A home game with no fans: Spurs 1 United 1

A home game with no fans: Spurs 1 United 1

Over forty years ago was the last time I missed a home game. I thought either severe illness or death would have prevented me from missing a match… instead, I stayed – on the day of the match - in perfect health, while all around me collapsed in panic. The world went into lockdown, and I was forced to stay at home – along with millions of others (that is their homes, not mine) – away from my friends, kids and grandchildren. The only thing that kept me company was my dog, my books, writing, social media and cycling for exercise (yes, sad I know!). At the same time, I piled on the weight. So, not a good three months for anybody. But I shouldn't complain as thousands died around the world.

I did go to Sainsbury’s once a week, which was the highlight of any week (shopping and talking to people, at least it was something). And course the weekly clap every Thursday night for the heroes of the nation; NHS and other essential facilities that carried on working.

I am still sane (but some may disagree!) and reasonably… well, sort of fit (putting my arthritis to one side for the moment).

So, the next step was TV; unfortunately, I don't have Sky, so I thought I was going to miss out, and just listen to the radio. Luckily for me, Tottenham announced that they were giving two-free vouchers or passes so we could watch the game on Sky/ Now TV. So I did see the game. For future matches, I'll have to get the moth infested wallet out and pay game by game.

Normally, I would be writing my blog and describing what surrounded my visit to the Tottenham Stadium or one of the away games; yes, I know, it would have been exciting, adventurous and laugh a minute romp! And you are all heartbroken that you missed my description of such adventures. Instead, on the day of our teams return, I got up, read, had a cycle ride, watched a few programmes, took the dog for a walk… it didn't get any more excitable than that. Oh, how I yearn to be back to normality and leaving my house to watch us play… or just socially interacting.  

Two hours before kick-off, I set up Now TV channel on my computer, and that was a pain in the arse. The instructions were limited and only through trial and error did  I finally manage it, fifteen minutes before kick-off.

Then I settled down in my hard-backed swivel computer chair. Oh, I forgot to mention

the glass of red wine by my side. Just in case… if you get my drift?

Unfortunately, this match didn't go the way as planned. Before the virus break, we had four key players out, and I expected United to beat us. Then virus the came to our rescue (and a three-month break), and now our leading players are fit for this match and hopefully for those up and coming ones as well. So a win was expected, but nothing goes as scripted.  Paul Pogba returned to action for the first time since 26 December to sneak a penalty that earned United a cruel point at our crowd less stadium. Only artificial crowd noise kept the birds away.

United goalkeeper David de Gea was at fault when he failed to stop Steven Bergwijn's great 28th-minute shot (on Sky news Roy Keane was having kittens over the way De Gea and Manchester were performing; which was entertaining in itself). So there was relief all-round for the visitors when Pogba surged into the area before he was hauled down by a ham-fisted tackle, Eric Dier was culpable for this stupidity.  Fernandes equalised with a powerful penalty ten minutes from time.

 We survived a last-minute scare as referee Jon Moss pointed to the spot again when Dier collided with Fernandes, but lucky for us the video assistant referee correctly reversed a feeble decision.

De Gea made amends with a good save from Son Heung-min shortly after his error, while Hugo Lloris made an outstanding flying save from Martial as United ran around like exhausted headless chickens for an equaliser.

We were rightly disappointed to allow a goal so late on in the game, and in such stupid fashion. However, it could have been worse when referee Moss incorrectly awarded that second penalty – If it wasn't for VAR, it would have been all over for us.

Lloris had produced that brilliant save from Martial, but we were hardly under siege. Jose Mourinho continuously walked up and down the touchline in annoyance when awarded that penalty. Frustrated Mourinho realises that 2 points were dropped and it will dent our chances.

At least Mourinho was pleased that Harry Kane, after hamstring surgery, and Son, after he broke his arm, as well as goalscorer Bergwijn, played and survived to fight another day.

Both teams looked knackered, but it was United that got that crucial equaliser to the annoyance of our fans.

We needed to win this to have any hope of getting a place in the Champions League. We drew, but now we must go through the last remaining games undefeated if we want any chance of being in the Champions League next season.

Statistics

·        Steven Bergwijn became only the second player to score in his first three home Premier League appearances for us, after Rafael van der Vaart in 2010.

·        Only Trent Alexander-Arnold (14) has more assists among Premier League defenders in all competitions than full-back Serge Aurier this season (eight).

·        Jose Mourinho has won none of his past six matches against his former clubs in all competitions (D2 L4), taking just one point from four Premier League matches against Chelsea and Man Utd this season (D1 L3).

·        We are winless in seven games in all competitions (D3 L4), their worst run since November 2016 (also seven without a win).

Where next?

We host West Ham in the Premier League on Tuesday, 23 June (20:15 BST).

So there you have it; the day in the life of a Spurs-isolated-supporter.

Trust me, the build-up to the next game will probably be just as exciting. So long as we win, I don’t give a shit or how happy my day was, a win over the spammers will lift me to unforeseen heights... Now, where is that bitch… sorry, dog… I need to take her for a walk.

By Glenn Renshaw