Anthony Martial is mobbed by fans and team-mates after scoring the winner
Credit:
GETTY
IMAGES
Martial proving money well spent
How Muhamed Besic must be cursing Roberto Martinez’s decision to deploy him as a makeshift right-back in the absence of Seamus Coleman, although Anthony Martial, in fairness, would have been a handful for any defender in this sort of form.
There was a nonchalant ease with
which the United forward glided past Besic before teeing up Marouane
Fellaini for the opening goal, but then the best players make everything
look effortless. And don’t remind Besic about the moment he was taken
for a ride by the Frenchman at the United corner flag late in the first
half.
Martial could end up costing
United £61.1 million if all the triggers in his contract are met (and
they’re not exactly outlandish clauses) but on the evidence of what
supporters have witnessed this season, in a team that have been largely
underwhelming, it will prove money well spent. His last-gasp winner
means United are in the FA Cup final.
Is this the second coming of Rooney?
It might be a little premature to start writing his obituaries as a striker, and Crystal Palace and Everton have hardly been the most taxing of opponents, but the United and England captain looked most at home in a roaming midfield role.
He was here, there and everywhere
against Everton, pinging around passes, snapping at heels, and given
how much better United look for the pace of Marcus Rashford upfront, is
the time approaching where much more serious consideration should be
given to a sustained run in a much deeper role?
England manager Roy Hodgson, who was here to watch this, has certainly been given some food for thought.
England manager Roy Hodgson, who was here to watch this, has certainly been given some food for thought.
RECOMMENDED SURE BET:
SOCCER PREDICTIONS FOR SUNDAY
24-04-2016
AUSTRIA BUNDESLIGA:
Rapid Vienna - Sturm Graz 1win
AZERBAIJAN PREMIER LEAGUE:
SumQayit – Kapaz (2:0) 1 Alternative Handicap.
Ravan - AZAL PFK (2:0) 1 Alternative Handicap.
BELGIUM JUPILER LEAGUE:
Oostende – Anderlecht 2win
Genk – Gent 1win
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE:
Sunderland – Arsenal (2:0) 1 Alternative
Handicap.
Leicester – Swansea 1win
Lukaku is profligate... but a handful
When your luck is out, it's out and Martinez could have been forgiven for thinking this was not going to be his day when Romelu Lukaku twice took heavy, clunky touches within the space of 10 first-half minutes when he should have been clean through to score.
So when the Everton striker
stepped up to take a penalty shortly before the hour mark, Martinez
might have had a hunch things would not go quite to plan. Lukaku duly
missed, even if De Gea’s save was outstanding.
Credit, then, to Lukaku and Everton for not letting their heads drop and ultimately forcing an equaliser, with the big Belgian playing his part in it. And he was still giving it everything at the end, with only a sliding challenge from Marouane Fellaini denying him.
Credit, then, to Lukaku and Everton for not letting their heads drop and ultimately forcing an equaliser, with the big Belgian playing his part in it. And he was still giving it everything at the end, with only a sliding challenge from Marouane Fellaini denying him.
Man of the Match
Anthony Martial
There were numerous United
contenders for man of the match in the first half – and Everton after
the interval – but Martial was the outstanding performer throughout,
terrorising Muhamed Besic in the opening 45 minutes and then continuing
to offer a outlet and threat even when Everton had United’s
backs-to-the-wall.
At times he seemed to be waging a one-man mission to drag United back in front and then, with a minute left, the Frenchman produced a moment of brilliance to claim the winning goal.
Too often they are guilty of not creating enough but they had a plethora of chances here to put the game to bed long before Chris Smalling turned the ball into his own net. Jesse Lingard, for one, could easily have had a hat-trick.
Defensively, they were in disarray, routinely terrified by the pace of Martial and Rashford. They regrouped impressively in the second half but then, just when it mattered most, their concentration lapsed. It happens too often to Martinez teams.
David de Gea - Had to be alert when Lukaku rushed through twice in the first 15 minutes, but the penalty save to deny a 56th-minute equaliser was world class. There can’t be a better keeper in the world. 8
Marcos Rojo - Seen as a weak link, but Everton’s right-hand side was so preoccupied with stopping United’s attack he was able to ease himself into the game. That changed when Deulofeu came on and tortured him. 5
Daley Blind - Almost a calamity after five seconds as Ross Barkley tried to nick possession, but the Dutchman is coolness personified. His initial concern was the long, high ball to Lukaku but he was anxious in the second half. 7
Chris Smalling - Like his defensive partner had to focus on a one-dimensional strategy from the opponent for 45 minutes. His problems began when Everton finally turned up in the second half, his own goal a first but momentum shifting blemish. 6
Tim Fosu-Mensah - Too casual when enabling Lukaku to scurry through for an early opportunity, and then guilty of the rash challenge that gifted Everton the chance of a penalty equaliser. He was grateful to De Gea.
