Manchester United allowed themselves to lose “control” in the Premier League clash with Tottenham, admits Christian Eriksen after a 2-2 draw.
Goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford in the first half helped Eric ten Hag’s side take the lead in north London.
But failing to capitalize on their advantage allowed Pedro Porro and Son Heung-min to save a point in the first game of interim boss Ryan Mason.
It’s not the first time United have let a game-chasing opponent get ahead of themselves this season, and Eriksen admitted they failed to command the game.
“I think we’ve slowed down a bit,” he told BT Sport. “That was our problem. i think it was [like] that for several games where we are astute and [have not] continued it.
“I think we lost a little bit of energy, a little bit of control, and they believed, and everything went the other way. This is how it goes normally. When you lose 2-0, things can change quickly.
“We didn’t have the control to finish them off, [and we] gave them a chance to score the first goal. It gave [them] faith”.
The points are separated in north London.#MUFC || #TOTMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 27, 2023
As a result, United are two points behind third-placed Newcastle United, albeit with two games to go against the Magpies, and six points clear of fifth-placed Spurs.
This cushion will likely help them secure their place in the top four soon, but Eriksen warned that the task still needs to be completed before it can be celebrated.
“There are a few more games ahead,” he added. “We need to keep going and get back the faith to end this. We need to cross the line.”
Manager Ten Hag echoed the midfielder’s comments, although he refused to place the blame on Bruno Fernandes for a flagrant miss in the second half.
The Portuguese, who captained the team in Harry Maguire’s absence due to injury, hit the crossbar in a one-on-one situation with Fraser Forster shortly after Porro pulled back.
“[We] Don’t blame one player for this,” Ten Hag added. “We weren’t clinical enough and I think we should have scored more. The goals we conceded were too easy and we could have avoided them.”