United remain unflappable, undefeated

THE blank scoreline may have been unexpected but the outcome was not.

Unable to break down a Manchester United defence depleted for the last 16 minutes by the dismissal of Rafael da Silva, Tottenham Hotspur were provided with a reminder of the distance they still have to travel before they can eye a first title in 50 years.

Harry Redknapp’s side enjoyed the greater possession, even before Rafael’s unfortunate dismissal following the second of two harshly awarded yellow cards, but faced with opponents brimming with experience and know-how, they were unable to find a way through.

For once this season, the vibrant runs of Gareth Bale, intelligent prompting of Luka Modric and the improvisation of Rafael van der Vaart weren’t enough to break down a United backline that demonstrated why they remain unbeaten.

Spurs manager Redknapp insisted it was his side that carried the greater threat and looked the side most likely to clinch victory. That much was true. But so too was his admission that the task was too great for them.

It remains to be seen whether United’s resilience will be enough to return the title to Old Trafford. This, after all, was their eighth draw in ten away games and 20 dropped points represents a significant loss even if the defeat column remains blank.

But there is no doubt they have the foundation on which to launch a sustained charge from the front during the second half of the season.

Ferguson only has to breathe loudly at this time of year to be accused of mind games and while his claim that this was the first time he has visited White Hart Lane to face genuine title contenders undoubtedly heaped pressure on Spurs, it was also undeniably true.

To counter the United manager’s suggestion, Redknapp had suggested that the aspirations of his own side and the rest of the chasing pack would count for nothing if Ferguson’s team succeeded in claiming another three points.

Other teams may have been inhibited at playing for such high stakes but it quickly became clear neither was about to temper their familiar attacking approach.

Bale and Van der Vaart have provided the focus for much of Spurs’ forward play this season and with Ferguson opting to play Nani and Ryan Giggs out wide with Wayne Rooney supporting Dimitar Berbatov up front, it was no surprise that the opening minutes produced chances at both ends.

The pace was predictably frenetic but Tottenham’s verve would have been significantly diminished had Rooney made more of a clear opening after he was played in by Berbatov. The England forward’s run into space was excellent and he could arguably have won a penalty had he gone down under the challenge of William Gallas but he wasted the chance, pulling his shot wide.

Rooney produced a good save from Heurelho Gomes midway through the half when he struck a crisp snapshot from 22 yards but from that moment his touch eluded him, although he was not alone in lacking quality when it mattered most.

Composure was the missing element in the game and neither keeper was tested as much as they should have been.

Peter Crouch was as guilty as anyone when he met Alan Hutton’s expertly delivered right-wing cross with a near-post volley that flashed wide when the forward should have hit the target.

And while Bale was a narrow points winner in his first-half battle with United right-back Rafael, his succession of left-wing crosses eluded team-mates until Van der Vaart connected at the near post, diverting the ball into the side netting.

Rafael stuck to his task well, although his early booking – harshly awarded for a late challenge on Wilson Palacios – ensured the Brazilian was forced to exercise restraint when trying to shackle the Welshman. His best work, though, was going forward when he regularly provided his side with an extra body.

The outstanding figure in the first 45 minutes was Tottenham playmaker Luka Modric, whose ability to create space in a crowded midfield stood out, confirming why Ferguson has repeatedly been linked with a move for the Croatian.

Modric’s influence was, if anything, even more pronounced during the second period when Spurs took control for long periods after again surviving a scare from Rooney.

Spurs though were unable to get around the back of the United defence and deliver quality service to Crouch and Van der Vaart, even after Rafael walked for clipping the heels of Benoit Assou-Ekotto.

A late effort from Van der Vaart curled narrowly wide with nine minutes remaining and the fact that was the home side’s last clear chance spoke volumes.