Manchester United lost their 100% winning record on their visit to Stoke-on-Trent. Though the Red Devils remain unbeaten and top of the table after 4 games, this was a performance that was in many ways, below the level of the previous three.
After a hard-fought 90 minutes, that had its fair share of controversies, Stoke would be satisfied in snatching a point from the Old Trafford outfit, adding to their amazing home form that has already seen them take Arsenal’s scalp. A brace from Eric Chupo Moting, on either side of the United goals, was enough for the home-side.
Let’s look at some of the talking points from the game.
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Antonio Valencia was no match for Eric Chupo-Moting
Eric Chupo-Moting was one the list of probable for the game as he was harboring a hamstring injury, but to everyone’s surprise, he was handed a starting spot and he didn’t disappoint. He was up against Antonio Valencia, one of the best RB’s in the league and took him to the dryers. Chupo was on the move for the entire evening. He didn’t really have a fixed position, as he would play down the left and then drift inwards as a striker; he did it all. This made it tough for Valencia and the Manchester United backline to keep tabs on him and he profited from that. A poacher’s finish and a well-taken goal, job well done from Chupo-Moting!
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No need for defensive panic just yet
Manchester United’s defence have been in top form heading into the game. 3 clean sheets in as many games is a standout stat. In the evening, however, there were defensive frailties which Stoke duly took advantage of. The first goal was down the Chupo Moting coming inward into the six-yard box. Bailly failed to pick him up, and when he realized about the looming threat, it was too late. The second one too is quite surprising as Chupo shrugs off Jones to head in comfortably. With that being said, Manchester United’s defence was finally cleaved indicating a massive room for improvement.
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Wasteful Rom?
Romelu Lukaku seems to be settling into life as a Manchester United player and notched another goal against Stoke to take his league tally to 4 goals in 4 games. It’s definitely promising signs, seeing your main striker find the back of the net regularly. But, he was guilty of missing an important chance that could have won United the game. Anthony Martial’s produced one of the passes of the season already, as the quality of the cross was asking for the ball to be put into the back of the net. But a failed connection meant Romelu had blazed his effort well over the bar. His conversion rate could come into question if United fail to substantiate their early season form.
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Stoke at the Britannia, a tough nut to crack for Manchester United
Stoke City at the Britannia are a tough proposition for any Premier League team. Manchester United too, have found the ground to be intimidating. This 2-2 draw meant Manchester United have now gone 5 games without a victory against the Potters at their home. For years, Stoke have resorted to the long-ball tactic to try and muscle their way to a result. Manchester United will look to better that record when they visit the Britannia next.
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Jose Mourinho vs Mark Hughes
Jose Mourinho came to the game dressed in an untucked shirt, almost as if he was confident of his team stretching the winning run to 4 games, but it was far from it. While watching his team get frustrated on the football pitch, Jose Mourinho was riled up after Mark Hughes demanded the Portuguese to leave the Stoke technical area whilst giving an earful to the referee. This was not taken well by the Manchester United manager as a result of which, he refused to shake Hughes’ hand after the match.
Jose was critical about Stoke in his press conference, further stating that there was only 1 team who played for victory. This was uncharacteristic of Jose this season, as the good results gave us glimpses of a calm and composed Mourinho.
