DBasia.news – Paul Pogba scored to return to take Manchester United to the top of the Premier League standings after a 2-1 win over Fulham in the 18th match at Craven Cottage Stadium, London, England, Wednesday local time (Thursday morning, WIB).
The French national team midfielder scored his goal in the 65th minute with a curling shot into the far post area to complete the revival of United who had fallen behind the hosts.
MU fell behind first as Fulham started the match well and was able to open up the lead just five minutes after starting from Ademola Lookman’s goal.
The MU defense did not seem to have heated up entering the match when it failed to anticipate Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa’s ball which was controlled by Lookman before finishing with a sharp strike into the bottom left corner of the net.
After conceding the goal, MU seemed to be more concentrated and slowly began to take over control of the game.
In the 21st minute, Edinson Cavani finally equalized for United after he carefully grabbed Bruno Fernandes’ cross which slipped from the hands of goalkeeper. Alphonse Areola.
After United turned things around, Fulham were close to equalizing if goalkeeper David de Gea had not made a brilliant save with his feet to block Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s shot in the 74th minute.
In the 83rd minute Fulham had another good chance from a wave of counter-attacks, but Loftus-Cheek’s finishing shot this time went wildly high.
Fulham continued to struggle to equalize, even Aleksandar Mitrociv almost scored with a header that hit Eric Bailly’s thigh, fortunately for the MU defender the ball still deviated slightly outside the goal and the Red Devils locked their victory.
The continuation of MU’s almost losing trend in 10 away games this season made them return to the top of the Premier League standings with a collection of 40 points, displacing city rivals, Manchester City (38) who had only been in that position for a few hours.
Meanwhile, Fulham (12), who must be willing to continue their bad trend of almost winning in eight consecutive matches, have not moved from 18th place, according to the official Premier League website.
The two teams will return to action on Sunday (January 24) for their FA Cup fourth round tie, when Fulham hosts Burnley and Manchester United meets Liverpool at Old Trafford.