A Positive Spin...

I thought we played some of the brightest football of the season this afternoon against a Manchester United that were formidable against *rsenal and recently beat them, no, thumped them 2-0. Tottenham were not so easily snuffed out. We lost, and I also understand that the fourth spot finish to the season will now be far less straightforward but I was actually very proud of the way the team played.

Our defence was, with the notable exception of the YP Lee fiasco, superb. Dawson was a credit to the firm as was Davenport. It was great to hear the SKY commentary give up with the 'new boy' remarks as Calum's contribution spoke for itselef as the game progressed. Davids is much improved - fewer loose balls and a noticably higher energy level had him all over United, lessening any space for characters such as Van Nistlerooy and whilst the old boy was still leaving his foot in, it wasn't all he did as in previous weeks.

Stalteri has seemingly emerged from the Witness Protection Programme with if not a new name, certainly a new identity. His last two performances were decent, the goal against City was cooly taken and not the sitter many suggested. Jol has seemingly fixed him - and many of us, me included will just have to get over that. Overall our real problem ( not mentioning Wayne Rooney ) was our inability to score - and god knows we threw the kitchen sink at them.

What was really pleasing was the style of football we played. We harried and ran at them when they had the ball. Our possesion play was assured and exciting to watch. Aaron Lennon might have been shown more of the ball, his final pass was so much improved at long last. Robbie Keane strutted with the ball at his feet and flustered his opponents when without it. He was as much all over the park as Michael Carrick, blocking shots, passes and nipping the ball off the toes of Giggs & Co.

In the final analysis we lost, but played such a quality passing game from front to back that we cannot be written off as another scalp for Sir Alex. We may or may not make the CL this season, but I feel far more comfortable thinking about what next season may bring after watching a gutsy team performance such as today's.

So on the up side, United now chase Chelsea like a man late for work with toast between his teeth chases after his bus as it pulls away from the stop. Come on you Spuuuuuuuuuuuurs!