There was a lot of speculation around Old Trafford about the security of Louis van Gaal’s job, given the fact that Manchester United have not won a single game in the last 5 PL matches, coming into this one, other than having been eliminated from the Champions League.
However, the Dutch boss was adamant that despite being unable to convince the fans fully, he has full support of the board members, as long as they are in the title race.
Manchester United started off well with a good tempo to the game, quick passes, surging runs off the ball but they were all in vain as they struggled to play the final ball and create any meaningful chances.
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Norwich City made most of their opportunity at goal after a gorgeous counter attack initiated by ever present threat Nathan Redmond who played the ball to Cameron Jerome and the center forward held off the sliding tackle from Ashley Young and whacked it past De Gea.
The Canaries were efficient yet again in the second half, when Alex Tettey stole the ball from Wayne Rooney in the middle of the pitch and continued his run through the heart of the United defence, and goal scorer, Cameron Jerome’s impeccably timed pass saw Tettey through on goal and the Norwegian made no mistake with only De Gea to beat.
Manchester United got one back after some lovely control and dribbling skills inside the box from Anthony Martial and the Frenchman blasted it home to make it 2-1 but it was all in vain as the hosts failed to score an equalizer. This was Norwich City’s first win at Old Trafford since 1989 and also United’s first defeat at home this season. After Jose Mourinho was shown the door by Chelsea, there will be heaps of pressure on Louis van Gaal, who admitted that he ‘fears for his job’.
Chelsea shrugged off all signs of despair and looked bright and full of energy in yesterday’s game against Sunderland, as the Blues will learn to live without legendary club manager Jose Mourinho, who was sacked earlier this week. The hosts took the lead through Branislav Ivanovic in the fifth minute of the game, as the Serbian lost his marker and jumped highest to head the ball past Costel Pantilimon through Willian’s corner.
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It took the Blues 7 more minutes to double their lead as Ivanovic’s cross was collected and buried in by Spanish winger Pedro.
Interim manager Steve Holland’s men trebled their lead after Oscar converted his spot-kick in the 50th minute. But moments later Sunderland got one back as Adam Johnson’s ball from a free kick was headed towards goal by the unmarked Younes Kaboul and Fabio Borini picked up the pieces and placed it past Thibaut Courtois.
The victory, as described by some Chelsea fans, was bittersweet as the fans were unanimous in support for Jose Mourinho. They will be welcoming a former manager, Guus Hiddink to lead Chelsea till the end of the season.
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Leicester will go into Christmas top of the Premier League, following a 3-2 win at Everton, as Riyadh Mahrez continued his goalscoring exploits with a brace in a 3-2 win. Harry Kane and Dele Alli scored in Tottenham’s east win at Southampton, while Crystal Palace snatched all three point at Stoke with a late winner. 9-man West Brom were beaten 2-1 by a resurgent Bournemouth side, while relegation contenders battled it out in a 1-1 draw at St James’.
