5 things we learned from Manchester United vs Spurs

1) Adebayor is a revived man under Tim Sherwood

Emmanuel Adebayor scores against Manchester United.

This new year’s day Emmanuel Adebayor carried on from where he left off against Southampton. He placed a beautiful header for the first goal and played a crucial role in the break-away that led to the second. He is a complete package of physical presence, pace, finishing and composure. It won’t be wrong to say that the Togolese striker has rediscovered his confidence and form against the new head coach, Tim Sherwood. He has grasped his chance with both hands and repaid the faith shown in him by Sherwood; faith that was missing under AVB.

Adebayor’s new found form is just what the doctor ordered for Spur’s Champion’s League hopes.

2) Man United can kiss the premier league trophy goodbye

United manager David Moyes walks away after defeat against Tottenham Hotspurs.

Last season Manchester United had dropped only 25 points in the 38 games they played and went on to win the premiership. This season however, United have dropped 26 points after 20 games this season. If one were to make a table of the top 8 teams and how they performed head to head, then United would be sitting at the bottom with only 5 points from a possible 24.

With such poor stats and the performances & strength in depth of the likes of City, Arsenal and Chelsea, there is not even a remote chance of a late surge from United to retain their title. It’s all but over for Moyes’ boys.

3) United are missing their full backs

Valencia fails to mark Eriksen and lends in the goal.

With both Rafael and Phil Jones out of action with injuries, Man United were without a proper Right back against Spurs. Smalling was given the duty to play wide, a duty he failed to obey. He was left watching as Adebayor headed in the first goal. Later in the game Valencia was shifted to right back and eventually was responsible for the second goal. It just goes on to show United’s lack of strength in depth and their inability to deal with good crosses. If United are to compete for the Champion’s League spot, they have to make sure they address these issues.

4) There is a huge hole in the United midfield

United have to play Rooney deeper to compensate their midfield troubles.

Yes you might have heard it again and again, so many times that you don’t even pay attention to it anymore, but the season so far for United shows the absence of a world class midfielder who can see out a pass and set up plays. Because there is no midfielder who can pass well in the United line-up, Moyes had to play Rooney deeper than he usually does. So deep that it made United a lot less threatening up front. United need to invest in a couple of midfielders as soon as possible to have any hopes of finishing in the top 4.

5) Reputation of serial divers can cost you 3 points

Hugo Lloris tackles Ashley Young.

Ashley young is known more for his consistent simulations than he is for his consistent match performances. The match against Spurs was the classic case of the “boy who cried wolf”. In the final stages of the game, Hugo Lloris left his goal to challenge Ashley Young and instead of getting the ball he managed to clip Young with his two feet- a clear penalty and straight red card offence. But, because of Young’s past reputation of simulation, Howard Webb was hesitant to give anything.Had it been someone like Rooney in Young’s place, maybe Howard Webb would have made another decision, a decision which would have meant a chance to salvage points.

It is a lesson to players who go down easily that if they continue to do so then there will soon come a time where referees would not give decisions in their favour.