The Portuguese forward made it 25 goals in 27 games this season as he netted from the penalty spot and then benefitted from a goalkeeping error to give the hosts victory. Robbie Keane had put Tottenham ahead in the opening half before Carlos Tévez levelled for United before the break to set up an exciting second period. But a red card for Dawson after he had handballed and conceded a penalty changed the outlook of the game and handed Alex Ferguson's team the impetus. United fielded a strong side as they showed the competition respect, while the visitors were forced to reshuffle as Ledley King and Pascal Chimbonda were both out. The sign of a great team is to win games without playing at their best and Sir Alex Ferguson would not argue that this absorbing tie could have gone either way. Wayne Rooney had the first clear of the game after just four minutes when he clipped the ball wide from close range as the game started at a fast pace. Tottenham prevented United from playing their fluid passing game early, but did not have a clear chance themselves until the 16th minute when Dimitar Berbatov saw a header cleared off the line by Rooney. That chance came shortly after Ronaldo had driven the ball past Radek Cerny's far post and Rooney had warmed the keeper's gloves. While the visitors had enjoyed their fair share of possession, it was still a surprise when they took the lead in the 24th minute. Dawson sent a fantastic pass out to the wing where Lennon controlled before stepping beyond Patrice Evra and sending a low cross into the are which Robbie Keane poked him from close range. The strike stunned Old Trafford, but it also saw Tottenham drop back and try to defend the lead for the remaining 20 minutes of the half and that was a mistake. United came forward and looked to break down the visitors' rearguard, although it was a mistake that led to the equaliser after Giggs had tested Cerny from 20 yards. A long ball forward was met by Dawson and the Tottenham defender sent his header upwards rather than out and allowed Giggs to lay it off to Tévez as it came down and the Argentinian drove the ball into the far corner of the net. As half time approached, the visitors were given a chance to retain their lead as Jermaine Jenas broke through the centre of United's defence only for his shot to be tipped away by Van der Sar. There were no changes at the break, but as the Red Devils pushed up after the break Jamie O'Hara curled a free-kick just wide and Jenas shot wide when he should have done much better, while Ronaldo fired into the side-netting at the other end. It was a compelling encounter that either side looked capable of winning until another moment of madness from Dawson dented Tottenham's hopes of going through. A direct pass from Van der Sar saw the Tottenham defender completely misjudge his header and push the ball with his hand and Rooney shaped to shoot. The red card was produced as the away team were punished twice when Ronaldo stepped forward to steer home his first of the afternoon from 12 yards out. While the pace slowed slightly, Tottenham took the brave step of going to three central defenders and three forwards with Jermain Defoe being introduced. With five minutes remaining it could have paid dividends as Steed Malbranque floated a pass into the box and Wes Brown's foot guided the ball on to the post as he was challenged by Berbatov. Tottenham had the belief that they could take the tie back to White Hart Lane until two minutes from time when Ronaldo turned on the edge of the area and saw his shot deflect of a defender and then creep under Cerny's body. Lucas Brown, Goal.com
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