Armenian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan scores first-ever Premier League goal to give Manchester United victory over top-four rivals Tottenham Spurs
Manchester United's Mkhitaryan celebrates after scoring against Tottenham Hotspur in an English Premier League match at Old Trafford in Manchester yesterday. Pic/Getty Images
Manchester: Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored his first Premier League goal for Manchester United but was later stretchered off as Jose Mourinho's side claimed a timely 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur yesterday. Mkhitaryan converted Ander Herrera's through ball just before the half hour to end a frustrating run of four successive home draws and give United just a second win in nine league matches.
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Henrikh stretchered off
It was his second goal in two games, after he opened his account for the club against Zorya Luhansk on Thursday, but he exited on a stretcher after turning his ankle in a late challenge by Danny Rose.
United remain 13 points below leaders Chelsea, but closed to within three points of fifth-place Spurs and six off Manchester City, who occupy the fourth and final Champions League berth. United once again failed to convert their dominance into goals, but unlike in their recent 1-1 draws against Arsenal, West Ham United and Everton, they were not made to pay.
Initially kept on the sidelines by Mourinho following his arrival from Borussia Dortmund, Mkhitaryan has become something of a lucky charm for the Portuguese, who will hope his injury is not too serious. Defeat curbed Spurs' recent revival, which had seen them beat Swansea City 5-0 and secure a Europa League place with a 3-1 win over CSKA Moscow.
Mauricio Pochettino's side remain without an away league win since September 24. Tottenham centre-back Toby Alderweireld made his first start in eight weeks after a knee injury and he and his defensive colleagues quickly found themselves under examination. It took United less than two minutes to carve Spurs open, Zlatan Ibrahimovic teeing up Paul Pogba for a left-foot shot that was parried by his France team-mate Hugo Lloris.
United's next goal blocked
Mkhitaryan saw an effort blocked by Jan Vertonghen, Herrera gave Lloris some catching practice with a dipping volley and Michael Carrick whistled a shot over from range. United goalkeeper David de Gea had to deal with a zippy free-kick from Christian Eriksen, but the hosts looked the more likely scorers and duly went ahead in the 29th minute.
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No. of points Man United are below leaders Chelsea, three points away from fifth-placed Spurs and six off Manchester City
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