I had regarded this particular game as the final before the final when the draw was made. A game which on the face of it can be tagged as one of the biggest games in England this season if you go by the names involved. This was the 3rd time Tottenham Hotspur would be squaring up against Manchester United this season with both sides having 1 victory over the other before today’s game.
Technically Tottenham were the home side judging by venue of the game which was Wembley Stadium where they have been playing their home games since the start of the season due to construction of their new home ground. In the last 6 meetings between both sides they have shared the spoils by winning 3 games each (all home victories for the two sides).
Both sides were eager to win this tie because the Emirates FA Cup as it is, is their only shot at silverware this term. United look like they have booked a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League (UCL) and so I expected them to nick this one because Spurs though 5 points ahead of Chelsea in the pursuit of a UCL slot could be distracted a bit. Remember it is my memoir, I am permitted to think this way as a Man Utd Fan.
I would not say I was surprised with the way Spurs bullied my team in the first 15 minutes of the game. Dele Alli’s goal in the 11th minute was a well deserved one for Tottenham.
The build up was amazing, Davinson Sanchez sent in a long pass to Christian Eriksen who crossed for the on rushing Dele Alli to finish off. Spurs kept putting pressure on United and it was looking like it was going to be a rout in their favour.
Relief came in the 24th minute in form of an equalizer when Paul Pogba put a cross into Tottenham’s 18 yard box with Alexis Sanchez leaping to nod in.
1-1 but it felt like Spurs were going to grab another and they came close through Christian Eriksen in extra time of the first half when his shot struck the bar. First half ended 1-1.
The second half was looking like the first with the Lily Whites as Tottenham is also known as dominating possession but it was United who took the lead in the 62nd minute through Ander Herrera.
The Spanish international latched on to a pass from Romelu Lukaku to put the Red Devils 2-1 up. Spurs tried everything they could to draw level but Man Utd was having none of it.
The game ended 2-1 which ensured Manchester United made it to their 20th FA Cup final. They would be facing either Southampton or Chelsea who lock horns in the second semi-final match holding later today.
Alexis Sanchez was named man of the match but I was too nervous to pay attention to who the best player on the night was. The victory was key.
Thanks for your time guys and enjoy the rest of your weekend. BLESS!!!
