United, who had won seven of their last eight games, stayed third in the table, nine points behind leaders Chelsea, and Tottenham remained sixth. (Source: AP)

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris inspired his team to a feisty 0-0 draw with Manchester United in the Premier League’s early game on Sunday.

Spurs survived a wave of early pressure and threatened to end United’s eight-match unbeaten run in the closing stages as tempers flared at White Hart Lane.

“They had a great first half but we stayed in the game because we were strong defensively,” man-of-the-match Lloris told BT Sport. “The spirit was great.”

United, who had won seven of their last eight games, stayed third in the table, nine points behind leaders Chelsea, and Tottenham remained sixth.

“We lost two points. We had the best performance of the season in the first half and could have scored four or five goals,” United manager Louis van Gaal said.

“We were fantastic. But when you don’t score goals you cannot win. The second half was a struggle.”

The visitors, who named an unchanged starting line-up for the first time in 85 matches, dominated the first half.

Frenchman Lloris made a fine diving save to tip over Ashley Young’s fierce curling shot and Phil Jones had a close-range effort correctly ruled out for offside.

The influential Juan Mata’s deflected free kick also crashed against the post and Robin van Persie should have scored after running on to a sublime pass from Michael Carrick but Lloris blocked his tame shot.

Referee Jon Moss brandished six yellow cards and Spurs nearly sneaked victory eight minutes from time when midfielder Ryan Mason blazed the ball over after good hold-up play from Harry Kane.

Chelsea travel to fourth-placed Southampton and champions Manchester City, in second, host Burnley in two of eight matches later on Sunday