6
Michael Carrick - Martinez made no secret of his admiration for Carrick. At times this was a masterclass in retaining composure in an intense atmosphere. Some of the Everton players watched and learned after half-time. 7
Wayne Rooney - Cleared off the line from Lukaku in what proved a key early moment. He looked comfortable in midfield, spraying some high class passes effortlessly. Also knew where to probe Everton’s weaknesses on their right. 7
Marouane Fellaini - Two years ago there was much mirth on Merseyside when United paid £27.5 mllion for the Belgian. It’s taken a while to silence those jibes, but the 33rd minute goal in front of the Evertonians must have tasted sweet. 7
Jesse Lingard - Lingard should have scored 11 minutes when he received an exceptional Rooney pass, but his running and trickery was a persistent threat. Didn’t always do enough in good areas. 6
Anthony Martial - As the first half looked like becoming a duck shoot he missed an easy chance on 21 minutes, fluffing his lines after a smart build-up. Made amends creating the 33rd-minute opener for Fellaini and had the final word with the winner. 8
Marcus Rashford - Was not overawed by the occasion although there are occasions when his hold-up play could do with more work, particularly when Everton built up some pressure in the second half. 6
Everton
Joel Robles - Kept his side in the game with several early saves. It was only a matter of time before he succumbed. He had no chance with Fellaini’s goal he had much less to do in the second half. 6
Leighton Baines - He has not been fully fit for a while, but at least he knows what he is doing in defence. The same could not be said about Everton’s right hand side. He recovered admirably after the break. 7
John Stones - This was a summing up the flaws and strengths of Stones this season. He was hesitant and lacking in confidence at first but showed character in the second half. He took responsibility impressively to transform his game. 7
Phil Jagielka - Insisted on playing but looked as if he was playing from memory at times but how Martinez needed him. He gets extra marks for courage and leading a fightback that looked unlikely. 7
Mo Besic - An emergency right back and an accident waiting to happen. United targeted from the first whistle and it was no surprise when his vulnerability was exposed for the opening goal. 4
Darron Gibson - A surprise choice in midfield, Martinez hoping Gibson could replace Gareth Barry. It was a struggle. He tried to knit midfield together and there was more fluidity from the back the longer the game progressed. Improved a lot in second half. 6
James McCarthy - For 18 months he was the most underrated midfielder in the Premier League but he's been too far below those levels for a while. He looked exhausted but deserves credit for 2nd half response.
6
Tom Cleverley - He had more confidence than team mates and the game changed when Martinez to order him infield more often. He did as much as anyone to re-energise his team after the break. Roy Hodgson must have been impressed. 8
Aaron Lennon - The sympathy cards must be in the post. How could he be expected to link-up with Besic? Lennon had a worried look on his face as he spent so much time covering at full-back for the Bosnian. 6
Ross Barkley - This was meant to be his stage but once more the product was not there. Like Stones, Barkley looks like he needs new direction. When winning the penalty he showed what he can do in the right areas. 7
Romelu Lukaku - Lukaku should have scored after 4 minutes from a long ball. He had another chance on 15 but a poor first touch let him down. He must chastise himself for that, but the penalty miss owed more to De Gea’s brilliance. 6
CREDIT TO:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/04/23/how-did-anthony-martial-snatch-victory-at-the-death-for-man-utd/
At times he seemed to be waging a one-man mission to drag United back in front and then, with a minute left, the Frenchman produced a moment of brilliance to claim the winning goal.
What United need to work on this week
How many times have United led this season, looked relatively comfortable, and then retreated, gripped by nerves and invited teams back into games? There have been many failings under Van Gaal but the lack of ruthlessness in this team is pronounced.Too often they are guilty of not creating enough but they had a plethora of chances here to put the game to bed long before Chris Smalling turned the ball into his own net. Jesse Lingard, for one, could easily have had a hat-trick.
What Everton need to work on this week
For 45 minutes, it was easy to see why Everton have struggled this season. With the exception of the Premier League’s bottom four, only two teams have conceded more than the Merseyside club in the top flight this term.Defensively, they were in disarray, routinely terrified by the pace of Martial and Rashford. They regrouped impressively in the second half but then, just when it mattered most, their concentration lapsed. It happens too often to Martinez teams.
What are they saying?
Louis van Gaal:"It’s fantastic to win, when you see the joy in the eyes of the players, it is fantastic to see. But also for the fans, because I think we deserve to go to the final.Michael Carrick
"Because of the referee though the match changed. Because we did not get any fouls in our benefit, Everton got all of them and changed the match.
"Everton came into the match because they got all of the fouls. And then all of their fans were cheering. But before that, no, they didn’t have anything. The referees are deciding the games, not the players."
"It was a crazy second half. We played some good stuff in the first half and we were comfortable and in control of the game. There were chances everywhere and to finish like that is the best way to win a game.Marouane Fellaini
"It would mean everything to win it. We have been desperate to get our hands on this trophy for too long. We are not there yet but we have given ourselves a chance."
