Three major talking point after Brighton defeat Man Utd via last-gasp penalty
Brighton & Hove Albion defeated Manchester United 1-0 with the last kick of the game courtesy of Alexis Mac Allister’s stunning penalty this evening.
Erik ten Hag made four changes to the side which defeated Aston Villa 1-0 in the Premier League last Sunday.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Anthony Martial, Antony and Fred replaced Tyrell Malacia, Marcel Sabitzer, Jadon Sancho and Christian Eriksen.
The two teams met recently in the FA Cup semi-final, where the Red Devils won 7-6 on penalties following a goalless draw.
Fate turned in Brighton’s favour this time, helping the Seagulls to register their first-ever Premier League double over Man United.
In the last few seconds of the game, VAR found Luke Shaw guilty of using his hand to clear a corner kick.
Mac Allister dispatched the ball into the top-left corner, breaking the hearts of the United faithful.
Here are our three talking points from the game.
Sweet revenge for Brighton after the FA Cup heartbreak
Brighton have been one of the best teams in the Premier League and deserve to be in the hunt to secure European football for next season.
Roberto De Zerbi has worked wonders since taking over from Graham Potter.
The home team enjoyed a ball possession of around 60% and attempted more shots than United.
Whenever United tried to press high up the pitch, they showed great composure and always found a way out to play from the back.
They may have won the game via a last-minute spot-kick but fully deserved the three points against lacklustre 20-time Premier League champions.
Man United fail to take their chances, again
The Red Devils created decent chances to open the deadlock but failed to put the ball into the back of the net.
Antony squandered a great opportunity just 90 seconds into the game. Casemiro’s header went just a few inches over the bar.
Marcus Rashford and Martial fired their shots straight at the goalkeeper, showing how desperately United need an elite striker.
They tried to go toe-to-toe with Brighton in the first half, but the wheels came off after the break.
It has been a long season for United, but they cannot let fatigue creep in and spoil the business end of the campaign.
Man United’s dire run could cost them the Champions League spot
Tonight’s defeat leaves the Red Devils two points behind third-placed Newcastle United.
Liverpool are breathing down their neck in the fifth spot.
The Merseyside club have won their last five league games and are just four points behind United.
The Red Devils still look to be in the pole position to grab fourth position as they have played a game less than Liverpool.
However, they cannot become complacent, as it could cost them the coveted Champions League place.
Ten Hag must tighten things up again.
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