EPL News: Full time report - Manchester United versus Wigan Athletic
Score line: 2-0 (Patrice Evra 45', Javier Hernandez 76')
There was nothing extraordinary in Manchester United’s 2-0 victory over a nine man Wigan Athletic but Sir Alex Ferguson would be delighted by the result owing to other results in the league.
The win has plunged United into the second spot but is level in points with leaders Chelsea, as the Blues registered their first lost to Birmingham in over 30 years. United’s other title rivals Arsenal also lost vital 3 points against rivals Tottenham Hotspurs,
who made a memorable come back after going 2-0 down at half time at the Emirates.
Manchester United chose to employ a rather weak attacking force in the form of Federico Macheda, Gabriel Obertan and J.S. Park. That led to a weak performance in most of the first half but a flying header by Patrice Evra at the brink of half time gave United
the lead before the break. United looked off coloured apart from the move that led to the goal, and lost possession easily. Edwin Van Der Sar was troubled by various first half opportunities by striker Rodellaga while United could only take long distance chances
and free kicks to trouble Al Habsi.
In the second half, Ferguson chose to bring in returning forward Wayne Rooney, who made his first appearance in nearly a month. The manager also brought on Javier Hernandez and Paul Scholes, who replaced Federico Macheda and Michael Carrick. These players
injected the much needed team chemistry along with pace, which greatly improved the home side’s game. United then got the second goal, thanks to a Hernandez header in the 76th minute, which really took the game away from the away side.
The Red Devils could’ve easily made it 7 to 8-0 following the red cards to Wigan Captain Alcaraz and Hugo Rodallega, which reduced Wigan down to 9 men. The home side made numerous opportunities but couldn’t find the goal. Wayne Rooney missed a golden opportunity
to get off the mark but looked exhausted since the time he came on. The player however had some positives in his game and would be judged in the crunch games to come. United are yet to face games against Arsenal and Chelsea, which are to come in back to back
weekends in December.
Nonetheless, a win is a win and United would be delighted to have won crucial points in what can be a pivotal weekend in a competitive premier league season. Chelsea has now lost two matches back to back and would want to get back to their winning ways if
they are to keep their pole position. Ferguson would be satisfied if not happy with the team’s performances and would want to keep such results coming in order to keep firm in his pursuit for 12th Premier League title in his reign.
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