Manchester United return to winning ways this afternoon with a 2-1 victory on the road against Crystal Palace. United will now take a leap into the top six after this afternoon’s comeback victory in which they trailed in the first half by a goal. This loss for Palace ends their 12-match unbeaten run at Selhurst Park.
Match Overview
The scoreline at halftime came as no shock as no side in the Premier League has gone 1-0 down less often than Palace this season, although they almost found themselves falling short in the opening minutes of the game as Diogo Dalot’s long throw sent the Eagle’s box into momentary chaos. They were however saved by Dean Henderson who put on his best to rush out and smother Casemiro’s strike from point-blank range.
Casemiro still pushed for an opener and soon got another opportunity from a Bruno Fernandes freekick but was unable to find the net as he headed the ball wide. United were put at an advantage as the winter sun caused unrest at the Eagle’s back.
Palace looked dangerous twice as Mateta tried to capitalize on de Ligt and Yoro’s errors but was unlucky to send both efforts wide. Also, duo Kamada and Adam Wharton came close to getting on the scoresheet but Senne Lammens was hands on to tame their efforts. As pressure increased, Yoro who had block close-range effort from Pino heroically fell short and gave away a clumsy penalty after tripping Mateta in the area. Mateta then stepped up and converted but was prompted to retake after VAR flagged him for double touch. Regardless, Mateta converted the second attempt after sending Lammens the wrong way.
With the hosts leading by halftime, Arsenal struggled to get back into the game after a re-energizing break. They found the leveler 10 minutes into the second half through Joshua Zirkzee who ended his 24-game drought with a brilliant volley from a tight angle at the left into the right inside netting.
United received a lot of set-pieces and capitalized on them as the second goal came minutes later when Fernandes laid off a free-kick to Mason Mount who struck underneath a dispersed Palace wall into the near post.
The hosts were left to try and stage a late comeback but United dominated the closing stages of the game to claim their second away win in 12 away league games, and a fourth from their last 27 trips to London. This wins comes as a perfect response to the defeat against Everton for manager Amorim.
Upcoming fixtures
Crystal Palace:
Burnley vs Crystal Palace – 3 December 20:30
Fulham vs Crystal Palace – 7 December 17:30
Manchester United:
Manchester Utd vs West Ham – 4 December 21:00
Wolves vs Manchester Utd – 8 December 21:00
