Manchester United endured a second consecutive home defeat in the Premier League as Crystal Palace secured an impressive victory at Old Trafford, courtesy of Joachim Andersen’s outstanding strike.
These two teams had faced each other just five days earlier, with Erik ten Hag’s side comfortably winning 3-0 in the Carabao Cup.
However, Palace had rested several first-team players for that match and presented a different challenge on Saturday, delivering a flawless away performance.
After Tyrick Mitchell cleared Rasmus Hojlund’s attempt off the line, Palace took the lead when Andersen brilliantly fired a first-time shot into the top corner following a free-kick.
Following that, Manchester United increased their offensive pressure but encountered difficulties in breaching the Palace defense. When they did manage to create opportunities, goalkeeper Sam Johnstone displayed exceptional form.
Sam Johnstone played a pivotal role in the second half by making two critical saves to maintain Crystal Palace‘s lead. He first tipped over Bruno Fernandes’ dipping shot and then denied Rasmus Hojlund’s powerful header.
The Palace goal appeared to have a stroke of luck on their side as Manchester United struggled to break through. As a result, the visitors secured a victory that propelled them to ninth place in the standings, while the hosts slipped to 10th.
For Erik ten Hag’s team, it marked their fourth defeat in seven Premier League matches, representing their worst start to a league season after seven games in 34 years.
Manchester United entered September with three consecutive defeats and were eager to conclude the month on a positive note. A victory against Crystal Palace would have marked their third consecutive win and potentially kick-started their season.
Following their comfortable victory over Roy Hodgson’s team on Tuesday, home fans may have anticipated a similar outcome against the Eagles.
Initially, it appeared that way as Manchester United made a strong start, but Tyrick Mitchell’s goal-line clearance proved to be a pivotal moment.
Subsequently, Palace began to pose more of a counter-attacking threat, while Manchester United grew increasingly frustrated as they struggled to break through their opponents’ defense.
At the end of the match, there were boos from the home fans, who voiced their frustration at the match officials due to the dismissal of a couple of penalty appeals.
Ultimately, the hosts had numerous opportunities to secure a draw, but a combination of poor finishing and exceptional defending ensured that it would not be their day.