Manchester United moved a step closer to restoring the Premier League trophy with a cushty 2-0 win absent at lowly Stoke City on Sunday. An earlier target from Michael Carrick and a Robin van Persie penalty covered up all three points for Sir Alex Fergusonas men, however they were rarely troubled by way of a disappointing Potters side who now find themsleves involved in a relegation battle in which to stay Englandas top flight. United made four changes sideways which was defeated 2-1 by competitors Manchester City on Monday, with Antonio Valencia, Shinji Kagowa, Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez and Nemanja Vidic all coming into the starting XI. The changes were also rung by potters chief Tony Pulis after his side were nicely overwhelmed by Aston Villa last time out, inviting Charlie Adam, Glenn Whelan and Andy Wilkinson back to the initial group. Minutes were taken just four by it for the soon-to-be winners to take the lead, while the Potters failed miserably to clear a Robin van Persie part. After several hacks at the ball by the house defenders, it eventually fell to Carrick, who toe-poked in to the part of the web from the edge of the six-yard box to offer an earlier advantage to the group leaders. That was Unitedas 100th target of the year in most tournaments, but the Red Devils didn't appear to be increasing that tally for the rest of the opening period. In reality, a Robert Huth header from the free end aside, neither area created any possibilities of note in what was an appartment and uninspiring first 45 minutes. The 2nd began much richer, however, with the visitorsa fighting trio of Wayne Rooney, Van Persie and Chicharito developing a dangerous model and causing a few problems to Stokeas backline. The home side also enhanced its depth and produced many half-chances, significantly when Jonathan Walters blazed over the bar from the edge of the six-yard box only 10 minutes into the second half. Strikes from length from Adam and Kenwyne Jones also required De Gea into action on the time draw, but five full minutes later the overall game was up as United was awarded a fee. It came after correct back Andy Wilkinson clumsily felled Van Persie in your community, and the Dutch striker arrived to powerful position the spot kick past a dependent Begovic to double the guests' edge and end a personal Premier League barren cause of 10 games dating back to mid-February. The game appeared to be up for Stoke, but with 10 minutes left the Potters stirred into action and almost got themselves back into the competition through captain Ryan Shawcross. The opponent introduced himself at a Adam free kick and found himself free at the post, but De Gea responded sharply to get down to his right and change his energy round the post. Pulis put on Peter Crouch and former United striker Michael Owen in the closing stages in a bid to install an impossible return, but the Potters did not gather any real opportunities due to their former England strike relationship, and slipped to an additional consecutive home beat that leaves their Premier League survival desires in the balance with the club only three items and two position away from the drop zone.
No comments:
Post a Comment