Manchester United was again forced to comeback from a goal down as they defeated a resurgent Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 at White Hart Lane.
Harry Redknapp's team came into the match full of confidence and played a very attack-minded formation, and Spurs took the lead in 51 seconds.
Jermain Defoe, who just received August's English Player of the Month, gave Spurs the lead inside the first minute of play with a superbly taken overhead kick.
Too Early
That was exactly what the match needed, and it allowed United to play the football that they are capable of.
A Confident, workman's like display saw United get a foothold on the match, and every time they went forward, they looked as though they could score with ease.
The goal finally came and it was a brilliantly struck free-kick. Ryan Giggs curled the ball passed an outstretched Carlo Cudicini.
A second soon followed and the cruelest joke in English football came to a screeching halt!
Tottenham found them self behind after failing to clear a corner, and Anderson finally got his first goal from open play for United as he slammed the ball past Cudicini. His goal should give him the confidence to go and get more, which will be an added bonus for United.
United continued to stroll forward and knock the ball around with confidence, and Tottenham, who were enjoying their best start to a season, were thought a tough footballing lesson.
Although United were controlling the pace of play, Spurs still posed a threat them self, but Ben Foster and the crossbar saved United.
No Effect
United were reduced to 10 men, as Paul Scholes was sent off for what can only be described as two typical Scholes' slide tackles. Replays showed that Tom Huddlestone play-acted and got the former England midfielder sent off.
Even having few numbers on the field, United still controlled and looked the likely of the two teams to score - and that's exactly what they did.
Man of the Match, Wayne Rooney, deservedly got on the score sheet and put the game to bed. He embarrassed both Alan Hutton and Cudicini - nutmegging both - with a dazzling solo effort.
United could have - or should have - extended their lead, but a few great saves from Cudicini, and a couple of narrow misses saw Tottenham not being played off the pitch.
1+3=1
Cristiano Ronaldo was United's go-to player for the past five seasons on set pieces and penalties, and with his departure to Real Madrid, there were questions who would take the responsibilities. With Ronaldo a sure bet for success at each, other United players weren't needed.
The questions came to an end in the last two matches. Against Arsenal, Rooney showed that he wants the responsibility and can handle the pressure of taking penalties.
United have a few players that can take free-kicks. Nani, Rooney, Anderson and the evergreen Giggs have all shown that they can handle the burden this season. It will be interesting to see who takes the next United free-kick.
Against an ambitious Tottenham team, United showed that they are a team oozing with class. They showed that they can pass and run a team off the field, and if they keep playing like this there is no question that they will be competing for honors at the end of the season.
