
— Ander Herrera (@AnderHerrera) October 28, 2017
.@AnthonyMartial only needed 20 minutes in today's game to make his mark - you've voted him as our #MUFC Man of the Match! 👏 pic.twitter.com/dRKyxAbsce
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 28, 2017
REDS LOOKING TO KEEP POSITIVE RECORD GOING
United will be hoping to maintain a strong run of results against Tottenham at Old Trafford in recent seasons when the sides meet on Monday night.
The Reds have won 21 of our 26 Premier League home matches against Spurs and have beaten the north London outfit on their last four visits to the Theatre of Dreams in the league without conceding a goal.
Interestingly, the home team have won the last seven Premier League meetings between the sides, stretching back to March 2015. Let’s hope that trend continues in our favour!