*Aston Villa 1 (Benteke 18) Manchester United 1 (Falcao 53)
Radamel Falcao scored on his first start in two months as Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw by Aston Villa.
The home side took the lead in spectacular style, Christian Benteke breaking the deadlock with a wicked curling effort from 18 yards. Falcao equalised for the visitors during the second half before Gabriel Agbonlahor was sent off in controversial fashion.As is a regular occurrence at Villa Park, Paul Lambert set up his side to soak up the pressure and hit the visitors on the counter attack – an unusual 3-5-2 formation a brave move from the Villa boss, though it paid dividends during the first half as the home side had the better of the chances.
The opening goal had nothing to do with the formation, however, with Benteke producing a moment of class, controlling Fabian Delph’s set piece on his chest before finding the top left-hand corner with a wonderful curled effort from 16 yards.
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal opted to give Falcao his first start in two months, and although the Colombian was lively on his return, he remained quiet in the final third during the first half – as did striker partner Robin van Persie. But the on-loan forward may have given his boss something to think about with a well-taken header midway through the second period.
Villa were then reduced to 10 men in controversial fashion as referee Lee Mason brandished a straight red card to Gabriel Agbonlahor for what was a very innocuous challenge on former Villan Ashley young. But despite intense pressure from the visitors following the red card, Villa ensured United failed to win their seventh straight game and West Ham take their place in the top four.
KEY MOMENTS
18’ – GOAL!! Villa 1-0 Man United: WHAT A GOAL THAT IS FROM BENTEKE! The striker controls Delph’s set-piece on his chest, before dropping the shoulder and bamboozling Evans to send a curled, left-footed effort into the far corner.
35’ – GREAT SAVE! Young nearly nets against his former club. He sends in wicked cross from the left. It drifts over everybody’s head and looks to be finding the far corner, but Guzan somehow is able to tip it around the far post.
48’ – HALF-CHANCE FOR VILLA! Benteke muscles his way forward, brushing off two challenges before playing in Delph on the edge of the box. The midfielder’s shot is blocked by Blackett.
49’ – WONDERFUL SAVE FROM DE GEA! Delph’s corner is floated to the back post, where the towering Benteke rises highest to head at goal from six yards. It looks to be finding the back of the net, but De Gea turns it over the bar.
50’ – VAN PERSIE SHOULD SCORE! The Dutchman is fortunate to get sent through on goal, with Mata’s deflected shot catching the Villa backline out. RVP’s first touch is immaculate, but he shoots straight at Guzan.
53’ – GOAL!! Aston Villa 1-1 Man United: Falcao equalises for the visitors, and it was coming. United have cranked up the pressure and they have their goal. Young gets down the left and crosses brilliantly for Falcao, who powers a header home from six yards.
65’ – RED CARD!! Agbonlahor is shown a straight red card as he and Young come together, but there is absolutely nothing in it. A really poor decision from referee Lee Mason.
KEY STATS
Paul Lambert avoids defeat for the first time in the PL against Manchester United, on his seventh meeting with them as a manager.
Radamel Falcao scored his first Premier League away goal for Man Utd. Six of his seven previous league goals for Monaco and Man Utd before today had come at home.
TALKING POINT
Should Gabriel Abonlahor have been sent off? No. In what was a 50/50 challenge, both Young and Agbonlahor had eyes for the ball. Upon watching the replay, it is young that leaves the floor when going into the challenge, and Matt Lowton’s reaction to the challenge – appealing for a free-kick Aston Villa’s way – says a lot about referee Lee Mason’s decision. The Villa striker will surely appeal the decision, but he’ll be fortunate to see his ban reduced. But, ‘tis the season…
MAN OF THE MATCH
Jores Okore (Aston Villa): It was a tough old day for the Villa backline, having been pinned back deep in their own half for much of the match. Apart from Lowton, the Villa defenders can give themselves a pat on the back for helping their side to a share of spoils, particularly Okore. The defender, who has recently returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines, showed maturity, despite his young age, and was impressive against the likes of Falcao, Van Persie and later Angel Di Maria.
PLAYER RATINGS
Aston Villa: Guzan 7, Lowton 5, Vlaar 7, Okore 8, Clark 7, Cissokho 6, Sanchez 6, Delph 7, Weimann 6, Agbonlahor 6, Benteke 7. Subs: Bacuna N/A, N’Zogbia N/A,
Man Utd: De Gea 7, Valencia 6, Young 7, Carrick 6, Evans 6, Jones 7, Fletcher 5, Mata 7, Rooney 7, Van Persie 5, Falcao 6. Subs: Blackett 6, Di Maria 6, Wilson 6.