Manchester United earn a hard-fought victory against Stoke City
Manchester United defeated Stoke City 2–1 in the Premier League on Sunday, 24 October, as Javier Hernandez grabbed two vital goals to earn the team three points.
Hernandez put United ahead in the first half before Stoke fought back after the break with a stunning strike from Tuncay Sanli. But in the dying minutes, Hernandez made sure to steal the headlines with
his second goal of the game.
"When Tuncay scored that goal I thought 'Here we go again we're going to draw another game,'" United captain Gary Neville told the Press Association Sport after the game. "But when Chichi [Hernandez] scored
that second everyone was massively relieved. It's a great three points for us and can hopefully kickstart our away season."
Hernandez' acrobatic opener
The home team pressured the visitors effectively in the during the first 25 minutes, but it was United who went ahead when Nani worked a short corner and whipped a cross for Nemanja Vidic to connect with
at the far post.
The Serb headed the ball back into the centre, where Hernandez, with his back to goal, converted a header that was as spectacular as it was speculative for his third league goal this season.
Gary Neville, already on a yellow card, fouled Matthew Etherington in the 42nd minute, but instead of sending the United captain off, Andre Marriner gave only a foul before the first period drew to a close.
Patrice Evra broke down the middle during a United counter-attack in the 51st minute minute and tumbled in the box following a scuffle with Rory Delap, but Marriner waved play on.
Delap, whose long throw-ins have caused problems for Arsenal in recent seasons, threatened with another in the 58th minute, but United managed to clear the danger.
As United continued to press at the Brittania Stadium, Dimitar Berbatov hit a cross from the left towards the lively Hernandez at the far post, but the Mexican's volley went wide of the far post.
Tuncay stuns United
It was then Tuncay's turn to steal the spotlight, as the substitute cut inside to his left foot on the right flank, sending a high, curling shot into the far corner that Edwin van der Sar had no chance
of reaching.
But Hernandez got the last say of the game in the 86th minute. In Wayne Rooney's absence, Berbatov assumed the role of playmaker on the edge of the box, sending a cross into the box that Paul Scholes flicked
on towards Evra.
The Frenchman turned and hit a shot that Hernandez steered into the net in the six-yard box for United to claim three vital points and their first away victory of the league season.
Ferguson's team are now third in the league with 17 points, tied with second-placed Arsenal and Manchester City, who are fourth on goal difference.
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