Tottenham 1-1 Manchester United: Fernandes on the spot to deny Mourinho and Spurs

Tottenham 1-1 Manchester United: Fernandes on the spot to deny Mourinho and Spurs

Bruno Fernandes converted a late penalty won by Paul Pogba to secure Manchester United a 1-1 draw away at top-four rivals Tottenham on Friday.

Steve Bergwijn’s 26th-minute opener appeared set to give Jose Mourinho a much-needed victory over his former employers as Spurs aim to make a late charge to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

However, United were rewarded for an improved second-half display with an equaliser, Pogba – on as a substitute as he returned after a long injury lay-off – producing a burst into the box that tempted a rash challenge from Eric Dier.

Fernandes showed excellent composure to fire home from 12 yards out, sending Hugo Lloris the wrong way, as the visitors extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 12 games. 

It appeared the Portuguese would have the chance to score again from the spot when referee Jonathan Moss adjudged he had been fouled by Dier, but a VAR check reversed the on-field call.

6 – Since his Premier League debut, Bruno Fernandes has been directly involved in more goals than any other player in the competition (6 – 3 goals, 3 assists). Composed. #TOTMUN pic.twitter.com/zOTzOv9ReV

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 19, 2020

Still, United’s equaliser denied their old boss from closing the gap in the Premier League table, meaning the Red Devils remain six points clear of Spurs. 

Marcus Rashford – who had raised his right fist skywards as he took a knee along with the rest of the players in support of the Black Lives Matter movement – was denied a goal on his return from a back injury in a tepid first half following the coronavirus-enforced break, his snap shot kept out by Lloris’ left foot. 

Not long after the reprieve, Spurs opened the scoring at the other end thanks to a player of their own back available again. 

Bergwijn – unavailable prior to the break due to an ankle injury – glided beyond Harry Maguire before unleashing a firm right-footed shot that David de Gea failed to keep out, the ball striking the goalkeeper and going up into the net. 

De Gea did better when turning Son Heung-min’s header over but was largely a spectator for the rest of the proceedings, Spurs forced to try and preserve the narrow lead as they were pinned back.

Lloris spectacularly denied fellow Frenchman Anthony Martial but was finally beaten in the 81st minute, Fernandes tucking away the opportunity to secure a point.

What does it mean? Blues benefit from draw 

Knocked out of the FA Cup and the Champions League prior to the interruption in the campaign, Spurs have now gone seven games without a win, albeit this was an improved display. 

Mourinho appeared set for the kind of grind-it-out success he built his reputation on. Instead, United’s second-half recovery has handed the advantage to fourth-placed Chelsea, who travel to struggling Aston Villa on Sunday.

Fernandes shows his class again 

Rashford was the player in focus, having already enjoyed a high-profile success off the field involving a U-turn, successfully lobbying for the extension of the food voucher scheme offered to vulnerable school children. However, Fernandes showed the delay had done little to affect his form. He again impressed and has now been involved in six goals, scoring three, in the league since his arrival in January.

Dave saves? Perhaps not 

De Gea’s failure to deal with Bergwijn’s right-footed drive led to a stinging assessment from Roy Keane. Summarising for Sky Sports, the former United skipper said of the Spaniard: “He is the most overrated goalkeeper I have seen in a long time.” His position as number one at the club will no doubt come into question again, particularly with Dean Henderson impressing while out on loan at Sheffield United. 

What’s next?  

Spurs have home advantage again on Tuesday when they welcome West Ham. As for United, they are in action the following day, hosting another team with top-four hopes in Sheffield United.