Tottenham draw 2-2 with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League.
Ange Postecoglou was able to call up new signings Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin, with the German immediately in the squad and the Romanian central defender on the bench. He also had a defence with real centre-backs at his disposal, with Micky van de Ven and vice-captain Cristian Romero healthy and available again.
However, it wouldn’t have been a Spurs game if there weren’t several players unavailable. Postecoglou lost Dejan Kulusevski due to an illness that affected the whole squad. Ryan Sessegnon was also missing, while Ben Davies, Giovani Lo Celso and Dane Scarlett are now injured. This means Tottenham can only bench eight players, including two goalkeepers and three young players from the academy.
United took the lead after just a few minutes of play. Spurs’ reunited defence was stuck in a crowded midfield after Destiny Udogie fouled Marcus Rashford in the box and Rasmus Hojlund found space and sent a rocket into the top left corner.
The Spurs equalised before the 20th minute when Richarlison rose highest and headed past Pedro Porra. After some good play from Tottenham, Udogie sent a header against his own post and then Marcus Rashford scored United’s second goal with a low shot. In stoppage time, Romero headed over the crossbar.
Tottenham equalised again with a fine goal about a minute into the second half. Oliver Skipp crossed down the left to Werner, who picked out Rodrigo Bentancur, who ran, took a touch and then beat Onana with a powerful shot.
Manchester United legend Gary Neville said Tottenham can finish ahead of Liverpool and Arsenal in the Premier League this season.
Neville was speaking to Sky Sports after Spurs drew 2-2 with United on Sunday.
With this result, Ange Postecoglou’s side are level on points with fourth-placed Arsenal and five points behind leaders Liverpool.
Tottenham played without Heung-Min Son, Pape Sarr, Yves Bissouma, James Maddison, Giovani Lo Celso, Dejan Kulushevski and Ben Davies at Old Trafford.
Neville believes they can even finish second when the injured players return.
“If the players stay healthy, they will definitely finish in the top four, but I think they can get to second and third place,” said Neville.
“If these players come back and if they can get through the next few weeks, I really think they can be better than Arsenal and Liverpool this season.
“It would be something special for Ange Postecoglou if they finish second or third, which they could do if they keep a clean sheet,” Neville said.