Patrick Rees
A frustrating night at the Wembley was summed up by the fact that Manchester United have now conceded the fastest goal in their Premier League history. It all started for Manchester United in the 11th second when a certain long ball from Jan Vertonghen broke United defence’s stability. Failing to cover the gaps, United conceded the goal after Dele Alli flicked the ball into Christian Eriksen’s way where the Dane made no mistake in drawing his side into an early lead.
United, meanwhile, had their chances of their own and despite being booed by the home supporters, latest acquisition Alexis Sanchez created a certain buzz but to no avail. United’s No.10 Jesse Lingard came at the receiving end of an early opportunity, but the Englishman’s effort was parried away by a great save from Hugo Lloris. United created a number of goalscoring opportunities but the final touch was always lacking.
A brilliant chance then came for Paul Pogba to equalise, but the Frenchman sailed his effort over the bar from just 4-5 yards out. Tottenham, on the other hand, were sharper than United and were pressing high up the field.
Time and again the likes of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling lost coordination and that allowed Tottenham to attack with purpose. As the game approached the half-hour mark, Tottenham found themselves leading by two goals after Phil Jones converted a low cross from Kieran Trippier into his own net.
Meanwhile, Romelu Lukaku received one great opportunity when a certain Paul Pogba’s long ball found the Belgian in a promising area. However, his effort was equally matched by Lloris’ firm hand. Talking stats, Lukaku has netted just 15 goals in 63 Premier League appearances against the ‘big six’ (Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham) compared to 81 in 147 against other opposition.
Well, this wasn’t the only low for Manchester United as Fellaini – who replaced Pogba on the night – was subbed off just seven minutes after coming on, due to a knee problem.
The defeat sees Manchester United now trail the league leaders Manchester City by a whopping 15 points. But despite the result, we are still three points clear of the 3rd and the 4th-placed Liverpool and Chelsea.
United fans, on their part, were left furious with way their team defended and this is how they reacted:
poor team selection by Jose. really poor.
— Ram (@Its_Ram_) January 31, 2018
THATS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU START JONES-SMALLING-YOUNG AND YOU HAVE ROJO-LINDELOF-SHAW AVALIABLE
— Man Like Marouane (@MarouaneSociety) January 31, 2018
For the next game can we please play a 3 man midfield consisting of Matic, Pogba & Herrera with Martial on the left, Sanchez on the right and Lukaku up top? Also, please make sure Smalling never touches the starting XI ever again? Many thanks.
— C (@ffsCenk) January 31, 2018
What a joke this game was, honestly should have continued studying than waste my time watching this terrible match 😖
— Kirsty Paris 🐺 (@pariskirsty7) January 31, 2018
— Jack O Donoghue (@JOD_7111) January 31, 2018
Poor poor performance@Manchester united…poor defence,fucked up midfield,pace attack that didn’t work..worst match of the season for me..but always united
— Henry Basky (@BaskyHenry) January 31, 2018
Chris Smalling is shit. Pass it on.
— Adam Joseph (@AdamJosephSport) January 31, 2018
Why can’t Manchester United pass tonight? Chris Smalling’s a liability.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) January 31, 2018
I swear to god how Chris Smalling still plays for Man Utd is beyond me. He’s an abomination of a player.
— Keith Russell (@Keith_Russell) January 31, 2018
Officially done with Jones/Smalling. I have absolutely no words for these 2 fucks. Want them gone.
— Juve Assassinn™️ (@SSIIIIUUUU) January 31, 2018
At the end of the day, any defence featuring Chris Smalling and Phil Jones playing together is asking for trouble. Hasn’t worked, and never will.
— The Man Utd Way (@TheManUtdWay) January 31, 2018
Chris Smalling is a shocking excuse for a centre back. Needs replaced in the summer or this shit will continue. Getting bullied.
— Adam (@DeGeaoIogy) January 31, 2018
Jones and Smalling not good enough for Utd.
— SCHOLES (@iamscholes) January 31, 2018
Jones and Smalling both useless.
— SCHOLES (@iamscholes) January 31, 2018
Smalling and Jones single handedly losing us the game. Useless Cunts
— Good Ol’ Jack Burton (@TheRealJayC) January 31, 2018
Unsure why Ashley Young started over Luke Shaw. Chris Smalling shouldn’t be starting for Manchester United. Eric Bailly is such a huge miss.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) January 31, 2018
City spent a fortune on defenders and yet we still have Chris Smalling. 🙄
— Aysha Ridzuan (@ayshardzn) February 1, 2018
All I ask for is a centre-back pairing who don’t panic on ball. Smalling and Jones treat the ball like it’s a bomb for fuck sake 😂
— JC (@JustCantona) January 31, 2018
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