Seven yellow cards were shown in the Barclays Premier League clash at White Hart Lane, while Manchester United full-back Rafael was sent off in the second half.

"Not at all," Dawson told Sky Sports 1 when asked if the game had been played in the wrong spirit.

"There were two sets of players that gave everything, I wouldn't say it was a dirty game.

"When they went down to 10 we thought we could go on and win the game but it wasn't to be. We got the clean sheet.

"When you're a defender you always like to get a clean sheet and credit to them, and to our lads."

Midfielder Luka Modric was disappointed that Spurs could not take all three points.

He added: "The game was very tight and there wasn't much space but we played a good game.

"We are disappointed, especially when they went to 10 men, that we didn't score. It's a fair result.

"It's a sign of the times that we're disappointed with a draw against such a big team."

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson refused to comment on Rafael's red card.

"I don't need to discuss that, you can see for yourself," he said. "I don't need to discuss the referee."

Ferguson went on to praise his defenders, adding: "I think they were particularly good.

"It could be a really thrilling end to the season. Tottenham are not out of it.

"It's about winning games and keeping your nerve and today, defensively, we kept our nerve."

The game was Ryan Giggs' 600th league appearance for the club and Ferguson said of the veteran Welshman: "He's an incredible human being and an example to anyone that wants to use him as a role model."