For the first time in Premier League history, the opening goal was an own goal.

Nabil Bentaleb had a horror show. In the 21st minute, the Algerian tried to force a pass which was picked up by Juan Mata who relays to Memphis Depay. The Dutchman finds a galloping Ashley Young down the right flank with the Spurs defense completely caught out of position. The winger cuts to Rooney in the middle of the penalty area who dawdles with only Michel Vorm to beat but a onrushing Kyle Walker valiantly tries to take the ball away with disastrous results as he succeeds only in poking the ball past the Spurs goalie.

Till then, Spurs were overwhelmingly the superior size and should have been ahead if only Christian Ericksen has controlled his volley a bit better after being put through beautifully by Harry Kane’s masterfully crafted chip. The goal seemed to put a freeze on their attacking instincts but Utd weren’t able to take advantage. The half ended in a stalemate notwithstanding the own goal.

Spurs were again better in the second half but weren’t able to deliver an equalizer with Sergio Romero coming up big with some decent stops. Utd for their part had their first shot at goal in the 70th minute. Memphis Depay playing behind Rooney looked surprised every time the ball was taken away from him. He was quite underwhelming. Utd’s best players were both defenders and Matteo Darmian excelled in the right back position showing a fine positional sense each time Spurs tried to break out. He was also good going forward. The revelation was Chris Smalling solid as a rock in 1 to 1 situations as Nacer Chadli and other Spurs steered off the ball found out. Spurs poured it on in the last 5 minutes but Romero was up to the task. The Argentinian goalie overcame a few jitters and settled down to a fairly nice exposition of his craft.

The match itself was pedestrian. Utd were too slow spending too much time going lateral. Spurs were more direct but their passing often lacked incisiveness and precision. Still, 3 points is three points and Utd who lost their opener last year to Swansea will be quite thankful.