'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAoAAAAFCAMAAAE8vb3MAAAAkFBMVEVSYDRWYjpIVjJubkhaZDpscEheajZOWjROWjJyckhcakJudEpiZjx0ekZsekZseEBodjpkbj5YYjZWYjZSYjZ+ekxseEZKWDRwbkRgZEJSYDZeaDhaaDhYaDhQXjZqckBockBmckBsbEp2dExqckZWZDhUYjhSYDJibEBaYj54eE5udEJwbkxeaDpcaDpoakaA3ScQAAAACXBIWXMAAA7DAAAOwwHHb6hkAAAAQElEQVQImQXBhRGAMAAAscfdXXu4w/7bkSAbbKThS6VSCg7nGkbMJabg1s/GpvWDKMGQvkeblW7twZ1E5ln5Xv9/pARvHjMwxQAAAABJRU5ErkJggg=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Manchester United have the most dominant attack in the EPL this season, but the defence has continually been an area of concern. The Red Devils hosted West Bromwich Albion after an animated boxing-day encounter with Newcastle. Coming after a 4-3 performance where their defence was abysmal, this match was actually a breath of fresh air.
United won the match 2-0 not due to their attack but rather their solid defence commandeered by a rejuvenated Vidic.
TEAMS
Manchester United:
Kagawa was handed a start after being out with a knee injury since October playing the No. 10 role played usually by Rooney who is out injured for 3 weeks. Welbeck got to play the lone front striker position in a 4-2-3-1.
West Brom:
Claudio Yacob, the Baggies’ influential playmaker was out injured. Steven Reid, Jonas Olsson and Youssouf Mulumbu could not clear their fitness tests.
Trending
TACTICS
The inclusion of Kagawa meant that United were definitely going to play a possession-based match against the Baggies with Kagawa dropping deep to link up play.
This match presented an interesting clash of two major footballing philosophies. While United play a reckless attacking game, their counterparts were a defensive and patient unit. West Brom’s manager Steve Clark continued his predecessor Roy Hodgson’s defensive approach and added a small attacking dimension to it. WBA’s surprising ability to punch above their weight has already raised many eyebrows and it has mainly been due to their simple approach. Essentially they wait and tire out their opponent in the first 60 minutes maintaining a solid defensive shape and then hit out in the last half hour with a strong attack focusing on pace down the centre.
FIRST HALF
United were largely dominant over West Brom in terms of possession and were playing at ease. But sometimes possession stats can be misleading because there is possession and then there is effective possession which leads to goals. United were at fault there as their control over the game did not yield as many chances as they would have liked. Kagawa was at fault here as either he was not communicating well or United are still not used to him.
The number of touches that Kagawa had was quite low especially considering his No.10 position.
West Brom were, as expected, sitting deep, maintaining a defensive formation around their box, not harassing the United midfielders much.
The lone goal that Man United got in this half was due to an Own Goal thanks to Gareth McAuley deflecting the low cross from Ashley Young.
SECOND HALF
West Brom were much more attacking in this half controlling possession in the opening exchanges. Danny Welbeck was becoming more and more isolated up front and the United chances had dried up.
Defensively Vidic shone brightly, out-muscling Shane Long on every aerial duel. His commanding presence eased up the pressure on Evans who performed admirably clearing away danger, put his body on line every time his side needed him. Evra continued his good form both defensively as well on attack while Smalling was the only defender who was having a hard day. Smalling’s difficulties were compounded due to Odemwingie’s unpredictable attacking style down the flanks.
MANAGERS MAKE THEIR CALL
After 60 minutes, it was down to the managers to influence the match in their own way, namely substitutions. Ferguson sent on Van Persie to replace Kagawa, who is still learning the rigours of the Premier League. This marked the continuation of Van Persie having played in every United game in EPL till now.
WBA manager Clark decided to play with a two top formation and introduced Romelu Lukaku replacing Rosenberg.
United withstood the WBA assault for long periods and Clark had to reinforce his attack with James Morrison and Fortuné later on. With the match increasingly oriented in the United half, Ferguson opted for some much needed stability in the midfield by subbing in Scholes for Cleverly. This proved to be the right decision as Scholes and Carrick together saw the match out to the final whistle.
WBA’s loss was finalized with RVP’s trademark left foot curling strike from outside the box while he was cutting in from the right side. This marked his 14th goal in the league and 17th in all competitions bringing him level with top scorer Michu.
VERDICT
Again Manchester United were not at their best but still managed to win the match. Thankfully for them, Vidic seems to have regained his form and was definitely the man of the match. RVP looks a class act every time he plays and has become the ‘darling of Old Trafford’. They now welcome 2013 with a 7-point cushion over their ‘noisy neighbours’, Manchester City.
