Manchester United v Stoke City Review
Pre Match Analysis– Manchester United came into the game with Stoke City in average form. They had drawn three matches in a row, prior to their victory over Everton; meaning that they had taken just six points out of a possible twelve, in their previous four fixtures. On a plus side they welcomed back their captain Valencia and they hadn’t lost a game since they failed to register a point against Manchester City a while back. In order to be title contenders they would have pencilled in three points against Stoke City.
First Half Analysis– Manchester United started well early thanks to captain Valencia. Despite playing at right back, he managed to score a stunning goal in the ninth minute, on his left foot! He showed why Manchester United are a better team with him in it; he leads by example, often moving into the right channels and finding pockets of space in the final third to whip in crosses. Later in the First Half, Pogba played an exquisite pass that was put into the back of the net by Martial in the thirty-eighth minute.
Half Time Analysis– Manchester went into Half Time with a two-nil lead. Two goals is renowned as being a dangerous lead in soccer, however, Stoke are languishing in the relegation zone so the result should have been a forgone conclusion.
Second Half Analysis– Early in the Second Half, Butland made an outstanding save thwarting a Manchester United attack. Butland made another good save, this time Martial squandered an opportunity. Shortly after, Mata missed a golden opportunity. Lukaku managed to score thanks to an intelligent piece of work, Martial was credited with an assist. That put the result beyond doubt giving Manchester United an unassailable three goal lead.
Full Time Analysis– Manchester United thoroughly deserved their victory controlling possession with slightly more than sixty percent. They also had twenty shots to Stokes eleven and nine shots on target to Stokes five. Hopefully this win breathes life into Manchester United’s title hopes, because Manchester City’s lead was cut from fifteen to twelve points.