De Gea’s saves help United beat Spurs
DAVID DE GEA produced 11 saves in a virtuoso goalkeeping performance yesterday, helping Manchester United to a 1-0 victory over Tottenham secured by Marcus Rashford’s goal in the English Premier League (EPL).
By passing his first significant test since replacing José Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer became the first United manager to open with six straight wins – strengthening his bid to keep the manager’s job into next season.
The only goal came in the 44th minute at Wembley Stadium after Tottenham defender Kieran Trippier gave the ball away. Paul Pogba sent a long, high diagonal pass to Rashford, who controlled the ball with one touch and then sent it low beyond goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
The second half was all about Lloris’ United counterpart, with De Gea using his feet and hands to repeatedly thwart Tottenham players – particularly Kane and Dele Alli.
Solskjaer got the better of Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, who was considered the favourite to be hired as Mourinho’s permanent successor.
Although still third in the standings, Tottenham have now lost back-to-back league home games, and top-scorer Harry Kane limped off at the end.
United are yet to rise from sixth under Solskjaer, but the record 20-time English champions are now only behind Arsenal on goal difference and six points adrift of Chelsea in the fourth and final UEFA Champions League place.