Tottenham Hotspur were comprehensively beaten by Manchester United at Old Trafford and the final scoreline of 3-0 did not make good reading for Spursa chances of finishing in the top 4.
Facing their direct rivals for the coveted Champions League spots, Spurs had their task out and had a great chance to reduce the deficit that they were staring at. And there wasna t a better time to face the Red Devils, having just been knocked out of the FA Cup by Arsenal.
However, things did not go according to plan, with Manchester United turning on the style in a performance that was surprising to many, fans included. They scored 3 goals in the first half itself, essentially ending the tie and any chance Tottenham had of taking some points away from Old Trafford.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino was very disappointed by his teama s performance, which could mean that once again the Lily Whites could finish out of the top 4, with Liverpool above them as well.
a Ia m very disappointed because our performance was poor and my worry is why,a said Pochettino afterwards. a We were ready to compete and it was a very bad day.
a We now need to analyse why and try to fix it.
a Okay, ita s true we conceded an early goal and after that it was difficult to manage the game. The first half was poor. In the second half we tried hard but it was too late.a
The manager, however, had words of praise for the fans who travelled to Manchester to support the team. Pochettino said, a The players all agree, they know we were poor, they are sad and we feel sorry for our supporters because they were brilliant again and ita s for them that wea re all disappointed,a he added.
a Ita s a shame because you always feel the energy from the start from our supporters and when we delivered this performance ita s not easy.
a We all know in football this can happen but we have to deliver now back at home on Saturday.a
Spurs fans would be hoping that the team picks itself up and goes on a winning run that will give them maximum points from the remaining games, if they are to harbor any hope of getting into the top 4. Currently in seventh place, falling behind Southampton thanks to Goal Difference, it will be hard pressed to think that Spurs have any chance of going into Europa League, let alone going back to Champions League action. Pochettino will certainly be ruing their knockout from the Europa League competition, as it is increasingly becoming the best way to get into Champions League, as Everton seemed to have made it their mission this season.