Manchester United were handed yet another draw at home making it four home draws in a row. Jose Mourinho was once again sent to the stands after kicking a bottle while reacting angrily to Pogba’s booking. United’s hope of challenging for the title further diminished as they failed to close gaps with Spurs, who will have a huge sigh of relief after their loss to Chelsea. Here are the 3 talking points from the match-
Paul Pogba’s increasing influence at United gameplay
After a series of silent and disappointing performances since making his astronomical money move to Manchester United from Juventus, Paul Pogba is finally showing what he is capable off. Although the result does not reflect it, his involvement and impact on United’s game cannot go unnoticed. He has excelled in everything today. He had 4 successful take-ons, 23 attacking third passes, 1 assist, 9 successful ball recoveries, 2 successful tackles, 4 successful interceptions, 3 clearances, won 5 aerial duels and he also suffered the most number of fouls (5).
The French international showed glimpses of his abilities against Arsenal last week and it has only increased today. His sublime lofted pass that opened up the scoring for United had the audiences at the edge of their seats for the remaining of the game. His improvement has, however, also reflected how hard he is taking the burden for the team. He got ample space and took 3 shots at the goal but only one was on target, which showed how hasty he is to score a goal and lighten himself from the encumbrance.
He will definitely be an instrumental player for United as the season progresses and hopefully play a huge role in the UEFA Europa League.
Michail Antonio’s incredible performance
West ham United attacked very little throughout the game and whatever offensive actions came from their end, were during the later stages of the second half. And the 26-year-old, Michail Antonio, was the main source of inspiration for Hammers’ resilient defence today. He had 4 successful take-ons, 4 successful ball recoveries, 2 successful clearances and won 3 successful aerial duels.
He was simply unstoppable at times. On one occasion, he got the better of Ibrahimovic in an aerial duel, beating Pogba to get the possession of the ball and ran all the way to United’s half before putting in a pass for Ashley Fletcher, and no United player could shake him off the ball.
If West Ham United are really facing a threat of a mass exodus of star players owing to their poor performance in the league, then Antonio is one player Slaven Bilic will definitely have to hold on to.
Could this be West Ham’s revival serum?
West Ham United have been really unfortunate at times this season, to lose out on games they most certainly deserved three points. And despite many such heart-breaking moments and especially the one last week, the Hammers were right up to the task against United.
Things more or less went the way Bilic planned and this could well be the boost the Hammers needed to get their season running. Their defence looked rock solid and the forwards looked sharp whenever they countered. This game will be a very good study for their midweek fixture here in the EFL Cup. Mourinho is not known to field his B team in Cup ties and Hammers could well face the same players once again.
They next face Arsenal in the league and a favourable result at home could send well out of the relegation threat.
