Erik Ten Hag’s strain was somewhat alleviated by Scott McTominay, whose double helped Manchester United defeat Chelsea 2-1, a much-needed victory.
The under-fire manager saw the desired outcome from Ten Hag’s risk in benching both Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial amid rumours of discord in the dressing room, as the home team’s skill with and without the ball was a far cry from Saturday’s crushing loss at Newcastle.
McTominay scored the first goal on a rebound off Harry Maguire’s shot (19), but Unitwd might have been ahead earlier if Bruno Fernandes hadn’t saved a penalty kick in the eighth minute.
Cole Palmer’s well-placed goal from just inside the box at the end of the first half punished United, who had controlled the first quarter but failed to extend their lead.
After the break, the home team was less efficient, but McTominay (69) gave them a lead again with a header from close range after Alejandro Garnacho’s cross, and the Argentine then squandered a fantastic chance to seal the win at halftime.
In the end, it didn’t really matter because United’s performance helped them overcome the negative publicity around the team to secure their first point and victory of the season against a team in the top half of the Premier League, moving them just three points off of the top four.
But Aston Villa defeated Manchester City 1-0 at Villa Park thanks to a deflected goal from Leon Bailey, moving them up into third place and earning a well-earned victory.
The goal, which came late in the game to preserve Unai Emery’s team’s pristine home record, demonstrated their greater effort throughout the match against an atypically quiet City. As of right present, Pep Guardiola’s team has lost four Premier League games.
Erling Haaland did have two opportunities in the first half, but City never seemed to be at ease and were severely lacking in Rodri’s absence. They now sit six points behind Arsenal and have dropped to fourth in the standings. They might also have to worry about Villa based on this evidence.
