'The intrigue came too late. Afterwards, the Spurs head coach Jacques Santini implied there had been a conspiracy in the late appointment of Peter Walton as referee, but there were no mysteries to be solved in the match itself. This was business as it used to be for Manchester United.
For the first time since April, they have won consecutive Premiership matches. Sir Alex Ferguson's side can once more be counted on to make chances regularly over the course an afternoon and, if Rio Ferdinand's sauntering mastery of Spurs' attackers is any guide, will not lose too many goals either.
The award of the penalty which decided the game has as little potential to be a genuine cause célèbre as the selection of Walton. When Gabriel Heinze crossed deep in the 42nd minute, Erik Edman lost track of John O'Shea and, in disorientation, turned to grab the midfielder's shirt. The Spurs defender later pleaded guilty. "I am responsible," he said. "That is it. It is my fault." The mis-spelling of Edman's first name on the match programme cover must have been an omen of that garbled moment in the penalty area. Ruud van Nistelrooy converted forcefully from 12 yards.
United's fourth successive league win at White Hart Lane would have been lodged just as emphatically if several other opportunities had been taken. Paul Robinson pulled off good saves, a marginal offside decision went against Van Nistelrooy, Robbie Keane bravely blocked a Mikaël Silvestre shot and the substitute David Bellion headed against the Spurs goalkeeper from four yards.
This game certainly grated with Santini. Steve Bennett, who was initially meant to referee the match, took over from Graham Poll as fourth official when a decision was taken last week to re-route the latter to Craven Cottage. The authorities obviously thought that Poll might be needed to put down any new insurrections by Fulham players.
Santini would have preferred Bennett as referee and claimed darkly that Walton had been "smiling" with the United squad at half-time.
In any case, the inexperienced Walton handled the game fairly and well. It was not favouritism from him that made United faces beam.'