Man Utd toothless without a striker
Highlights from the Premier League conflict between Manchester United and Crystal Palace
The one striker to begin the sport in Crystal Palace’s 2-0 win over Manchester United at Previous Trafford scored each of the targets. Jean-Philippe Mateta confirmed what a correct centre-forward can do – and what Ruben Amorim’s facet proceed to sorely lack.
There are quite a few points at United, wing-backs who can not create, defenders being outwitted and a ponderous midfield, but it surely was the sight of Kobbie Mainoo enjoying up entrance that highlighted the apparent distinction between the 2 groups on Sunday.
The out-of-position teenager did have his moments early on. He arrange a great likelihood for Alejandro Garnacho after which struck the publish himself. However that was it. The difficulty that Mateta brought about the defenders on the different finish of the pitch was a unique matter.
United simply look toothless. It’s 16 video games since they led at half-time. The one first-half aim they’ve scored of their final 14 in all competitions was Bruno Fernandes’ penalty within the defeat to Brighton. On this event, the second half was in all probability even worse.
What the choice to go along with Mainoo says about Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee is a matter for hypothesis. However each of them struggled once they got here on, wanting completely devoid of confidence. United limp on however they proceed to be a troublesome watch.
There may be little proof to recommend anybody left on the membership, given Marcus Rashford’s departure, has the pedigree to vary issues. To the switch market, then? Talking afterwards, Amorim appear extra involved about throwing good cash after dangerous.
“We try all the pieces to enhance the group, with out doing the errors of the previous, attempting to steadiness the urgency of the second.” United need assistance. However the query is not only whether or not they can afford the suitable striker. It’s whether or not they can actually afford to attend.
Adam Bate
Spence stands up to be counted ahead of Salah test
Highlights from the Premier League match between Brentford and Tottenham Hotspur
Djed Spence take a bow. The Tottenham defender, enjoying out of place at left-back, did a high quality job on Sunday marshalling Bryan Mbeumo. Subsequent up? Mohamed Salah.
The stats present he received eight of his 10 duels on the Gtech and no-one received extra tackles in a Spurs shirt. Spectacular. However there have been additionally the opposite moments which made a distinction – how he used his energy to shoulder the Bees ace off the ball to win a throw, how he compelled Mbeumo to show again reasonably than cross, his restoration tempo to close down a Brentford cost down that facet…
After being ineligible in midweek and injured towards Leicester, this was a well timed return to the group – and underlined the progress Spurs’ full-back has made.
“He is been excellent since he is come into the group,” mentioned Postecoglou afterwards. “He loves the problem of taking over the elite. Bryan is true up there, particularly right here. You may see he loves that problem. That was another excuse we saved Micky [van de Ven] on ice. He’ll be vital for us till Future will get again.”
He’ll actually be vital on Thursday, within the Carabao Cup semi-final at Liverpool when he has to comprise this season’s prime performer, Salah…
Peter Smith
No home comforts for Brentford right now
Brentford’s fortress has been conquered greater than regular in latest weeks – they’re now winless in six at residence throughout all competitions, with their loss to Spurs their fifth defeat in that run.
Maybe the early kick-off on Sunday is not preferrred for producing an intimidating ambiance however since holding the perfect residence file within the league earlier this marketing campaign, Brentford have struggled in west London of late.
Nottingham Forest, Arsenal, Man Metropolis and Liverpool have featured in that run, in order that they have confronted powerful opposition – however this weekend Thomas Frank shall be left reflecting on how his facet didn’t make lengthy spells in Spurs’ last third rely.
Thirty-seven crosses, 48 touches within the field and a pair of.29xG added as much as nothing.
Away days towards West Ham and Leicester are up subsequent and Frank shall be hoping for a optimistic return from these fixtures to allow them to capitalise on their subsequent residence recreation, towards Everton, and return to choosing up vital factors at their HQ.
Peter Smith
‘Nobody doing it better than Jean-Philippe Mateta’
Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta (left) celebrates with team-mates after scoring the opening aim (AP Picture/Dave Thompson)
Should you had requested soccer followers a 12 months in the past whether or not Jean-Philippe Mateta was one of many prime strikers within the Premier League they’d have merely laughed and referred to as you a idiot.
His rise underneath Oliver Glasner has been phenomenal. Manchester United can solely want to have a striker possessing such energy, athleticism and ruthless goalscoring potential. He makes defenders defend along with his motion and his sheer brute power when in full circulate is a sight to behold – as recognized by his jaw-dropping 80-yard run from one finish of the pitch to the opposite within the first half the place he left 4 United defenders in his wake.
Mateta’s two targets at Previous Trafford took his tally since February 23 of final 12 months to 23 targets. Solely Alexander Isak, Mohamed Salah, Cole Palmer and Erling Haaland have scored extra. He’s amongst that firm now.
Lewis Jones
