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Aston Villa beat Manchester United at Old Trafford for the first time since 2009 in a fascinating match.
Dean Smith made just one change from the side that beat Everton 3-0 last weekend as Kortney Hause came in for Axel Tuanzebe who couldn’t play against his parent club.
It was a very even game as the two managers tried to find ways to unlock each other’s defence. Villa’s high press caused United problems all afternoon while the home side were a threat on the counter-attack.
Ollie Watkins probably should have given Villa the lead when David De Gea’s miss-kick fell to the forward’s feet but his low shot was saved by the Spaniard.
Ezri Konsa also come close from a corner but his header went high and wide while Matt Targett also had a chance inside the six-yard box but his effort had the same outcome.
Villa did eventually take the lead seven minutes from time. Hause was able to beat Edison Cavani in the air at the near post following a Douglas Luiz cross to head home.
It wouldn’t be a match against Manchester United without a penalty and this game didn’t disappoint. Hause again, in the thick of it, was judged to have handballed in the area. Bruno Fernandes stepped up but hit his penalty over the crossbar.
Following back to back defeats on the road, this is Villa’s first win of the Premier League campaign away from Villa Park.
The Bad
- Due to the famous victory, not much will be made of this but once against Mike Dean was in the middle of a controversial refereeing decision. John McGinn knocked the ball on and past Harry Macguire who brought the Scot down. It could have been a red card but it was definitely a foul but nothing was given.
The Good
- The lack of bad points from yesterday sums up my feelings about yesterday really!
- Hause come in and slotted alongside Konsa and Tyrone Mings and looked solid and comfortable throughout. He helped keep Cristiano Ronaldo quiet and scored the winner on the day.
- The improvement of set-pieces this season is clear as daylight to see. Last season they felt like a chore at times but this year, I look forward to seeing what will happen. The appointment of Austin McPhee has proved a genius decision so far and will have Danny Murphy muttering to himself in a corner somewhere.
- The midfield three of McGinn, Luiz and Jacob Ramsey has improved so much also. They all look fitter, more comfortable and they all work for each other. It makes such a difference to our team who are now having more of the ball, compared to last season.
Next Match
Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa
Sunday, 3rd October. Kick-Off: 14.00
Villa will look to build on the win over Man Utd and the two performances over Chelsea as they return to the capital. One big decision Smith will have to make is does Tuanzebe return or does Hause keep his place?
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