Harry Kane pointed to two, crucial ‘r’s that laid the foundations for our spectacular 6-1 win at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The first ‘r’ came inside the first five minutes and followed the worst possible start when we conceded a penalty with just 40 seconds on the clock, converted by Bruno Fernandes. However, United’s lead lasted just two minutes as Tanguy Ndombele blasted home the equaliser.
The first ‘r’ = reaction.
The second ‘r’ was the story of the rest of the first half. Harry’s quick thinking released Heung-Min Son to convert an exquisite second goal for 2-1 and we created a host of chances before Anthony Martial was sent off after an altercation with Erik Lamela. Harry soon made it 3-1, and Sonny added his second for 4-1 by half-time.
The second ‘r’ = ruthless.
We controlled the second half, Serge Aurier made it 5-1 on 51 minutes and Harry completed a day to remember with the sixth from the penalty spot.
Even in the warm up before the game the lads looked ready, looked sharp... we were ruthless, both ends of pitch
It was the first time we’ve scored six at Old Trafford, but we had hit the Red Devils for six at White Hart Lane on two previous occasions - winning 6-1 in September, 1932, and recording a 6-2 victory in October, 1962. Our previous best win at Old Trafford was a 5-1 success in September, 1959.
“It was a great, great performance,” said Harry. “Even in the warm up before the game the lads looked ready, looked sharp. Obviously, we then went behind pretty early but the reaction to that showed that we were really on it with our mindset.
“We were ruthless, both ends of pitch. When we had chances, we took them and after their penalty, we didn’t really concede too many chances. Even when they got the man sent off, you still have to be ruthless and kill the game, and to do that in the first half was great. That allowed us to be calm and patient in the second half and pick them off as we did.
“We had control of the game 11 v 11 in the way we were dropping, running in behind, keeping the ball, using the full-backs... that was exactly what we planned.
“We took our chances as well. It’s alright playing well and keeping the ball, but you also have to make sure that you finish. We did that. So, a really good day, really good week, and a great way to finish it.”