What a Dilemma! Hodgson’s Tactics Defeated Manchester United at Old Trafford

On Aug 25, 2019

Manchester United was stunned by a defeat at home against the underdogs Crystal Palace as they defeated the home side for the first time since 1991. Yes, a fun fact.

Palace Made History

United is a major threat at home and had scored 5 goals in the last 2 games. But Roy had great tactics up his sleeves against the Reds. With luck on the Eagles side, Rashford missed a penalty and clatter the post from the spot. Crystal Palace soaked up all the pressure and slammed one with the help of Jordan Ayew (the only striker bought by Palace this summer) in the first half. United shot themselves in the foot really by missing a penalty.

The Striking Force of Palace

Jordan Ayew had a staggering start this season as scoring his first goal against United at Old Trafford. He replaced Benteke as the only one leading the front line against the physically stalwart back-four line of the Reds. Ayew struggled in the first half and was trying hard extremely hard to break through the defensive line. He was inconsistent throughout the game but had great composure when he came one-on-one against one of the best goalkeepers in the world David De Gea.

Hodgson Tweaked the Tactics

Facing a fierce United side was not easy for the Eagles so Hodgson had to make a few major changes. Jeffrey Sclupp and Cheikhou replaced Townsend and Meyer which he hoped can break their goalscoring deadlock. Schlupp proved to be an asset and was an excellent replacement. He gave an exceptional assist while partnering beautifully with Jordan Ayew. Wilfred Zaha was not at his best form but was a green tick for Hodgson and threatens the United defense.

Cahill Was Happy after a Memorable Win

Gary Cahill started the season defending the Eagles’ side against their fierce rivals. While Roy is still worried about his side not scoring enough goals but is quite gratified with his side conceding only 1 goal in the last two games. Cahill has been a blessing for Hodgson as he has a great controlling demeanor and excellent composure when locks down in tight spots, making a rock-solid defense at the back.

No Penalty Takers for United?

The United attacking side yet again missed from the penalty spot as Rashford hit the post. After last week’s fallout from Paul Pogba, Rashford also missed his chance to become the leading penalty takers, or was it bad luck for United? The lingering concerns are emerging and people are questioning the United side and the squad depth.

Breaking United’s Defense

Besides the embarrassing penalty miss, the Eagles were penetrating through the pact United’s defense many times. Manchester United lost sight and their way to a victory by conceding a ridiculously soft goal in the first half. Even though the Red scored an equalizer in the last few minutes, Patrick Van Aanholt scored past De Gea in the stoppage time. The defeat at home from Crystal Palace is an early reality check for the home side.

Manchester United Have to Make a Comeback

Ole Solskjaer (United’s Manger and Former Player) said “We did not have enough urgency or penetration. “We made it too easy for them in the first half because we didn’t have the change in tempo. We were better in the second half. We have to learn and we have to learn quickly. The last two games, we should have got six points, if you look at it as a neutral. We’re two penalty misses away from sitting pretty with nine points, but teams will come here and defend against us, drop deep like Palace did.”