Even Werner’s shots could destroy United’s ‘fortress’
FOR every one of Timo Werner’s wayward shots, there are a thousand cheap ones.
Combined, that is an awful lot of shots.
After what looked like a trademark Timo first half at Old Trafford, social media was awash with mockery of the goal-shy German.
To be fair, it did not help that his first goal attempt for Tottenham put another hole in the Stretford End roof but it was all just a little bit harsh.
And inside a minute in the second half, Werner had provided a neat assist for Rodrigo Bentancur’s equaliser.
Having also missed a very presentable chance late in the opening period, it was a welcome moment for Werner.
It was also a hint about what he might be able to bring to a Spurs team that still needs all the options it can get. Yes, his performance was, in many ways, a reprisal of his Chelsea days but, deployed on the left flank, he gave Tottenham an extremely useful outlet.
As Ange Postecoglou (with Werner, below) said, if his new forward had been pulling up Bundesliga trees at RB Leipzig, he would not be with Spurs.
But there were signs in this game that he might be an asset to Ange’s cause, not only in the absence of Heung-min Son, but in the longer term.
Werner, given a decent ovation by the Spurs fans when he was hooked with 10 minutes left, might well be wondering how he was not on the winning side against Manchester United. Even with so many players missing, this match was there for Tottenham’s taking.
That they did not take it was down to some indifferent defending for the Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford goals that sandwiched their first leveller, headed in by Richarlison. Spurs were also guilty of some over-elaboration in the final third, meaning that, for all their possession, clearcut opportunities for the visitors were at a premium.
The fact that they should be disappointed at leaving Manchester with only a point is testament to two things.
United’s mediocrity and heightened expectations under Postecoglou.
This is a United side so painfully lacking in belief and intensity that any idea of Old Trafford still being some sort of fortress has long since been dispelled.
To have a mere 36 percent possession is a reflection of how manager Erik ten Hag fails to get his men on the front foot.
This was a depleted Spurs yet still they had more shots, more corners, a lot more of the ball and, if you are into that sort of thing, a higher expected-goals number.
They dominated the midfield area but just lacked the odd bit of composure when United threatened on the counterattack.
But the Red Devils have become an outfit that rely almost solely on the counterattack and that is not what a truly elite team should do.
They look like a side that simply hopes for a moment of inspiration – whereas Tottenham looked better organised, more creative, fitter and with a coherent game plan.
And you never know, Werner might find his shooting boots from yesteryear and put an end to all of those cheap shots.