Manchester United’s win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday gave Mourinho’s side a massive win at the most important time.
Moving to within three points of Pochettino’s side is a massive boost for United who have been struggling for league form in recent weeks.
They finally put together a performance solid enough at both ends to pick up three points and can now be confident heading deeper into the busy December schedule.
It was a Henrikh Mkhitaryan goal that gave the Red Devils victory, his powerful finish past Lloris was the midfielder’s his first ever Premier League goal and only his second in United colours.
Sadly for the Armenian he was stretchered off late into the game and fans will be waiting anxiously to hear whether or not he’s out for an extended period of time.
From start to finish it was an engrossing encounter, even if not as exciting as most other Premier League games this weekend.
Here are our FIVE pictures that summed up all the action at Old Trafford…
What a beauty
Mkhitaryan’s first United goal was one to remember. His expert run had him clear and free of the Lilywhites’ defence after Herrera’s beautiful through ball carved it open.
You don’t get more assured finishes than the one he stuck past Lloris high into the net. A fine sight for United fans everywhere.
A big setback
Unfortunately for the midfielder his day ended in misery, having to be stretchered off after an awkward fall at pace.
It’s a setback for Mkhitaryan who was just starting to emerge as potentially one of United’s key players this season. He’s contributed 2 assists and 2 goals in his last four games and will be hopeful of returning to Mourinho’s starting XI when he gets fit again.
Not their day
Spurs will be mightily disappointed with their performance. They never really got going in the match and only really tested David de Gea once, in the first half.
They’ll have gone to Old Trafford expecting to pick up a point or even three but they’re still 3 points behind Manchester City and now a massive 10 points behind Chelsea.
Lots of work to do if they’re to improve on last year’s excellent season.
United could have had a couple more had it not been for Hugo Lloris. The French international goalkeeper was in fine form, stopping Pogba twice from accurate and powerful shots.
This one in the second half would have been the killer blow to their chances and the ‘keeper at least ensured his side could fight for a point until the very end.
Organised, disciplined
There was a determination about Mourinho’s side that hasn’t really been so far this season. They were dogged and resilient, able to cope with whatever Spurs were bringing.
Mourinho knew exactly how to secure the points and executed his game-plan to take the pressure both off himself and his squad, who have also taken plenty of criticism this season.