They're Loving Ange Instead

Josep Guardiola may not like this much; but Ange Postecoglu may be the best manager in world football right now. Missing several key players such as Son Heung-Min; James Maddison; Pape Sarr & Yves Bissouma; Tottenham Hotspur still managed to dominate the game against Manchester United at Old Trafford; displaying a verve & tenacity seldom seen on these shores. In fact; they reminded me a bit of the ill-fated Everton of Roberto Martinez in 2013-14; with passes along the goal-line and a dare-devil attacking strategy.

Manchester United were the complete opposite; with Erik ten Hag seemingly afraid to lose; pushing attacking players Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho back along the wings to help their full-backs; thus limiting their offensive potential. On the other side; you had the Spurs full-backs Pedro Porro & the talented Destiny Udogie; operating in offensive midfield positions; taking a leaf from the Guardiola book.

Even with a pre-dominantly defensive midfield trio of Pierre-Emile Hojberg; Oliver Skipp & Rodrigo Bentancur; Spurs still managed to express themselves and dominated possession at Old Trafford; surely a strange sight to see. The fact that United is relying on counter-attacks to win the game is an aberration in itself. In fact; Spurs were so good that even Timo Werner; the much-maligned ex-Chelsea forward who has hardly played this season; also got in the groove and had several influential moments & chances. Spurs were so good that Gary Neville proclaimed they will finish above Liverpool & Arsenal this season. He may be right.