PREMIER LEAGUE 16/17: Manchester United Drop Points Against West Ham
- Ayan Mitra
- Nov 28, 2016
- 3 min read
A dominant Manchester United once again failed to register a win as they were held by West Ham United 1-1 at home. This was the fourth consecutive draw for the Red Devils at the Theatre of Dreams. The Hammers took an early lead through Diafra Sakho. Zlatan Ibrahimovic pegged back for United in the early quarters of the match. To worsen matter further, United boss Jose Mourinho found himself dismissed to the stands by referee Jonathan Moss in the 27th minute.
Jose Mourinho had made six changes to his side that handsomely defeated Feyenoord in the midweek. Wayne Rooney, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Luke Shaw, Sergio Romero, Michael Carrick and Daley Blind were benched. In came David De Gea, Rojo, Matteo Darmian, Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Ander Herrera.
Sakho scores the opener. Image Courtesy: Reuters
West Ham found themselves ahead as early as in the 2nd minute of the match. Dimitri Payet floated a fast and flat free-kick in from the right. Sakho eased ahead of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and headed home the opening goal of the match. This was the third time in the season when United conceded straight after the kick-off.
After going behind in the early stages of the match, United slowly crawled back into the game. Jose’s men were asserting dominance over their rivals like the past few weeks. The only blunt face of United’s presence has been the lack of incisiveness.
Zlatan twisted and headed the equalizer. Image Courtesy: PA
In the 21st minute Rojo tapped in a ball to Pogba, who was given abundant space. Pogba looped the ball into the area and found Zlatan. The Swede twisted and headed an acrobatic header to equalize for the hosts.
The most dramatic confrontation of the half happened when United’s boss Mourinho was sent off for showing discontent. The incident happened when Pogba was booked by Moss for diving. Jose Mourinho showed his discontent at the decision by kicking a bottle. Last season then Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands against West Ham. Coincidently Moss was the referee during that clash too. The United boss may also be handed one match ban for his misconduct.
Jose sent to the stands. Image Courtesy: Getty
West Ham could have been awarded a penalty at the halfway mark when Payet’s cross hit Herrera’s hand. Also Ogbonna denied Zlatan superbly at the stroke of half time. Zlatan was clear ten yards out from goal but Ogbonna came in flying to block Swede’s powerful shot.
Wayne Rooney needs a solitary goal to equal the United club record of 249. He replaced a wasteful Rashford in the 65th minute. United skipper had one opportunity to draw level with legendary Sir Bobby Charlton. The English striker wasted the opportunity and shot straight at Darren Randolph.
The man of the match in United’s win in the midweek, Henrikh Mkhitaryan hit the post late into the game. Jesse Lingard was flagged offside when he had scored from the rebound.
“We were the best team on the pitch,” United’s assistant Rui Faria said. “We didn’t have any tactical issues during the game. The game was what we expected. Defensively we were very compact. Offensively we created the chances to win. We are showing that as a team we are a strong side and we can do very good things.”
With another draw Manchester United are now 11 points behind Chelsea and any hopes of title challenge looks bleak.
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