Giggs goal enough to defeat Spurs
Giggs goal enough to defeat Spurs
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Saturday, 09, Sep 2006 08:59
Ryan Giggs justified his Player of the Month award with a header against Tottenham after just eight minutes, which proved enough for Manchester United to win the game.
Martin Jol's side will rue their squandered chances, though they did well not to concede more in front of a record Premiership attendance of 75,434 at Old Trafford.
Michael Dawson and Ledley King had goal-bound efforts parried by United's Edwin van der Sar, while Jermain Defoe wasted a gilt-edged chance when he headed over an open goal from just six yards.
Back in north London after completing a permanent move from Roma, Mido was equally profligate in front of goal, though debutant Pascal Chimbonda looked solid at right-back.
Without Aaron Lennon, Spurs looked narrow in midfield and were kept in check by their former playmaker Michael Carrick, who controlled the middle of the park for United with panache.
But the star performer for the hosts was World Cup scapegoat Ronaldo, who teased the Tottenham defence with a series of tricks, turns and crosses.
It was his free-kick that led to the early goal. Deflected off the cross bar and poorly dealt with by Paul Robinson, the ball bounced favourably for Giggs, who charged in to head it past England's number one.
Louis Saha almost doubled the lead for Sir Alex Ferguson's side minutes from time, when he found space behind the Tottenham defence, but was denied when Robinson palmed away his goal-bound effort.
Spurs have now stumbled to their worst start to a campaign since 1995, while United remain at the top of the table with maximum points from four games.