Manchester United 4P-1P Tottenham

The score-line looks very impressive but this was a hard fought game that was still a goalless draw after extra time. So it was all down to penalties and that was when United showed their class.

Opportunist United goalkeeper Ben Foster was given a Wembley outing by Sir Alex and proved himself up to the task. When he brilliantly saved the first Tottenham penalty attempt from Jamie O'Hara the writing was on the wall. Their fate was sealed when David Bentley's attempt was skewed wide. Giggs, Tevez, Ronaldo, and Anderson made sure that a fifth attempt was not necessary, and another trophy was on its way to Old Trafford.

Please Click Here to visit the Worldsoccer-Online Web Site

As Premiership games go this was not a classic but there is always excitement at the end when penalties decide the outcome. It was a case of 'who dares wins', and United dared, not least because of their superior penalty taking firepower. Other than that a draw was a reasonable outcome. Both sides had their chances, with superstar Ronaldo being more or less contained. He was given a yellow card later on in the game for diving, but it was a highly controversial booking, and it perhaps should have been a penalty. Referees will have to watch these sorts of decisions, because although diving, and other professional fouls have become part of the game, it is grossly unfair to wrongly label players with this sort of misdemeanour.

United started well enough with Gibson, Tevez, and Nani all threatening without hitting the target. Spurs came back into it and forced Foster to make a great save from Lennon after 70 minutes. Ronaldo nearly secured it for United, just before the full time whistle, but his forceful shot ricocheted off the inside of an upright, and extra time needed to be played.

Please Click Here to visit the Worldsoccer-Online Web Site

Both sides had extra time chances, but Foster was having a great game and saved a good shot from Darren Bent with his legs. Evra went close to no avail at the other end before the final, final whistle, signalled a penalty shoot out. Giggs led for United, and his colleagues simply followed suit. Following the leader was something Tottenham didn't want to do after O'Hara's shot was saved, and when Bentley missed United had won with room to spare. Not a classic but over two hours good entertainment, with penalties to boot!

Tags:
Manchester United 4P-1P Tottenham
soccer and football
Manchester United 4P-1P Tottenham