Tottenham makes early statement with 2-0 home win over Manchester United

Erik ten Hag is perturbed by Saturday’s loss and seemingly by the idea that the result had anything to do with how he set up his Manchester United team (comments transcribed by the BBC):

“I think we created more chances, very good chances. I think we did very good pressing and high ball retains. We had the switches, created some great chances but didn’t score. Then you have to stay focused. It started at the end of the first half, three unneccessary bookings and we conceded a big chance. Totally unneccessary. Then the second half the way we started was no good. But we did not collapse. We fought back.”

Ten Hag also praised Mason Mount for his deep-lying role, something that’s drawn criticism from many angles, saying that United controlled the first half with Mount deep next to Casemiro... They just didn’t score.

He also says the start to the season extends more than two games.

“I see the start as a few more games. We are disappointed today. We have to look at ourselves to score our chances, and we did not. The first goal is very important in Premier League games.”

On the game: “It was good. Fair to say we looked a bit nervous at the start which was surprising. Thought we gave the ball away a little too much and Man United had the better of the chances. But I like the way we hung in there and worked our way into the game. In the second half in certain spells we showed the team we want to be. I really like the belief and resilience our guys showed.”

On Pape Sarr: “He’s only 20 years old. The energy but also the quality. His football was outstanding.”

On the stadium vibe: “Right from the first whistle, the crowd brought atmosphere and if anything that carried us through the first half. They were outstanding today, the supporters. Great scenes at the end and hopefully that creates more energy.”

Below is what Fotmob rated the players, but be sure to check out Joe Prince-Wright’s ratings for both teams live from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

(fotmob.com)

What a home debut for Ange Postecoglou. The Tottenham fans are chanting his name rhythmically and the entire stadium is jumping. Well, aside from those sat in the Manchester United section...

This is exactly what Ange wanted. Passion, grit and directness.

If this is the new Tottenham, I like it.

Ivan Perisic sends a low ball toward Ben Davies, whose swing at the ball barely gets any of it.

The same can be said for Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez, but his turn of the ball likely was what made the ball go from wide to inside the far post.

Spurs 2-0 late.

Now Mason Mount and Marcus Rashford exit for Facundo Pellistri and Anthony Martial.

Spurs removed Destiny Udogie and Richarlison in the 70th minute for Ben Davies and Ivan Perisic, while goal scorer Pape Sarr exited in the 76th for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

Sarr was immense partnered with Yves Bissouma and Spurs will have to keep up that intensity with the fiery but less agile Hojbjerg next to Bissouma.

Predictable subs for Manchester United given how this game has gone.

Alejandro Garnacho and Antony are gone from the wings, and starting right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka will also exit the contest.

Jadon Sancho will play one wing and Diogo Dalot takes Wan-Bissaka’s spot, while Christian Eriksen enters and likely signals an advanced role for Mason Mount.

United needs to be a little bit better, but also needs Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario to be a little bit less outstanding.

Tottenham finished the first half well and they have taken the lead early in the second and their fans have gone absolutely bonkers here.

Pape Matar Sarr finishes a difficult chance after great work from Dejan Kulusevski and the home fans are loving it.

United almost equalize right away but Antony hits the post and Vicario does brilliantly to tip over Casemiro’s header. What a game this is! Both teams going for it.

Tottenham’s in front!

The lilywhite side of North London just got real loud, real quick, as Dejan Kulusevski drove the right side of the Manchester United defense.

His cross takes a wild deflection to the back post and Pape Sarr reacts quickest to snap home for 1-0.

At the other end, Antony clatters the post. It’s still open here at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

As 0-0’s go, this was pretty decent. Both sets of fans have had plenty to get excited here at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Manchester United had some big chances and both Marcus Rashford and especially Bruno Fernandes should have done better with headers.

However, Spurs went close too as Pedro Porro smashed the crossbar and the duo of Son and Kulusevski are causing United problems on the counter.

The home fans are whipping up a very good atmosphere here in north London and getting right behind their team and new boss Ange Postecoglou.

I’m going to say it: this won’t end 0-0.

Ange Postecoglou’s men had more of the ball — 57% — but the danger is most certainly coming from the other side.

Manchester United took 14 of the game’s 21 shot attempts, which helps reinforce the xG battle line of 1.26-0.53 to the Red Devils.

