An FA Cup semi-final and two Premier League contests graced us for a full Saturday of English football. History was made and records were set.
The clash of titans at Wembley headlined an excellent day of football across England. Mauricio Pochettino went with Michel Vorm in goal for this FA Cup clash. Jose Mourinho put his best team forward with Jesse Lingard and Ander Herrera making starts. United’s team was the better side throughout the match as they advance to their 20th FA Cup final, tying Arsenal’s all-time record. Here is how it went down.
Man United 2-1 Tottenham
Some lackadaisical defense by Paul Pogba gave Christian Eriksen a clear right-wing to cross it to Dele Alli. Alli got a touch on the ball and scored past David De Gea. The 11th-minute goal was Alli’s third in the last four matches and gave Spurs a lead. Alli added a little Fortnite dance for his celebration.
Spurs strike first! Eriksen whips in a perfect cross for Dele Alli to give Tottenham the lead at Wembley. pic.twitter.com/Bg4ETGJ9ZG
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) April 21, 2018
Man United began to dominate the game after Alli’s half-volley. Paul Pogba redeemed himself by winning the ball off of Mousa Dembele and crossing it to Alexis Sanchez. Sanchez got the height and the ball hit off his face to equalize. Sanchez’s third career goal in a United shirt is his biggest thus far.
Alexis Sanchez ties it up for United! And it's Pogba with the takeaway and the assist. 1-1. pic.twitter.com/yJecSsj9Dz
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) April 21, 2018
Mourinho’s Red Devils got the well-deserved lead off another attack. A layoff from Romelu Lukaku fell to the feet of Ander Herrera. Herrera smashed it home past Michel Vorm. The goal is only Herrera’s second in all competitions. Two big goals from big game players send Man United to Wembley again a month from now for a trophy.
UNITED TAKE THE LEAD! Lingard leaves it for Herrera, who makes it 2-1 in the FA Cup semifinal. pic.twitter.com/26WaCeV3QP
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) April 21, 2018
Tottenham’s loss clinches an 11th straight season without a trophy. Spurs have a tremendous amount of young talent but need a world-class star to give them that trophy they desperately crave. Spurs new White Hart Lane could be the start of a new era of Tottenham football.
Tottenham will spend the rest of spring assuring a spot in the Champions League. They are five points ahead of Chelsea.
As for Man United, Jose Mourinho has likely bought himself more time at the club with a third straight season making a final. Manchester United will be looking for their second FA Cup crown in the last three seasons when they play Chelsea or Southampton in the final.