Javier Hernandez hits top form as he hits two goals to single-handedly carry his side to victory after getting two goals down
Image retrieved from the Daily Mail UK
Goals of the Game
Aston Villa: Weimann (45+1', 50')
Manchester United: Hernandez (58', 87'), Vlaar (63' OG)
From two goals down, Manchester United rallied in impressive fashion as in-form striker Javier Hernandez almost completed a hat-trick to single-handedly carry his side to a comeback win.
The Reds had a very hefty bulk of possession early on, as Paul Scholes proved to be the puppeteer pulling all the strings for his side. Villa was getting cornered but their defense proved rock-solid. United winger Valencia struggled to create crosses, as Villa left-back Stevens proved a stalwart shield. Soon, Villa would pick up more of the ball, with Agbonlahor, Benteke and Weimann proving to be a threat for the United defense. It had all the makings of the gridlock until Benteke outran United's Smalling and pulls a low cross towards Andreas Weimann, who smashes the ball towards De Gea's net, with the Spanish keeper caught off-guard.
Aston Villa striker Andreas Weimann celebrates as he scores just before half-time
Image retrieved from The Telegraph UK
Then came the second half. Much to the shocked elation of the Villa Park crowd, an uncharacteristically sloppy Paul Scholes pass saw the home team catch a break. Agbonlahor made the cross and Weimann once again sank the ball in. United were getting caught in a surprise upset. But then United are not called "Comeback Kings" for nothing. Scholes would recapture his pinpoint passing at the right moment, Hernandez - a half-time sub - collecting the ball and getting the goal in. Five minutes later, he would make a comeback and manage to create a deflection that puts United on level. (Later on, the credit for the goal would be given to Vlaar as an OG.)
Weimann sinks goal no. 2 for his side just 5 minutes after 2nd half began
Image retrieved from the Daily Mail UK
Both sides knew there was still time to win this thing and take all the spoils for their own. But it was Manchester United who would see this thing through. Robin van Persie was first to step up to the challenge, but ultimately knew the day wasn't his as he hits the crossbar twice in a span of just a little over a minute. However, it was Chicharito who hits white-hot top form as he headed United's winning goal minutes before full-time. Sir Alex Ferguson's team goes from two goals down to a 3-2 victory.
Analysis
It is obvious at this point that United's man of the match is none other than the Mexican Javier Hernandez. He's unstoppable at the moment and his current form is outstanding. He, on his own, is to be credited for this win.
Chicharito's header deflects off Villa CB Ron Vlaar, placing the ball into the net
Image retrieved from the Daily Mail UK
Defensive frailties have once again popped up for the Red Devils, particularly Patrice Evra. He recovered his form lately, but this night he wasn't in his best. Smalling was the only notable defender in the Reds' back four, doing great defending for his team.
Rooney and Van Persie hadn't had much touch on the ball until the second half. While they did well, they didn't have the magic they usually do. A small blip, but a concern for some fans.
Valencia is taking a bit too long to gain that consistent form we fans love. Last week, he was literally toying with Arsenal's Andre Santos. Now, he was outplayed by Villa's Enda Stevens.
Regardless, with this game down to the history books, United are now the side with the most wins coming from behind. And while Sir Alex Ferguson would've a big headache over his side's underperfomance in defense, he will surely be wearing a happy face as he ends this game with his team still on top of the table.
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