Manchester United was well-below their glittering best against a well-disciplined Sunderland side, but they performed a great escape to steal a point in the 2-2 draw to remain at the top of the English Premier League.
In stoppage time, Patrice Evra’s shot deflected in off of Anton Ferdinand to spare some blushes for a dismal performance by United.
Sir Alex Ferguson will not be best pleased with the performance put in by his players – with the exception of Dimitar Berbatov – but he can consider this as an added point in the title race.
Some will say that this was a type of performance that makes champions, but from a supporters’ perspective it was anything less than impressive. United were fours and fives all over the pitch, and questions need to be raised about no striking options on the bench.
United were punished for their mistakes and wayward passing led to the opening goal, but Sunderland were worthy of the going in front. Darren Bent grabbed the opener when he took a long-range shot into the bottom corner.
United never looked comfortable and the passing was not clicking. Credit can be given to Sunderland, but how much was it down to the lack of composure on the ball from United.
Uncharacteristic
There are two things that Ferguson values the most - passing and possession - and they both went missing.
One of his old reliable players, Paul Scholes, was one of the main culprits as he could not find a pass. It was a contrasting performance from his Man of the Match performance against Stoke City last weekend.
Being on a yellow card for a stupid challenge on Bent, missing six or seven passes in a row and giving away the ball way too many times, Sir Alex had no choice but to make a change at halftime. He brought on Anderson for the struggling Scholes.
Su-Berb Strike
Berbatov hit one of the most spectacular goals you will ever see, but you wouldn’t think that because he made it look effortless.
John O’Shea put in a cross into the Sunderland area, and without hesitation the Bulgarian hit an unstoppable volley past Craig Gordon.
It was a fine strike that any goal scorer would be proud of – especially one under so much unwarranted scrutiny.
Flapping
Goalkeeper Ben Foster is again at the forefront of criticism - and rightfully so.
Just as United were getting back into the match, Sunderland broke on a counterattack - from another misplaced pass. Steven Reid lofted an inviting ball into the back post, which should have not caused any danger, but yet it resulted in the go-ahead goal.
Rather coming hard off his line to punch the ball clear, Foster elected to try to catch the ball, and was not prepared for the physical, but fair challenge of Kenwyne Jones. He crumpled under the challenge and had his tail between his legs when he was forced to pick the ball out from the back of the net.
Former United youngster Kieran Richardson was given his marching orders by referee, Alan Wiley, for two unnecessary, but bookable offenses. That gave United a glimmer of hope to rescue something from the match, and they did just that.
Ferdinand’s own goal assured United’s unbeaten run continued, and they could – maybe should – have grabbed an undeserved winner.
Ratings
B. Foster - 5; J. O’Shea - 6, N. Vidic - 5, J. Evans - 6, P. Evra - 6; D. Welbeck - 5 (A. Valencia - 4), D. Fletcher - 5, (M. Carrick - 6), P. Scholes - 3 (Anderson - 6), Nani - 5; D. Berbatov - 7, W. Rooney - 5
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