EPAScott McTominay cheers after his opening goal against Chelsea
NOS Voetbal•vandaag, 23:25
Scott McTominay has done Manchester United and coach Erik ten Hag an excellent service with a starring role in the Premier League match against Chelsea. Thanks to two goals from the Scottish midfielder, United won 2-1 at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening.
This victory keeps the club in touch with the top four in England. United is in sixth place, three points less than fourth-place Manchester City. The fellow citizen suffered a 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa, the new number three.
McTominay opent score
Although United and Chelsea are not currently among the superpowers of the Premier League in sporting terms, sparks flew immediately in the opening phase. The pace was killer and both teams had great opportunities for the opening goal.
The very best opportunity came after eight minutes for the home team, who were awarded a penalty after a foul by Enzo Fernandez on Antony. Captain Bruno Fernandes, who had missed two of his last three penalties, produced a weak shot that was easily saved by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
NOSDe stand in de Premier League
After Mychajlo Moedryk (Chelsea) and Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United) hit the post in quick succession, United still took the lead in the 19th minute. McTominay struck after Harry Maguire’s shot was blocked.
It was ‘only’ the fourth competition goal for McTominay, who could already call himself the club’s top scorer. The fact that United as a whole has difficulty scoring is one of the criticisms of the players and coach Ten Hag.
Earlier this week, several English media wrote that about half of the selection no longer has confidence in Ten Hag. In response to those stories, several journalists were banned by United from a press conference by Ten Hag, who claimed there were “no problems” between him and the players.
McTominay scores again
Despite an imposed chance for McTominay and a good performance by goalkeeper André Onana during a Chelsea breakout, United did not go into the dressing room with a lead. Shortly before half-time, Cole Palmer was given just enough space by his direct opponents to slide the equalizer past Onana.
EPAErik ten Hag makes himself heard on the sidelines
After the break, the home team created the most danger. Antony and Garnacho came close to scoring, but it was McTominay who scored again after 70 minutes. He headed home after a cool cross from Garnacho.
The latter was close to making it 3-1 moments later, but after a quick counter-punch he was knocked off the ball at the last moment by Chelsea defender Reece James. On behalf of the visitors, Armando Broja headed against the post in the final phase.
City chokes on Villa
Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola said on Tuesday that his team – despite a series of three league games without a win – will become champions again this season. That task has become a little more difficult after a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa.
ReutersLeon Bailey gives Aston Villa the lead against Manchester City
City failed to bring coach Unai Emery’s Villa to their knees. Instead, Leon Bailey fired the home side to victory in the 74th minute via the leg of defender John Stones.
Van Dijk scores for Liverpool
Earlier in the evening, Virgil van Dijk was of great value to Liverpool, who won the away match against Sheffield United 2-0, partly thanks to a goal from the Dutch defender. Van Dijk was alert in the first half to a corner from Trent Alexander-Arnold and tapped in the opening goal at the far post.
In injury time in the second half, Dominik Szoboszlai also scored for Liverpool. Cody Gakpo had started in the starting line-up for ‘The Reds’, just like Van Dijk. Ryan Gravenberch came on in the final phase.
2023-12-06 22:25:51
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