United 2 City 0

A disappointing day, and like Jack, for me there were too many echoes of the 1-0 defeat earlier this season in todays game, and we never really convinced that we were ever likely to be in the game.

Principally, we lacked the intent, belief and purpose that was needed to take anything from todays game. The trio of Ireland, Robinho and Elano were in the main ineffective and given short shrift by United's midfield. Similarly, the defensive duo of de Jong and Kompany were unable to take a control of the game and be the launching point for our attacks. Surely more was to be expected from a midfield five of the quality that was on display? All of this of course allowed United a rather easy ride on course to an inevitable league title.

We were far brighter in the second half though and we more than matched United in terms of possession, but far too much of it was not built upon or was in ineffective areas. On the odd occasions that we did carve chances out (or perhaps half-chances is a more apt description) we were unable to capitalise and once again the need for a real goalscorer to be added was apparant. Nice little cameos from Petrov and Bojinov were welcome and hopefully point to better times for the pair next season.

The result was of course also a setback in the race for seventh, with Fulham perhaps getting a surprise victory yesterday leaves needing to win out to have a chance. Fulham's remaining fixtures are Everton and Newcastle and it is possible they will taste defeat in one of those games. White Hart Lane is not a happy hunting ground for us though, but that will have to change come next Saturday.