"It was a tough game. Everton asked a lot of questions. But we are in a final which is most important. I’m so happy for me and the club."Roberto Martinez
"I've become so attached to Everton, and my ambition is exactly the same as the club's. I share the drive the club has, which is getting into the Champions League and situations where we can win silverware. I have a very strong drive and will give everything I have to fulfil those expectations.
"Every season we are developing and reaching certain signs where I feel we can please our fans and bring the silverware they deserve - but clearly, at moments like this of true disappointment, it is very difficult to see through that the real good things we have developed over the last three seasons."
Player ratings
Manchester UnitedDavid de Gea - Had to be alert when Lukaku rushed through twice in the first 15 minutes, but the penalty save to deny a 56th-minute equaliser was world class. There can’t be a better keeper in the world. 8
Marcos Rojo - Seen as a weak link, but Everton’s right-hand side was so preoccupied with stopping United’s attack he was able to ease himself into the game. That changed when Deulofeu came on and tortured him. 5
Daley Blind - Almost a calamity after five seconds as Ross Barkley tried to nick possession, but the Dutchman is coolness personified. His initial concern was the long, high ball to Lukaku but he was anxious in the second half. 7
Chris Smalling - Like his defensive partner had to focus on a one-dimensional strategy from the opponent for 45 minutes. His problems began when Everton finally turned up in the second half, his own goal a first but momentum shifting blemish. 6
Tim Fosu-Mensah - Too casual when enabling Lukaku to scurry through for an early opportunity, and then guilty of the rash challenge that gifted Everton the chance of a penalty equaliser. He was grateful to De Gea.
6
Michael Carrick - Martinez made no secret of his admiration for Carrick. At times this was a masterclass in retaining composure in an intense atmosphere. Some of the Everton players watched and learned after half-time. 7
Wayne Rooney - Cleared off the line from Lukaku in what proved a key early moment. He looked comfortable in midfield, spraying some high class passes effortlessly. Also knew where to probe Everton’s weaknesses on their right. 7
Marouane Fellaini - Two years ago there was much mirth on Merseyside when United paid £27.5 mllion for the Belgian. It’s taken a while to silence those jibes, but the 33rd minute goal in front of the Evertonians must have tasted sweet. 7
Jesse Lingard - Lingard should have scored 11 minutes when he received an exceptional Rooney pass, but his running and trickery was a persistent threat. Didn’t always do enough in good areas. 6
Anthony Martial - As the first half looked like becoming a duck shoot he missed an easy chance on 21 minutes, fluffing his lines after a smart build-up. Made amends creating the 33rd-minute opener for Fellaini and had the final word with the winner. 8
Marcus Rashford - Was not overawed by the occasion although there are occasions when his hold-up play could do with more work, particularly when Everton built up some pressure in the second half. 6
Everton
Joel Robles - Kept his side in the game with several early saves. It was only a matter of time before he succumbed. He had no chance with Fellaini’s goal he had much less to do in the second half. 6
Leighton Baines - He has not been fully fit for a while, but at least he knows what he is doing in defence. The same could not be said about Everton’s right hand side. He recovered admirably after the break. 7
John Stones - This was a summing up the flaws and strengths of Stones this season. He was hesitant and lacking in confidence at first but showed character in the second half. He took responsibility impressively to transform his game. 7
Phil Jagielka - Insisted on playing but looked as if he was playing from memory at times but how Martinez needed him. He gets extra marks for courage and leading a fightback that looked unlikely. 7
Mo Besic - An emergency right back and an accident waiting to happen. United targeted from the first whistle and it was no surprise when his vulnerability was exposed for the opening goal. 4
Darron Gibson - A surprise choice in midfield, Martinez hoping Gibson could replace Gareth Barry. It was a struggle. He tried to knit midfield together and there was more fluidity from the back the longer the game progressed. Improved a lot in second half. 6
James McCarthy - For 18 months he was the most underrated midfielder in the Premier League but he's been too far below those levels for a while. He looked exhausted but deserves credit for 2nd half response.
6
Tom Cleverley - He had more confidence than team mates and the game changed when Martinez to order him infield more often. He did as much as anyone to re-energise his team after the break. Roy Hodgson must have been impressed. 8
Aaron Lennon - The sympathy cards must be in the post. How could he be expected to link-up with Besic? Lennon had a worried look on his face as he spent so much time covering at full-back for the Bosnian. 6
Ross Barkley - This was meant to be his stage but once more the product was not there. Like Stones, Barkley looks like he needs new direction. When winning the penalty he showed what he can do in the right areas. 7
Romelu Lukaku - Lukaku should have scored after 4 minutes from a long ball. He had another chance on 15 but a poor first touch let him down. He must chastise himself for that, but the penalty miss owed more to De Gea’s brilliance. 6
CREDIT TO:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/04/23/how-did-anthony-martial-snatch-victory-at-the-death-for-man-utd/
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for your contribution