MANCHESTER UNITED? MORE LIKE MANCHESTER DIVIDED!

After a promising performance at the Gtech Community Stadium in the previous fixture, the morale has been high among Spurs fans. Ange's football reflects the attacking style that has been so longingly missed since 2019, as such leaving Tottenham's opponents a little bit lost.

Fans welcomed back at the first home game of the new season. Credit: KMP Vision Media

As the evening game kicks off under the fading light in North London, the Reds from Manchester try their luck, taking advantage of the Lilywhites's initial sloppy possession.

Garnacho offloads the ball to Antony, who strikes just over the bar. Soon after the young winger tries another approach, but it is subdued and easily collected by Vicario. Despite being able to create some turnovers, the Tottenham goalkeeper had not been placed under immense pressure until a Antony-Rashford combo. United's number 10 attempts to raise his strike over the Italian international, who simply utilises his 6ft 3 frame to spread himself and make a crucial save. Aside from some mediocre set pieces from Maddison, the Red Devils continue their possessive plight, with blocks from van de Ven, offside rulings and a shot over the bar the only things keeping the score at 0-0.

Vicario and Romero in action against United's Marcus Rashford. Credit: Sky Sports

By twenty-five minutes, Spurs garner some possession and counter down the left side with captain Son Heung-Min beating Varane and offloading to Sarr, who in turn passes to Kulusevski whose shot is stopped by an alert Onana. Shortly after, Garnacho's shot deflects off Romero, causing immediate appeals for a handball. VAR deems the Argentine's questionable arm placement 'natural', much to the exasperation of the visitors. The centre-back breathes a sigh of relief, and in response, Tottenham begin to find their rhythm.

Romero's lucky escape. Credit: Rex

Maddison breaks through with speed, finding Udogie and then Son, sliding the ball over to Sarr whose initial strike and then rebound are caught by Onana. Fernandes has a chance to head the ball into the net but knocks it wide. From then onwards, the Lilywhites continue to attack, as more and more United players get added to the book. The hosts hit the woodwork twice within ten seconds, Porro's initial powerful strike rattling the sidebar with Sarr collecting the rebound only for his cutback to be deflected away by Shaw. The ball falls inches away from Richarlison, but it is just enough for Manchester United to clear.

Kulusevski and Porro make two further attempts on goal, but both find their way into the arms of Onana. After three added-on minutes, the teams are level at half-time.

Four minutes into the second half, and Pape Matar Sarr gives Tottenham the lead. Kulusevski has lots of space down the right flank and breaks into the byline, sending a ball across the face of the goal which lands perfectly for Sarr to hook a left-footed strike into the back of the net. If the atmosphere of the home fans wasn't already electric, they are now cheering loud enough to make one's ears ring. The away end remains silent as ever as they watch the 20-year-old celebrate his first club goal.

An ecstatic Sarr after putting his team ahead, moments before the corner flag feels the extent of his joy. Credit: ESPN

The Reds are denied by the post yet again as Spurs then collect and counter, Udogie eventually halted by Onana. Spurs appeal for a penalty as Romero goes down in the box, but the referees are unfazed and the play continues to the opposite end where Casemiro's header is steered one-handedly away by Vicario.

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Guglielmo Vicario. Credit: Sky Sports

The play goes end-to-end, with a save from Vicario and a block from Shaw keeping the score at 1-0. Udogie receives a yellow for bringing down Antony. Bissouma continues to cause trouble for United in midfield, but not so much with his shooting, as the ball goes miles over the net. Ten Hag decides now is the time to make three changes, bringing on Eriksen for Antony, Sancho for Garnacho and Dalot for Wan-Bissaka, followed by two changes for Tottenham. Davies is on for Udogie and Perišić is on for Richarlison, pushing Son up front.

Perišić takes a corner for Tottenham, which is headed just clear of a stealthy Kulusevski by Luke Shaw. Højbjerg then comes on for Sarr in midfield.

Perišić curls a cross into the middle from the left side, which Davies scuffs across Martinez's toes and into the net. Although Davies's shot was not well-connected, it was still on target despite Martinez's help. The own goal puts the home side 2-0 up, and they are keen to keep a clean sheet.

Martinez's desperate scramble gifts Spurs their second goal. Credit: Getty Images

United and Spurs both make further substitutions, with Pellistri on for Mount, Martial on for Rashford, Solomon on for Kulusevski and Royal for Porro. Pellistri goes down in the box upon contact from Davies but neither the referee nor VAR are interested. United are trying their best to score a consolation goal going into nine minutes of added time, with Bissouma awarding them with a free-kick on the edge of the box in the final moments. Fernandes curls his effort over the post, and the ball is left for Vicario to take a goal-kick. The Italian hypes up the home fans as he gears up to take the final kick of the game.

Tottenham were odds-on to lose this game but came out victorious after a dominant second half. Never underestimate Tottenham Hotspur Football Club!

Kiera's Kicks

My thoughts and some facts about today's game

Hoo-Doo Who?: Tottenham finally beat United for the first time at their new stadium!

Manchester Divided: Manchester United have only won one of their last ten Premier League games in London and have gone twelve without a clean sheet. How were they odds on to win, again?

Sarrboy: Pape Matar Sarr is the youngest player to score for Tottenham in the Premier League since Juan Foyth in 2018.

Amazing Atmosphere: The atmosphere was the best I've seen and heard since the stadium first opened. The noise and chants were constant, along with a newly instated drummer in the South Stand. It was absolutely electric, and clearly showed the fans believe in their team again. I mean, who wouldn't? Ange Ball is certainly what we've been wanting since Pochettino left in 2019!