By Victor Kanayo
Manchester United performed in a classic manner to humble Tottenham 2-0 at Old Trafford in one of English Premier League actions decided on Wednesday.
Second-half goals from Fred and Bruno Fernandes brought United to within four points of Spurs, with a game in hand.
United were excellent in the first half, monopolising possession and pulling Spurs about with their passing and aggression.
But, though they had 19 shots at goal – more than in any 90 minutes this season – and though Antony hit the post with a fine effort from distance, they only made one clear-cut chance, a shot from Marcus Rashford which Hugo Lloris tipped away.
United saw out the remainder of the game easily enough, looking more likely to score a third than Spurs did a first.
They are moving in the right direction; despite their loftier league position, the same cannot be said of Spurs.
Similarly, Darwin Nunez scored his first Liverpool goal at Anfield as the Merseysiders continued their upturn in form with a narrow 1-0 win over West Ham.
The lively Uruguayan forward headed in the opener on 22 minutes and then went close to a second with a thunderous strike that came back off the woodwork.
West Ham were second best throughout the first period but blew a gilt-edged chance to go in at the break level when Jarrod Bowen saw his penalty saved by Alisson.
West Ham were second best throughout the first period but blew a gilt-edged chance to go in at the break level when Jarrod Bowen saw his penalty saved by Alisson.
Next up, Liverpool visit Nottingham Forest on Saturday while West Ham host Bournemouth on Monday night.
For Chelsea, it was a match to forget as Brentford FC held them to a frustrating draw.
Newcastle beat Everton 1-0 in their encounter Wednesday night, just as Southampton defeated Bournemouth with same margin.