Match Report: Spurs 2 United 0 – what an Ange start at our stadium!!
It was a totally different atmosphere from past seasons… we felt hope in the air… Kane may have gone, but Ange is building something special. The only sore note in the game was Richarlison, who spent most of his time getting up from the floor because an invisible gust of wind rattled his brittle legs.
I predicted we would win 3-2; that was my heart talking, but my head said that we would be lucky to get a draw… then I thought of the Wolves game, where they were all over United… which proves, at least against United, anything was possible (and it was). Of course, the true test will be in the coming weeks and months ahead… but now, we shall savour the moment.
Mel’s and my trip to London was a mixed one. We left at 12 and got to Spurs at 2.15 pm. On the journey, we discussed the match – both predicted we would win but with reservations. Once that subject was passed, we tried to put the world to rights – as one does – so that we all could live happily and prosperous ever after. Then you wake up from your slumber and realise that nothing is as simple as you want (waking up from a slumber while you are driving is no mean feat, I can tell you). Back to Tottenham…
…Levy has certainly not made it easy for us… I just hope now that the tide is starting to change… after twenty-odd years in charge.
Anyway, we arrived through the sliding doors, got our programmes… and ascended to the heavens where our meals/ drinks and seats awaited us. Found a booth…
Janet arrived to keep us company in one of the booths and chatted while we nibbled away (at the food, not Janet). Premium staff came and said hello… welcoming us back, all seemed hunky dory… Oh, one other thing… I spotted the comedian Paul Whitehouse and got some photos with him (see photo below), which made Mel’s day, but it was going to get better…
Mel and I parted – Janet had also gone (nibble free) – and we all made our separate ways to our seats.
You could smell the atmosphere and mood in the stadium as we welcomed the new players and Ange for the first time (that was in a Premier League game, as he had already visited the stadium in a pre-season friendly).
To summarise, we secured our first win under Ange Postecoglou in a thrilling and deserved victory over the Red Devils.
I didn’t see it… probably because I got to my seat late – but there was a pre-match demonstration against chairman Daniel Levy and owners ENIC. Still, Postecoglou was given a booming reception once the action got underway, and we responded smartly with a great demonstration of the attacking style that is Ange’s trademark.
Both teams created chances throughout the game, but the deadlock was broken by Pape Matar Sarr’s goal, shooting high into the net from close range four minutes after the interval. Once the goals went in, we jumped, high fives all over the place… hugs… male on male, women on women and even mixed ones… all in the best possible taste. Then we calmed down, sat back in our seats and continued watching the action… praying, hoping that that goal wasn’t the last for us… and as time ticked on…
In a game of many avenues, we sealed victory in front of an ecstatic-crazed wild home crowd after 83 minutes when Ivan Perisic’s cross took a touch off, Ben Davies before going in via Lisandro Martinez. Another opportunity to do what we enjoy doing when another goal goes into the back of the net… hugging, clasping, crying with joy… you get the message… me… I just smile!!!
Thoughts…
We hit the woodwork twice in the first half through Pedro Porro and Luke Shaw’s deflection, while Antony hit the upright for the Reds; Guglielmo Vicario saved superbly from Casemiro, and Bruno Fernandes somehow headed wide of an open goal in the first half.
In the Brentford game, Vicario had a shaky game, against United, he was much improved. He will become a fine goalkeeper… and Tottenham has a tradition of fine goalkeepers (and maybe not so fine!).
We had a penalty appeal turned down… as did United. Still, after the Wolves game, they’ve got a bit of a bloody cheek demanding a penalty. In our case, Martinez pushed one of our players to the ground… no penalty… no doubt he gave an inside smile before shuffling off to another location to do more mischief. Anyway… ultimately, it was our greater attacking intent that made the difference.
Postecoglou praises Spurs ‘bravery’
Spurs sent out a strong signal that we won’t be what we have been under Levy and past managers, “Spursy”.
When Postecoglou was appointed by Tottenham, it was with the express desire to move away from the dull games dished up by Nuno Espirito Santo, Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte during a loveless period between us, Spurs fans and our managers.
And if his first two games are any measure, we will be entertaining to watch come what may this season because this was the perfect demonstration of the positive manner in which Ange wants his teams to play and was the hallmark of his work in Scotland. Nevertheless, it can be a high-risk strategy. It will give the opposition chances, as even a poor United proved. Still, such was the quality, energy and sheer attacking intent shown by us that we eventually overpowered United and revelled in a long-standing ovation after the final whistle. He, the team, deserved it.
Man of the match…
Yves Bissouma was outstanding in midfield, while James Maddison strode through the game joyfully and looked perfectly at home.
Spurs fans can at least take optimism from the opening torrents delivered by our new-look side.
After the game, we made our way out – being stopped by one of the Premium bosses for a chat… then I went to my car, where Mel was waiting. What a joyful day and result… with more to come, I hope!!!!
Up the Spurs…
The next game will be against Bournemouth this Saturday at 12.30.
My name is Glenn Renshaw.
I am currently a Premium Season Ticket holder (West Stand) in the new stadium. Before that – at White Hart Lane – a season ticket holder in various parts of the ground (mainly in the North stand).
Before becoming a season ticket holder, I stood on the shelf and various other parts of the ground since the 1950s. In 1987 I became one of the first to hold a Spurs Membership card. I was also a life long member of the Spurs supporters club (now defunct).
I go to all home, away and abroad matches.
I was born in 1955, Edgware, London (it was in the late 50s – as a baby – that my dad took me to Spurs to initiate me). I currently live in Berkshire.
I also collect all Spurs books (and have everyone printed), Spurs handbooks (from 1920s onwards, Spurs programmes (since the 40s).
Previously, I wrote for Spurs Fanzines: The Spur, Spur of the Moment, My Eyes have seen the Glory and various other Spurs fanzines’. I also wrote for the SpursWeb app & its website.
I currently write and work for spursnetwork.com and its website. I write its Reviews & Match reports and a lot more.
My other interests are; reading, history, social history, Politics, going to the gym, wine, going out for a meal, music (all sorts), writing, theatre, concerts, holidays, socialising etc.
I have been writing blogs/ articles since 1989
If you wish to read more of my blog, please click “here”
