Match Report
After an extremely lacklustre and disappointing home defeat to 10-man Everton on Monday night, the red devils headed to the capital to face a Crystal Palace. A side who had their own disappointment to overcome following their defeat in Europe on Thursday night.
Despite their loss in The Conference League midweek, the home side have been on an impressive Premier League run. Boasting the second best defensive record in the league; only bettered by league leaders Arsenal, and who have had unrivalled success against Manchester United over recent seasons. As such this would not be an easy task for United, with many pundits and fans fancying the home side to take all three points.
As the game kicked off, the early exchanges suggested that the home side were the team that would be celebrating victory later on in the afternoon. As Mateta posed a constant threat and Adam Wharton was spraying the ball around like prime Pirlo or Scholes, as the home side controlled the midfield and got themselves up the pitch and onto the attack seemingly with ease.
United did have a few moments all which came through the revitalised Casemiro but Henderson was equal to an early chance which produced his usual over exuberant celebration and a free header which the United midfielder could not find the target with.
All of United's threat was coming from set pieces with United's central striker on the day Zirkzee struggling to get into the game. The same struggle could not be said for his opposite number. Mateta was a constant threat in the first, using his physicality to hold up the ball well and would've fancied himself to put his side in front when he went through on goal. Fortunately for the away side he spurred the chance, firing wide. Huge let off.
Yoro also managed to produce a block which once again stopped the home side taking what would've been a deserved lead. However, it wasn't long before that all changed. As Yoro himself went from hero to villain as he naively allowed Palace's talisman to get goal side and in an attempt to rectify his mishap fouled the marauding striker who was duly awarded a penalty. Which he would take himself.
The penalty was slotted calmly away by the in form striker. But wait. Replays showed that the attacker double tapped the ball. Which is a first for the Premier League. Under newly introduced rules the striker was given the opportunity to retake.
The retake offered a chance for United to reprise the situation, adding an element of jeopardy; a jeopardy that didn't appear felt on the first attempt.
As Selhurst Park held its collective breathe the striker showed no nerves and once again sent Lammens the wrong way to this time confirm that deserved lead. 1-0 Palace.
With United failing to produce any meaningful attacks after that it felt like a case of get to half time in order to regroup. Which due to a goal saving last ditch slide tackle from Luke Shaw on substitute Nketiah was achieved. Even if it was by the skin of their teeth. The away fans could only hope that their side wouldn't be as bad as they were in the first; and arguably the last 135 minutes of football.
United started the second a bit brighter, but again without much attacking threat, with many fans across social media struggling to see where a goal would come from. With many highlighting Zirkzee's difficult afternoon.
Although that was all about to change. As is normally the way Fernandes turned provider as he smartly lifted a quick free kick into the path of United's striker. Who took the ball down well and from an almost impossible angle fired the ball hard into the opposite corner of the net. Beating Henderson and on rushing Palace defenders. As be brought out his trademark celebration. Huge moment for the striker who hasn't netted for United in 24 previous league appearances for the reds. 1-1 game on!
United now appeared the team most likely. It was another set piece that would once again unlock the home sides stubborn defence. As Fernandes squared his free kick which was on the edge of the area to United's number 7. Mason Mount then utilized the improved angle to stroke the ball through the wall and beat Palace's number 1 at his near post. Mount wheeled away in celebration sliding into the corner to celebrate his goal. Another player who has endured a tough time at United. 2-1 to the visitors.
As the game wined down and three points seemed secured Palace were awarded a last minute free kick. On the edge of the six yard box and appeared to be the perfect situation for the home side to share the spoils. As United fans watched through the gaps in their fingers. Palace substitute Devenny stepped up. But fired powerfully into the wall. This was quickly followed by the final whistle. Remarkably United get the win.
A win that propels Ruben Amorim's men into the top 10, leap frogging their opponents, and putting themselves just 3-points from the top four positions. A result and second half performance which although not perfect can give the team some confidence going into their Thursday night clash with West Ham, and continue their push to get themselves European football next season.
Crystal Palace themselves will be rueing their missed chances in that first half, as they prepare for their next league game on Wednesday away at relegation battling Burnley. They will be hoping that Turf Moor provides the stage in which to regain their own clinical touch in front of goal, and enhance their own search in gaining consecutive European football.
