Premier League, Southampton hold Manchester United 1-1: Records broken
Manchester United missed an opportunity to move into the top four of the Premier League after they failed to overcome Southampton. On Saturday, Southampton held United for a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. Man United are getting used to the said scoreline as it was their third successive game, which ended 1-1 across competitions. Earlier, they were held to a 1-1 draw against Burnley.
Why does this story matter?
Prior to their draw against Burnley, United were knocked out of FA Cup by Middlesbrough on penalties after the scoreline read 1-1 at the full-time whistle. United took a first-half lead against Southampton on Saturday, much like in their previous match against Burnley and Middlesbrough. In all three games, United conceded a second-half equalizer and failed in netting a winning goal.
How did the match pan out?
United dominated the proceedings in the first half during their third consecutive game in all competitions. Jadon Sancho broke the deadlock in the 21st minute to put them ahead against the Saints. United's French playmaker Paul Pogba scored another goal on the stroke of halftime but it was disallowed. Che Adams' second-half goal canceled out United's lead as the game ended in a draw.
United and Southampton's situation in EPL
United have picked up just nine points from the last five Premier League games. They are currently sitting at the fifth spot in the standings. They are on point with 4th placed West Ham (40). After 24 matches, United have claimed 11 victories while losing six games. They have played out seven draws. Meanwhile, Southampton are sitting at the tenth spot with 29 points.
First PL goal for Sancho at Old Trafford
Sancho on Saturday netted his first Premier League goal for United at their home ground Old Trafford. It was his second goal in the last three games for Man United in all competitions. According to Opta, Sancho scored just two goals in his first 23 appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions.
Unwanted Feat for Ronaldo and United
This is only the second time when United had failed to win back-to-back games, despite leading at half-time in the Premier League, according to Opta. They recorded the unwanted feat for the first time in December 1998. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo has failed to score a goal in six games for United. This is his longest ever goal drought since 2009, according to Goal.
Here are the other results
Manchester City hammered Norwich City 4-0 to further extend their gap at the top of the PL table. Everton recorded a 3-0 win over Leeds United. Resolute Brighton defeated Watford 2-0. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace played out a goalless draw against Brentford.
