Football Update: EPL News- Aston Villa Come Close But Manchester United Save a Point
The statistics were not favouring Aston Villa as they hosted Manchester United at Villa Park. Villa had not been able to score a home win against United, in the last 15 years, and they came close to change the tide. However, Manchester United was rescued
by Federico Macheda and Nemanja Vidic, in the closing minutes of the match. In the end, Manchester United saved a point as they drew level with Villa.
Ashley Young and Marc Albrighton put Villa ahead in the second half of the match, as United kept looking for inspiration from their players. In the end, United scored twice in the closing ten minutes, and restored some of their pride.
This was a tough battle for Gerard Houllier who was missing nine of his players due to injury. However, Gabriel Agbonlahor was back, as he played in the midweek. In this match, Houllier gave him a place in starting XI alongside Ashley Young. Sir Alex Ferguson,
the manager of Manchester United, really needed to win this match though. Manchester United came close to Chelsea, but they dropped points in the midweek, against Manchester City.
Therefore, Sir Alex Ferguson picked up his best players for this clash. Dimitar Berbatov was paired up with Javier Hernandez, while Nani and Park Ji-Sung played the role of attacking midfielders. There were no big names absent for United, except Wayne Rooney,
who is working on his pre-match fitness these days, and Paul Scholes, who was missing due to suspension. Manchester United, therefore, had a clear advantage over their opponents but Villa proved stronger than expected.
The first half was not fruitful, as both teams struggled to find the net. Nani and Dimitar Berbatov had chances for United, in the opening 20 minutes, but both shot wide of the target. Stuart Downing had a chance to put Villa ahead but Wes Brown came to
the rescue of United. Agbonlahor, who was playing the match in order to win a selection for England’s friendly against Portugal, showed great form in the first half. In the end, the first half remained goalless, but the home side had a clear upper hand in
the battle.
The second half started well for Villa, as the home side started finding the goal. Albrighton had a powerful shot on the goal, but his shot was deflected wide by Patrice Evra. However, the referee awarded a goal-kick, despite protests by Albrighton and other
Villa players. Albrighton had another chance after few minutes to put Villa ahead. It was a dangerous cross played by Downing, but the unmarked Albrighton could not keep his header on target.
In the coming minutes, Manchester United had luck on their side as they were saved by crossbar. James Collins won a clear header from a cross played by Downing, but his shot was deflected from the woodwork, although Edwin van der Sar had been beaten. Within
few minutes, Ashley Young and Agbonlahor were involved in a great attacking move, but the resulting shot was deflected again.
In the 72nd minute, Villa was awarded a penalty as Ashley Young was brought down by Wes Brown in the penalty area. Brown was yellow carded, as the proximity of Rio Ferdinand saved a sending off. Young stood up and scored the penalty, as Van der
Sar went in the wrong direction.
After just four minutes, Villa doubled their lead through Albrighton. Young’s pass found Downing, who placed a low cross in dangerous position. Albrighton won the race to the loose ball and scored home for his side’s second of the night. At this point, Villa
seemed to have won the match, but no one can write off United until the final whistle.
Manchester United’s comeback started with an incredible finish in 81st minute by Macheda. After just four minutes, Vidic scored the second on Nani’s cross, to level the match for his side. In the end, United got a point despite being outplayed
by Villa for the most part of the match. However, the troubles for United continue, as they have drawn their sixth away match of the season.
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