Tottenham Hotspur Vs. Manchester United Result Report

Carlos Tevez struck a priceless equaliser in the final minute of injury time as United came from behind to notch a 1-1 draw at Tottenham on Saturday afternoon.

The Argentinian striker volleyed home Nani's near post corner in the 93rd minute, cancelling out Dimitar Berbatov's first-half opener for the Londoners.

The Bulgarian striker converted from close range after 20 minutes, pouncing after Edwin van der Sar could only parry Aaron Lennon’s cross into his path.

United’s goalkeeper vehemently contested the goal’s award, maintaining that Jermaine Jenas had handled the ball in the build-up, although his protests only earned one of nine bookings dished out by referee Mark Clattenburg.

The draw – United’s fourth league stalemate of the season – always looked to be the best the Reds could hope for after a sluggish start. Tottenham, for their part, were vibrant from the very first whistle.

Nemanja Vidic had to be alert and athletic to prevent a long pass from Tom Huddlestone reaching Berbatov inside the first five minutes and, although Wes Brown did miss with a speculative shot for United, the hosts made all the early running.

Owen Hargreaves did superbly to turn away a dangerous cross from Berbatov after 15 minutes, but the England international was unable to prevent Spurs taking the lead five minutes later.

Jenas fell to the ground under Hargreaves’ attention after a long chase into the area. As he toppled - arms aloft, appealing for a penalty – Jenas brushed the ball with his hand.

The ball ran for Lennon, whose cross was palmed into Berbatov’s path by van der Sar, and the Bulgarian simply slotted into the unguarded goal to put the hosts ahead.

United’s protests were long and loud, and undoubtedly spawned by frustration at such a sloppy concession. Even in attack, the Reds looked uncharacteristically out of sorts.

Cristiano Ronaldo had the visitors’ first opening of any sort after 34 minutes, but he could only guide his unmarked header well wide of the post from 15 yards.

Berbatov then volleyed another Lennon cross over the bar from inside the area, before United were almost handed a scarcely-deserved route back into the match.

Lennon was again involved, his needless shove sending Evra sprawling inside the Spurs area, but referee Clattenburg declined to recognise what looked like a strong shout for a penalty.

United were showing signs of promise in the half’s closing stages, and Sir Alex Ferguson opted to replace Hargreaves with ex-Spurs playmaker Michael Carrick at half-time as he sought to build on that improvement.

Although the Reds continued to enjoy more possession, the United manager must not have been satisfied by his side’s opening to the second period, as he replaced Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes with Nani and Anderson.

The next clear chance fell to Spurs, however, as Berbatov took advantage of a slip from Vidic to feed Robbie Keane, but the Irish striker could only sidefoot tamely at van der Sar when he really should have scored.

United almost drew level with 15 minutes remaining as Anderson stung the palms of Cerny with a 25-yard drive, while a last-ditch challenge from Chimbonda prevented Tevez from slotting in Rooney's centre.

Things went from bad to worse for United in the dying stages, however, when Rooney was booked for diving under a challenge from Dawson - a fifth caution of the season and a seat on the sidelines in next weekend's Manchester derby.

Just when that looked set to cap a frustrating afternoon for United, Tevez popped up to volley in Nani's corner at the near post with virtually the final kick of the match.

The result leaves United two points behind league leaders Arsenal, but the evasion of a fourth league defeat of the season will be a massive boost for the Reds ahead of next weekend's Manchester derby.

Team Line-ups

Tottenham Hotspur: Cerny; Hutton, Woodgate, Dawson, Chimbonda; Lennon (Boateng, 78), Huddlestone, Jenas, Malbranque; Berbatov, Keane (O'Hara, 90).
Subs
not used: Robinson, Taarabt, Lee.

Manchester United: Van der Sar; Brown, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra; Ronaldo, Hargreaves (Carrick, 46), Scholes (Anderson, 60), Giggs (Nani, 60); Rooney, Tevez.
Subs not used: Kuszczak, O'Shea.