On a day when Guglielmo Vicario and James Maddison made their mark on their return to the Tottenham team, it was Djed Spence who came away with the man of the match award. It is becoming a bit of a regular occurrence for the makeshift left-back as he also did likewise in the team's previous Premier League game away at Brentford two weeks ago.
Spence has been sensational since coming into Ange Postecoglou's side and he once again demonstrated why he is such a pivotal player right now as Tottenham beat Manchester United 1-0. The 24-year-old has made himself an undroppable and it leaves Postecoglou with quite a decision on his hands going forward now that Destiny Udogie is available once again.
Seen as a guaranteed starter in the Tottenham XI at left-back, you cannot say the same about the Italian international right now after previously having undroppable status. Spence may be a right-back by trade but he looks completely at home on the opposite side of the pitch.
That presents Udogie with a major challenge and it is going to be very interesting to see how that battle pans out between now and May. The great thing for Postecoglou, though, is he has choice in the role after going so long with just Spence as his only option at left-back.
After having to do without a big chunk of his team for large parts of the season, a selection dilemma is something the head coach will treasure and he will be hoping to have week in, week out. Spence once again demonstrated why he is a player Postecoglou can hang his hat on with a terrific display in Tottenham's win over Manchester United.
Causing United a host of problems with his attacking runs, Noussair Mazraoui really did have a big issue on his hands trying to contain the ex-Nottingham Forest loanee. There was one moment in the second half when Spence used his pace to skip past the full-back with ease and it resulted in a chance that Mathys Tel failed to convert.
Spence would later show his quality on the ball and confidence levels with a quick spin in his own half just past the hour mark that sent Rasmus Hojlund tumbling to the ground. The Dane was subsequently greeted by a huge cheer from Tottenham fans to make matters even worse.
Hojlund was to be frustrated by the Tottenham left-back in the closing stages of the game as he ensured there was no way through in the Spurs box. Patrick Dorgu had slipped in his fellow countryman and Spence was alert to the danger by coming across and producing a superb block on the slide to stop Vicario from having a save to make.
Archie Gray and Pedro Porro immediately recognised Spence's key intervention and came over to congratulate him by giving him a big pat on the back. He thoroughly deserved it for such a vital moment in the contest.
Showing his strength and defensive attributes throughout and also making a big impact going forward, Spence was full value for his man of the match award and he may have quite the collection come the end of the season if he continues to progress at his current rate.
That is why Udogie's return to the Tottenham XI is not set in stone, especially at a time when his teammate and good friend is thriving. Spence's versatility does give Postecoglou options, however, as it allows the boss to give Porro a breather when required.
Such a frustrating season to date with so many injuries impacting their league position and seeing them exit two domestic cup competitions, Spence has been a shining light throughout and he is rightly getting the praise he fully deserves. Udogie has a huge fight on his hands for his left-back berth.
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