Fergie applauds defiant defence

TOTTENHAM 0, MAN UNITED 0
Sir Alex Ferguson heaped praise on his defence after 10–man Manchester United continued their remarkable run against Tottenham.

A goalless draw at White Hart Lane sent unbeaten United back to the top of the Premier League on goal difference and stretched their remarkable run of dominance over Tottenham to 24 matches.

It was May, 2001, when Tottenham last tasted victory against United and Reds boss Ferguson insists it was his back four who ensured that run continued.

Ferguson said: "We defended very well. They never gave us any trouble with their attacking.”

The one sour note for United was the sending-off of full-back Rafael for two bookable offences.

The second one on Benoit Assou–Ekotto looked a harsh decision by referee Mike Dean.

The draw means United remain nine points ahead of Tottenham, who are fifth, one point behind Chelsea in the race for the Champions League places.

Ferguson, however, insists the title race is tight and any one from five could still have a chance of lifting the trophy in May.

He said: "I think there are five teams all contesting it. All have chances and it makes it interesting for neutrals.”

The match was Ryan Giggs' 600th league appearance for United and Ferguson said of the veteran Welshman: "He's an incredible human being and an example to anyone that wants to use him as a role model."