MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester United’s title momentum was dramatically halted Wednesday ahead of its visit to Premier League leader Arsenal on the weekend.
Leading Crystal Palace 1-0 after 90 minutes at Selhurst Park, United looked set to rack up a tenth straight win in all competitions and move as much as second within the table, just six points off the highest.
Michael Olise, nonetheless, completely modified the mood of the night by scoring a free kick in the primary minute of stoppage time to earn Palace a 1-1 draw.
“We were 1-0 up. Within the second half we had a whole lot of space to kill them and go for the second. I never saw we actually went for the second goal,” United manager Erik ten Hag said. “It’s difficult to say (why). I actually have to criticize my team. Go for the second.”
Ten Hag’s frustration was evident after a result that changes the narrative going into the sport against Arsenal.
Political Cartoons
Now, as a substitute of having the ability to cut the Londoners’ lead to a few points, defeat would depart United 11 points adrift having played a game more.
Ten Hag has up to now talked down United’s unlikely title challenge, but the development in his team has been evident on the back of nine straight wins before Palace, including a 2-1 victory against second-place Manchester City last weekend.
United stays the one team to have beaten Arsenal within the league this season and a repeat performance on the Emirates Stadium would have been a significant statement of intent.
It still might be, however the draw with Palace will feel like a missed opportunity after Bruno Fernandes had opened the scoring within the forty third.
United moved up from fourth to 3rd within the league — level on points with Manchester City.
While Ten Hag and his United players were left frustrated, Leeds can stay up for an FA Cup fourth round match with Boreham Wood or Accrington Stanley after a 5-2 rout of Cardiff of their third round replay.
As if a visit to high-flying Arsenal on Sunday is not daunting enough, United will likely be without considered one of its most influential players.
Casemiro picked up a fifth yellow card of the season against Palace, meaning the midfielder will likely be suspended for Sunday’s game.
“He’s a very necessary player for us and a reason we’re on this position. But last time we beat Arsenal without Casemiro. We want to do it again,” said Ten Hag.
Casemiro has been considered one of United’s best players this season, losing just two of the 18 games he’s began since joining from Real Madrid in the summertime.
Leeds put its league struggles behind it with a morale-boosting win within the FA Cup.
The 5-2 victory against second-tier Cardiff ended a seven-game winless streak in all competitions.
It took a Ninetieth-minute goal from Sonny Perkins to salvage a 2-2 attract the unique game however the replay was a far more one-sided affair.
Leeds led 3-0 after 36 minutes with two goals from Wilfried Gnonto and one other from Rodrigo. Gnonto gave Leeds a flying start with a surprising volley contained in the opening minute and fired home his second after Rodrigo had struck his eleventh goal of the season.
Patrick Bamford struck twice within the second half, while Callum Robinson pulled two back for Cardiff.
Premier League survival stays Leeds’ priority because it sits just two points clear of the relegation zone.
“I felt very strongly before the sport that we were ready for a robust performance. I told the team that. This was obviously a very important moment for us, however it’s just one other moment in the event we’re attempting to create,” Leeds manager Jesse Marsch said.
“A vital moment to collect momentum, but hard to say validation because we still have a lot to do.”
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material is probably not published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.