PRESS BOX VIEW - INDIE

Last updated : 27 September 2004 By editor

'Like the West End in a slow period, it was all about revivals at White Hart Lane on Saturday. Tottenham's previously well-received ensemble performance received a reality check but Manchester United's much-criticised star vehicle looked set, now its stars are on stage, for a long run.

For all the talk of "crisis", the Premiership's most successful club find themselves fifth in the table this morning. This still leaves United seven points adrift of Arsenal, but both clubs know they have closed much larger gaps in the past.

Controlling this match more comprehensively than the margin of victory suggests, United always looked certain to end Spurs' unbeaten record once Ruud van Nistelrooy, from the penalty spot, had put them in front just before the break. With Rio Ferdinand strolling through another sweatless outing, Roy Keane ruling the midfield and Cristiano Ronaldo a constant threat United thoroughly deserved their win.'