Manchester United (MU) again swallowed a bitter pill after losing 0-1 to Aston Villa in the sixth week of the English Premier League match at Old Trafford Stadium, Saturday (25/9) night WIB. Villa’s only goal came in the final minute of the second half through a header from center back Kortney Hause in the 88th minute.
It was the second straight defeat for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men after being knocked out of the Carabao Cup against West Ham United. The defeat made MU slump to fourth place in the standings with 13 points from four wins, one draw and one loss. This was their first defeat in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Villa managed to move up to seventh in the standings with 10 points from three wins, two draws and two defeats. It was also Villa’s first win at Old Trafford since 2009.
Flow of the game
MU immediately pressed from the start of the match by pounding the Villas defense area, nicknamed Aston Villa. The first attempt came in the 11th minute through striker Cristiano Ronaldo. Portugal star shot with his right foot from outside the penalty box can still be pushed over by Villa goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez.
The Red Devils continued to press the opponent’s defense, this time it was Mason Greenwood’s turn. The young English striker fired a speculative shot from the edge of the box. Unfortunately, the ball was still wide to the far right of the Aston Villa goal.
MU almost made a mistake in the 21st minute. Harry Maguire’s intent on passing back was less well anticipated by David de Gea whose shot was blocked directly by the Villa striker. Luckily for United, the ball returned to the arms of the Spanish goalkeeper, De Gea. Score draw 0-0 still survive.
Luke Shaw looks in pain on the pitch. Coach Ole Gunnars Solskjaer also decided to pull out Shaw and enter Diogo Dalot in the 34th minute.
Until entering the first half of the game, MU managed to control the game with 59 percent possession compared to Villa’s 41.
Villa failed attempt in the 39th minute through defender Ezri Konsa. Starting from a low cross that was released McGinn Konsa did a header from very close range. However, the ball was still too high over De Gea’s crossbar.
MU got a golden opportunity in the 43rd minute through Harry Maguire’s header from a tight angle after receiving Bruno Fernandes’ free kick. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez swiftly managed to ward off the ball. Until the halftime whistle sounded the glasses score did not change.
Entering the second interval Mason Greenwood immediately spread a threat to the Villa goal in the 65th minute. His left footed shot from the box was saved well by Martinez.
Unfortunately for United, Solskjaer was forced to make a substitution for the second time. This time captain Harry Maguire was pulled off in the 67th minute due to an injury. His position was filled by Victor Lindelof.
The 68th minute Villa almost scored through Watkins kick from inside the penalty spot. De Gea, who was in the right position, immediately turned the ball towards the middle
The match is getting hotter, buying and selling attacks are visible. Greenwood had two chances, but his shot was blocked by the Villa defense.
Two Manchester United players, Edinson Cavani and Van de Beek, were seen warming up on the sidelines. Solskjaer seems to want to add strength to the team’s front lines. Cavani was finally included.
Entering the 85th minute no goals were created for both teams. Both MU and Villa still fail to maximize opportunities when in front of the opponent’s goal.
Goal! Villa scored 1-0 through defender Kortney Hause’s header in the 88th minute after receiving a cross from a corner.
MU wasted a golden opportunity, Kortney Hause’s handball in the penalty box could not be utilized by Bruno Fernandes who failed to become the executor after his shot flew high to the right of Martinez’s goal.
The 1-0 score for the visitors’ advantage lasted until the long whistle sounded.
(NFL)
