Henrikh Mkhitaryan endured glory and agony as his first Premier League goal gave Manchester United a crucial win over Tottenham in the Premier League.
The Armenian attacker’s goal handed Jose Mourinho’s men a 1-0 win over the visitors and gave them three vital points in the race at the top of the table.
He latched on to Ander Herrera’s ball and rifled into the net to the joy of the Theatre of Dreams faithful. But the ecstasy turned to agony when Mkhitaryan was taken off on a stretcher with an ankle injury in the last few minutes and he has subsequently been sidelined until after Christmas at least.
Now United face two away games at Crystal Palace on Wednesday night and then at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. And United ace Juan Mata says the win over Spurs leave the squad in buoyant mood.
He said:
“It’s been a positive week and this is what the team needs in order to get confidence and feel that the work we’re doing is bearing fruit. Tottenham is a very competitive side, they had lost only once in the Premier League this season, which gives more value to our victory at Old Trafford.”
“Now we have two away games in a row so there’s no time to celebrate. As from now we start working on the game against Crystal Palace, to extend the good streak. Selhurst Park is always a difficult stadium to get the three points, and the same applies to The Hawthorns.”
“Both games will be very demanding. Crystal Palace are trying to create distance from the relegation zone, and West Brom are proving to be a solid team this season, tough to beat, but we have to keep working well to get closer to the top side of the table.”