Manchester United finally ended their winless run in a 2-1 win against Swansea. Manchester United started the game with one change to squad that played Chelsea in a goalless affair, Phil Jones, in for Matteo Darmian. The first half of the game lacked urgency and ended goalless, as Manchester United, predictably, enjoyed more possession than Swansea.
The Red Devils scored a goal only 2 minutes into the second-half, when Ashley Young’s tantalising cross was missed by Wayne Rooney Anthony Martial headed his effort home much to the relief of the home support.
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The visitors got back into the game in the 77th minute, when Modou Barrow’s cross from the right-flank met Gylfi Sigurdsson, who glanced his header over David De Gea to make it 1-1. United regained their lead minutes later, when Anthony Martial powered past Angel Rangel on the left and slipped in a cross to Wayne Rooney, who backheeled his shot into the far post past the stunned ‘keeper Fabianksi. Swansea almost found another equaliser, when Sigurdsson’s corner was headed on by Fabianski who was thrown forward in a desperate attempt to snatch a late point, but his header was just wide.
This victory for Manchester United was their first since November and a spell of 8 games without a win finally came to an end, as Louis van Gaal will breathe a sigh of relief.
Arsenal struggled in the rain and had Petr Cech to thank as they extended their lead at the top of the table with a 1-0 win over Newcastle at the Emirates. The Gunners started brightly with Hector Bellerin twice finding space down the right but the Spaniard’s poor cross was headed wide by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Bellerin continued to exploit the right-flank, as he consistently harassed the Newcastle left back Dummett.
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On the other side, Cech had to make a fine save from a Giorginio Wijnaldum header and was kept alert by a Newcastle outfit which threatened constantly on the break. Newcastle started the second half brightly and had a great opportunity to take the lead on a counter-attack but Wijnaldum’s shot was brilliantly saved by Petr Cech to keep matters level.
Arsenal then finally took the lead after a Mesut Özil corner was headed on by Giroud and Laurent Koscielny popped up to poke in home from close range. Players of both sides had chances to score but guilty of profligacy, none more so than Aaron Ramsey, who wasted two fantastic chances trying to go all Hollywood.
Arsenal deservedly got plaudits for a gritty performance where they were made to work hard by Newcastle for the win. Arsene Wenger’s men have been constantly criticized for failing to notch up wins under difficult circumstances but after this unconvincing yet defensively-sound performance, talks that Arsenal aren’t genuine title contenders can be put to bed.”ONE NIL, TO THE ARSENAL.”
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Courtesy goals from Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure, Manchester City came from a goal behind to win 2-1 at Watford. Liverpool surrendered meekly in a 2-0 loss against West Ham, as Michail Antonio and Liverpool flop Andy Carroll headed in their goals to condemn the Reds to yet another loss this campaign.
Aaron Lennon and Delle Alli both scored wonder goals, as Tottenham and Everton battled it out in an entertaining 1-1 draw at Goodison Park. Chelsea looked the side of last season, in a commanding 3-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Riyadh Mahrez missed a penalty, as Bournemouth and Leicester battled it out in a 0-0 draw. Norwich edged 1-0 past Southampton at Carrow Road, while West Brom won 2-1 against high-flying Stoke. Sunderland dominated the encounter of relegation contenders in a 3-1 win over Aston Villa, as Remi Garde’s men look certain for the drop.
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Barcelona were held to a stalemate at city rivals Espanyol, while Gary Neville’s Valencia won a point in a feisty 2-2 draw with Real Madrid and Rafa Benitez’s men are now 4 points behind leaders Atletico Madrid, who edged 1-0 past Levante.
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