The fight just got more fierce when Manchester United and Crystal Palace went against each-other midweek in the Premier League. Injury-hit United travelled to Selhurst Park to carry forward their unbeaten run in the League going under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. They had as much as 10 first-team absentees in their squad for this match. They were looking to get back to winning ways after their goalless display against Liverpool at Old Trafford. In the meanwhile, losing the fourth place to Arsenal who are on an incredible run themselves. With injuries to both Matic and Herrera, McTominay and Fred make the lineup while Lukaku and Sanchez started upfront.
Age is just a number for Roy Hudson. The 71-year-old became the oldest manager to take charge of a Premier League game. And his side marked the occasion with a thumping 4-1 victory over Leicester City. This match also saw an end to Claude Puel’s reign at Leicester City. The Eagles are on a six-match unbeaten streak themselves. A run that saw them making the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and climbing up the Premier League table to 13th place, just 4 points shy of the upper half of the table. Both were on a good run lately but the Red Devils managed to get the better of Crystal Palace at the end. Romelu Lukaku (brace) and Ashley Young were on target for United while Joel Ward scored the only goal for Palace.
Quite frankly, United was the better side on the day and here are four talking points from the game:
Romelu Lukaku is worth more than just a plan B: Lukaku has grown steadily under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's time at Manchester United. And this is just not about the statistics. Sometimes numbers hide more than it tells. Yes, he was on a goalless run of nine games but he was effective in each and every game in this time. He was winning those aerial duels. Outmuscling the opponents every now and again. He was the most dangerous player for United in the game against Liverpool. Providing pinpoint crosses into the box. Finally, his goalless drought came to an end with a fine brace against Crystal Palace. He was the focal point of a United side which was depleted by injuries.
Palace has something to cheer about: Having sealed the victory with a second goal from Romelu Lukaku, United got complacent. Suddenly, Palace started having more of the ball. They were creating more chances and looked deadly on the counter-attack. And this pressure did lead to something meaningful when Schlupp's cross was met by Ward to make it 1-2 and bring the hosts right back into the contest. Young was brilliant throughout the game. But a slight lack of concentration on his part and the ball was in the back of the net. Roy Hudson has re-inspired the side and they are looking strong going into the final quarter of the season.
Sakho was missed by the Eagles: Mamadou Sakho has been rock solid at defence for the whole of this season. And Palace missed their talismanic defender in this match. The French defender is expected to be out for the rest of the season. This is due to a knee injury which he suffered in the weekend win over Leicester City. Sakho has formed an excellent central defensive pairing with James Tomkins. And it would have been a much better contest with Lukaku had he been there on the field. How will Palace fare without him remains a question?
United have a great depth: With ten first-team players out due to injury, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer didn't have a lot to choose from in the team selection. The manager suggested that academy graduates will make a trip to Selhurst Park. And he stayed true to his words with Tahith Chong and James Garner named on the bench. The latter enjoyed his debut in United's colours. Despite facing such injury concerns, Ole fielded a side with only three changes from the Liverpool game, a clear sign of how seriously they took their London counterparts. And the result just shows the great depth of their squad.
With Solskjaer coming on the top of everything that is being thrown at him, it will just be a matter of time before he is announced as the permanent manager at Old Trafford!
