PBP: EPL - Manchester United FC vs Newcastle United FC - Feb 21, 2021 [R]

One step forward, two steps back...

 

So obvious right from the start too: a very, very poor showing overall so far.

 

Mag had to either head that out for a corner or away towards the corner flag - not back out there. Very basic defending fail.

 

HT: 1-1. Pretty bad first half of football on our part. Kick in the backside is required and would also look to introduce Diallo right away or shortly into the 2nd half at the latest.

 

Scholsey pointing out at half-time that we keep allowing a free man unmarked on their short corners to have an easy cross.

Do any of the players on the pitch bother to do any in-game defensive organisation? Looking at you captain Maguire ...

 

St-Maximin giving us all kinds of trouble today: with probably more to come unfortunately.

Also, let's hope that Ole will not wait too long on subs: there are options on the bench to shake things up.

 

We have two defensive minded midfielders protecting this back four and still look vulnerable.

Also, just how poor has Martial been today. Sure eff all service but watch him off the ball and he does nothing. No runs, no gambles, no hold-up play. He has regressed badly. Big doubts as to whether he is really a #9.

 

James 2-1

 

DJ, 2-1. Thankful for defensive errors on the other side for a change. A goal's a goal.

 

Nicely done James

 

Some good work from Martial who created a decent half chance for himself. Need that 3rd though sooner rather than later: can't trust our backline right now to keep a clean sheet the rest of the way.

 

Certainly not the way Almiron and Saint Maximin (particularly the latter today) can create something out of nothing.

 

Around the 70th min right on cue... Mase coming for Martial.

 

Rashford winning a Pk. Bruno gets it, secures the win in all likelihood (along with some much needed fantasy points in the process).

 

Man, 18 and PKs have saved this team this year.