United is credited with three “big chances” by FBRef.com, with Garnacho and Rashford likely replaying what could’ve been in their minds on the way to Erik ten Hag’s halftime team talk.

Yves Bissouma has drawn three fouls for Spurs and has not missed on a pass over 45 minutes while winning 7-of-10 duels.

Antony scythes down Yves Bissouma a moment late, and the Brazilian is incensed that not only is a foul called but a yellow card shown to the Man united winger.

Bruno Fernandes is unhappy with the call and said something even a captain shouldn’t, and he’ll see a yellow card as well. Expensive 30 seconds or so for United.

Tottenham then comes so close as Pedro Porro beat Andre Onana from distance but sees his shot smash the bar.

Moments later, Udogie’s hopeful cross-shot from the right deflects off a Man United player and hits the post.

Getting closer to a goal in North London!

No goals but plenty of chaos. Neither team has grasped control of this game and both have been a little sloppy in possession.

Son and Kulusevski have looked dangerous on the break for Spurs, while Rashford has gone close twice for United with Bruno Fernandes pulling the strings.

There is a lot of scrapping in midfield and the home fans are appreciating the pressing and high-energy. This is fun.

There have been a lot of ‘almost’ moments between these two sides.

Guglielmo Vicario had a nice save early but Manchester United has had three wasted bids for a goal or possession.

Alejandro Garnacho hit a tepid shot to Vicario to start the game and then couldn’t first-time a terrific possession move from the right minutes later. Bruno Fernandes swirled a beautiful ball over the top for Marcus Rashford, who headed over the goal.

Tottenham hasn’t found a way through, either, though James Maddison should’ve been awarded a dangerous free kick, and a good break in the 25th minute was wasted by Dejan Kulusevski. The Swede has been in dangerous spots, like Garnacho, but so far hasn’t been able to find the cutting edge.

A really good atmosphere here at kick off as the Tottenham fans chant the name of Ange Postecoglou.

They are ready for a fresh start and there is a party atmosphere inside the stadium.

Hello from sunny north London!

There is a real positive atmosphere in the air as the Tottenham fans look forward to life without Harry Kane. That’s right, you read that correctly.

Speaking to Spurs fans in the streets around the stadium every single one said pretty much the same thing: ‘It’s time to move on.’

I’ve never heard such a positive and accepting response, almost universally, from an entire fanbase when their star player has left.

Tottenham are set for a new era under Ange Postecoglou and it is down to Son, Kulusevski, Richarlison and Maddison to set the tone for this season against Manchester United. There is a real feeling of anticipation and hope here at Tottenham. Let’s see how they feel 90 minutes or so from now.

No, Spurs fans, it doesn’t matter that much if Harry Kane stars for Bayern Munich and Tottenham takes time to adjust to life without one of the greatest to ever pull on your lilywhite shirt.

But there’s an awful lot of prime Kane in his Bayern debut, and if you missed his goal and assist or Thomas Tuchel’s reaction to the ‘absolutely top’ striker, head here.

And for a positive spin, who’s feeling a big game for Richarlison today?

Pape Sarr takes the place of Oliver Skipp as Spurs look to tighten things up from the 2-2 draw versus Brentford.

Jadon Sancho, Christian Eriksen remain on Manchester United’s bench as Mason Mount, Alejandro Garnacho keep places despite team performance in slim win over Wolves.

Erik ten Hag will be eager to get the midfield balance right as starting Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro together against Wolves didn’t work. Perhaps Christian Eriksen or Scott McTominay will start in midfield?

Lisandro Martinez suffered a small ankle injury against Wolves but is back, while new signings Rasmus Hojlund is still working his way back to full fitness. Anthony Martial may start up top to allow Marcus Rashford to move out to the left flank.

Tyrell Malacia and Amad Diallo are doublts, while Tom Heaton and Kobbie Mainoo remain out.

Ryan Sessegnon, Bryan Gil, Rodrigo Bentancur, Tanguy Ndombele and Fraser Forster remain out, while Cristian Romero is back.

Romero went off with a head injury after giving Spurs the lead at Brentford and Spurs have been keeping a close eye on the Argentina international but he’s available.

Destiny Udogie played extremely well at left back, while new signings Micky van de Ven and Guglielmo Vicario were tested severely on their Premier League debuts at Brentford.

Son, Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski should start behind Richarlison in attack.