Manchester United continued the defense of their EPL title at home to Harry Redknapp’s Spurs on Saturday evening in a must-win game, after Liverpool had surpassed them at the top of the league with a hard-fought 3-1 win against Blacburn Rovers earlier in the day.

The hosts were shocked in the first half by an impressive Tottenham side that managed to pierce Manchester United’s defense through Darrent Bent’s opener and Modric’s outstanding strike.

The London club perhaps thought that business was almost done, but Tevez’s inclusion and a controversial penalty decision in the second half proved to have turned things around.

Manchester United were awarded a dubious penalty after Michael Carrick went down in the process as keeper Gomes cleared the ball away. It was Cristiano Ronaldo’s task to convert the spot kick for United to get back into the game. The World Player of the Year – who missed some important penalties last season in the Champions League – held his nerves and brilliantly, banged the ball at the back of the net to give some hope to the home side.

Wayne Rooney equalized before Cristiano Ronaldo fired Manchester United into the lead with a diving header from close range. Quite a cool way to mark his new short haircut… The Portuguese’s celebrations – in which he removed his jersey – typically explained how relieved he was to have brushed his anxiety away by scoring this goal.

From there, Tottenham Hotspurs were completely devastated. The Red Devils were always threatening whenever they approached Spurs’ 18-yard box. Cristiano Ronaldo again then found Rooney in the penalty area with a fine cross. The number 10 striker got his shot right as the ball went just a little over the line.

Berbatov then added a scrappy fifth goal to emphasize Manchester United’s stunning comeback.
Cristiano Ronaldo had two late chances to clinch a hat trick but his low shots went wide. That would have been some icing on the cake…

Manchester United host Arsenal on Wednesday in the Champions League and the Reds are determined to go for it.

Written by: Angela Asante