Man Utd vs Aston Villa

MAN UTD vs ASTON VILLA

Premier League, 23rd Sept 2021

Old Trafford

Good day to all,

1. It is the 2nd game in less than a week hosted by Manchester United at the

Theatre of Dreams, the Old Trafford. Nothing less than a house-full was expected as

the weather seems to be cloudy, thus favouring the fans to enjoy the early kick-off to

the Matchday 5.

2. Both sides came into the game securing 3 points from the last weekend facing

West Ham and Everton respectively. As for lineups- Ole goes ahead with his starting

XI unchanged from last weekend (4-2-3-1) against West Ham, hoping to heal his

wounds after the early exit from the Carabao Cup held mid-week. Smith seems to

feel that the 5-3-2 formation against Everton last weekend is best suited for his team.

3. Manchester United certainly were the one with the upper hand coming into

this game. Aston Villa started the game with its kick-off and since the start, United

were all guns blazing as chances were created in every minute of the game. Bruno

Fernandes got the first shot on goal firing it way-off Aston Villas’ no.1. Aston Villa on

the other hand are yet to show their attacking flair in the initial minutes of the game.

4. Quarter of an hour played with Man Utd being the better side, but a moment

of panic at Old Trafford as there was spectacular Build-up play from Aston Villa as

Mcginn’s pass opened up Man Utd’s defence finding Cash at the end of it. But

unfortunately, Targett just couldn’t keep his shot down as it goes waste. Irony.

5. 30 minutes into the game and both sides have created respectable chances

but none finding the back of the net. The First change for United as Dalot replaces

Shaw after what seems like an Injury around Shaw’s knee. Still 0-0.

6. Man United have evidently dominated the game with over 60% of possession

and the total shots reaching double figures. But it was Aston Villa who created the

better chances. At the dying minutes of the first half, Manchester United came very

close in opening the scoreline as Harry Maguire’s header from the left side of the box

is saved in the top centre of the goal after a clinical cross from Bruno Fernandes at

the edge of the box.

7. Half time and it continues to be 0-0, Aston Villa with better chances in terms of

quality. The moment of the Half was two-fold, first one header from Maguire and the

second from Paul Pogba who shaved the side of the goal after a wonderful delivery

from Bruno Fernandes from a corner.

8. Second half kicks in, with no changes on either side as both teams are hoping

to break the deadlock and take home the 3 points. Aston Villa had started the half

well, pressing the Manchester defence and keeping them on their toes, better from

Villa.

9. Into the hour mark and Harry Maguire is seen walking off the pitch with a calf

injury, Lindelof replaces him. At this point in time Aston Villa were much better with

the ball as Manchester United were just relying on counter-attacks, none successful.

10. The likes of Ronaldo, Greenwood, Bruno, Pogba, Cavani, Varane and all

other star-studded Red devils were being played silenced by the not-so-great but in

form Aston Villa defence. A Goal was imminent.

11. Attempts from Mason Greenwood and Olie Watkins could have had a better

end product as both waste golden opportunities in front of goal.

12. Aston Villa owned the 2nd half when it came to creating chances against the

weak Manchester defence, and their efforts bore fruits in the 88th Minute of the game

as Kortney Hause drives a header from the left side of the six-yard box to the top left

corner after a great delivery from Douglas Luiz following a corner (0-1).

13. Dramatic scenes at the final moments of the game, as United are awarded a

penalty (Handball against Hause) and it is Bruno Fernandes who steps up to take

the kick from the spot. Sadly, today just was not his day as he fires the penalty way

off target and into the stands.

14. And it is full time at Old Trafford and it is Aston Villa here who have taken all 3

points today and Manchester United continue their misery with back to back defeats

at Old Trafford.

Review

1. As history goes, this fixture was one of the easiest for Man Utd and they just

couldn’t capitalise on the number of chances created by them. 28 Attempts on goal

with 4 on target shows very poor form coming from a star-studded squad. A dreadful

penalty by the No.10 which did not even test the Villa keeper just added salt into

their wounds.

2. Aston Villa, the underdogs of the game certainly worked hard and have borne

fruits in the form of 3 points thanks to the lovely header into the back of the net by

Kortney Hause in the 88th minute of the game.

3. Overall the game was a mediocre game, with the home side having 28

attempts on goal while Villa had 7. Villa finally secured a win against Manchester

United at Old Trafford since their win in 2009. Well played Villa. Manchester United

have to work double-time with their defence as they have the players to show, but

they are just not clicking.

Moment of the Match

Of Course, the goal from Hause that secured the win is the moment of the match

without any doubt.

Ballistiq Reviews

United

United have been poor in front of goal for the past few games with almost 20 shots

per game and almost 0 on target. To add to their sorrows, injuries of both Maguire

and Shaw have left their defence vulnerable as Varane has not yet proven his worth

on the pitch. Ole certainly will have to go back to the drawing board and make

changes to his current squad and try making Pogba and Fernandes play a more

central midfielder role rather than an attacking midfielder as currently there is no

player to hold the ball in midfield. Their game is either Attack or Defence.

Aston Villa

This was not a perfect win for them, but the use of 5-3-2 formation seems to be

working for Smiths side. They will continue to do so for their next game against

Tottenham who also has not been in the greatest of form lately. Ings will be hopeful

in getting back to his scoring routine soon.

Man of the Match: Kortney Hause (Aston Villa)

Most Valuable Player: Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd)

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