Opinion: Analysis undersold Reds' performance

Yet United could, and probably should, have extended our lead - despite Spurs' lightning approach to the restart. Paul Pogba managed to get into three extremely promising positions and, with more luck, would have found the net. His French international colleague Hugo Lloris denied him twice and there was the moment, as Anthony Martial rolled the ball into his path on the edge of the box, that sent the heartbeat racing in anticipation of a second goal.

Of course, by now, Mauricio Pochettino's men were also creating chances of their own. When Dele Alli streaked through, we relied on David De Gea to block the England international's effort and the Spaniard would soon become the obvious contender for Man of the Match.

This is undeniably true, as 92 per cent of fans who voted on our official app agreed, and some of his stops were out of the top drawer, particularly the near-post save from Toby Aldweireld from a corner. However, we've come to expect nothing less from our brilliant no.1, and I would have been surprised had any of the efforts beaten him, because his positioning is so exceptional. The pressure built and Spurs had opportunities to claim a point, even if we continued to look to break away and wrap up the win.

Despite an extended amount of injury time, we held out and the relief was obvious. This was an exceptional result and a huge team effort was required to get over the line. Pochettino afterwards declared the second half-display to be the best of his time at the club and credit must go to Spurs for their part in a compelling encounter.