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Manchester United Lacks Bite Without Striker
The pivotal moment in Crystal Palace’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United was the performance of Jean-Philippe Mateta, the lone striker for the winning side, who netted both goals. His display highlighted a significant deficiency in United’s setup, particularly the absence of a competent forward.
Manchester United is grappling with various challenges, including underperforming wing-backs, defenders who struggle against opposition attackers, and a sluggish midfield. However, the decision to position Kobbie Mainoo as a forward stands out as a clear indicator of the contrasts between the two teams during the match.
Mainoo, playing out of his usual role, had a couple of promising moments early in the game, including an assist for Alejandro Garnacho and a shot that hit the post. Nevertheless, his presence failed to emulate the pressure Mateta exerted on United’s defense, showcasing the distinct qualities missing from United’s attacking line.
United has not led a match at halftime in their last sixteen attempts. Their only first-half goal in the last fourteen games across all competitions has been a penalty scored by Bruno Fernandes against Brighton. The second half against Crystal Palace was likely even more disappointing.
The decision to utilize Mainoo raises questions about the roles of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, both of whom struggled to make an impact when substituted. As United continues to struggle, it remains a challenging watch for their supporters.
The lack of a reliable striker following Marcus Rashford’s exit raises concerns about the current squad’s capability to spearhead a turnaround. Following the match, manager Ruben Amorim suggested a cautious approach to the transfer market, indicating a desire to avoid past mistakes while addressing the immediate need for improvement.
“We are trying everything to improve the team, without doing the mistakes of the past, trying to balance the urgency of the moment,” Amorim stated. United needs reinforcements, but the pressing question remains whether they can afford the right striker or whether they can afford to wait any longer.
Adam Bate
Djed Spence Rises to the Challenge Ahead of Salah Clash
Djed Spence, the Tottenham defender, deserves recognition for his impressive performance while playing out of position at left-back, particularly in his matchup against Bryan Mbeumo. His next challenge? Containing Mohamed Salah.
Statistically, Spence won eight out of ten duels during the match against Brentford and led the team in tackles. Beyond numbers, his contributions were crucial, showcasing his ability to physically dominate Mbeumo and prevent crosses, along with his impressive recovery pace to thwart Brentford’s counterattacks.
After missing out on the previous game due to injury and ineligibility, Spence’s return came at a crucial time and clearly reflected his development under pressure.
“He’s been outstanding since he’s come into the team,” said manager Postecoglou. “He loves the challenge of taking on the elite.” This adaptability will be essential as Tottenham prepares for their Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool, where Spence will need to neutralize Salah’s potent threat.
Peter Smith
Brentford’s Home Struggles Continue
Brentford has faced a severe downturn in form at home, now going winless in six matches across all competitions. Their recent loss to Tottenham marked the fifth defeat in that streak.
The early Sunday kickoff may have dampened the atmosphere, but Brentford’s struggles are evident. Earlier in the season, they boasted the league’s best home record, but recent performances against formidable opponents like Nottingham Forest, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool have exposed their vulnerabilities at home.
Despite their statistics, including numerous crosses and touches in the attacking third, Brentford failed to convert chances into goals, evidenced by a disappointing 2.29xG in their latest match. Manager Thomas Frank will be reflecting on how his team can capitalize on their upcoming away matches against West Ham and Leicester to regain some momentum ahead of their next home fixture against Everton.
Peter Smith
‘Jean-Philippe Mateta Emerging as a Top Striker’
A year ago, few would have recognized Jean-Philippe Mateta as one of the Premier League’s premier strikers, but his evolution under Oliver Glasner has been remarkable. Manchester United could only dream of possessing a forward with Mateta’s power and goal-scoring prowess.
Mateta’s performance against United showcased his capacity to unsettle defenders with his athleticism. His impressive 80-yard sprint, dodging four United players, exemplified his remarkable abilities on the field.
With his two goals at Old Trafford, Mateta has now scored 23 goals since February 23 of the last year, placing him alongside elite strikers such as Alexander Isak, Mohamed Salah, Cole Palmer, and Erling Haaland, solidifying his status as one of the top contenders in the league.
Lewis Jones
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