Mason Mount's Sweet Goal Wraps Up United Comeback Victory at Selhurst Park
Precisely as the United manager must have thought his fortune wasn't changing, Manchester United managed to inflict Oliver Glasner's team's opening Selhurst Park setback in league competition beginning in February.
The Austrian coach's team dominated early and deservedly took the lead via Jean-Philippe Mateta's repeated spot-kick. However they failed to make their dominance count after previously struggling to net versus Palace, the visitors responded with a rapid double through their summer signing plus the former Chelsea player.
Disappointing Encounter for Glasner's Side
This represented a difficult afternoon at the end of a long week for the home manager, who witnessed Ismaรฏla Sarr leave injured with a worrying issue before half-time.
Ruben Amorim may have kept his emotions in check when proceeding toward the dressing room right after the final whistle.
Tactical Adjustments
The Portuguese coach dismissed similarities regarding his and Glasner's game philosophy in the buildup, while admitting that Palace "simply perform things better than us|aspects superior to ours|elements more effectively".
His response to the poor performance facing ten Toffees meant modifying the wide defenders, featuring the Ivorian moving to the right flank while the Portuguese assumed Dorgu's position.
Opening Chances
United must have sensed a chance to benefit given that they had additional preparation time and almost went ahead within the first minute.
An extended delivery created confusion in the Palace area however incredibly Dean Henderson produced a point-blank save on his goalline to prevent the midfielder.
Home Side's Control
The narrow escape acted as an alert for Glasner's men post the lunchtime beginning that was dictated by the television schedulers.
Quickly opportunities commenced appearing frequently. After missing numerous attempts during European action, it seemed like could potentially not become the Frenchman's match when he twice dragged shots wide of the target during the first quarter.
Opening Goal
Yet amid days where negotiations regarding the striker's new deal hit obstacles, Mateta stepped up who opened the scoring.
A further accurate delivery from Wharton drew the defender into the challenge and, having just made superb interception to prevent the Spaniard, the 20-year-old was forced to foul Mateta within the 18-yard area.
After Break Recovery
The goalkeeper returned with head protection to shield his eyes from the glare however he'll experience frustration for permitting the visitors to equalise eight minutes following halftime.
The home side was sleeping by a quick Bruno Fernandes free-kick and Zirkzee was able to control with his chest while turning simultaneously to produce a shot that found the top corner.
Decisive Moment
Following weathering a goalmouth scramble where Zirkzee almost scored once more in his own net, their situation enhanced a few minutes later as the Dutch attacker was tripped outside the penalty area by Marc Guรฉhi.
There was a moment's hesitation in the defensive wall as the captain passed the set-piece toward Mount and that allowed him to defeat the goalkeeper with a powerful drive.
Important Victory
Lacking the winger's speed to depend on, Glasner's side found it difficult to generate another chance while the visitors managed to see out a crucial victory that means the Red Devils climb above Palace up to sixth spot.