By Chris,
December 2 2009
Two moments of inspiration from Darron Gibson fired Manchester United into the semi-finals of the League Cup. Sir Alex Ferguson fielded a host of fringe players, but despite a nervous start his side swept aside Spurs and marched through to the competition’s last four.
Fergie kept faith in hisyoung starlets despite the recent defeat to Besiktas - and his faith wasrestored as United marched on in the Carling-sponsored League Cup.
Spurs started farstronger and poured forward in numbers. However, a host of early chances weremissed - and it was United who broke the deadlock against the run of play.
Gibson picked up the balljust outside the Spurs box and lashed a fine, low strike beyond theoutstretched Gomes.
The visitors hit backalmost immediately, with the inspired Tomasz Kuszczak brilliantly denying Defoefrom close-range.
The North Londoners wouldbe left to rue their sloppiness in front of goal, as a wonder strike fromGibson on 38 minutes put United two to the good. The Irishman launched aspectacular long-range effort home to the delight of the majority of the 57,212crowd.
The pace of the gameslowed after Spurs grew frustrated by their failed attempts to get back intothe contest. Peter Crouch was thrown on for the ineffective Robbie Keaneshortly after the hour, but United's unfamiliar back-four of Gary Neville, WesBrown, Nemanja Vidic and Richie (Ctrl Alt) De Laet held firm.
Villa are also threw tothe last four following a thrilling 4-2 win against Pompey on the south coast. TheBitter Blues host Arsenal and Chelsea go to Blackburnin Wednesday's games.
Full Time - Manchester United 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur
Attendance - 57,212
Quote:The new Scholes? (shot wise that is)
