Manchester United 3-2 Southampton (EFL Cup Final)
This is it. Cup Final day. Despite the fact that the EFL Cup is not considered as prestigious in comparison to other cup competitions, both teams will undoubtedly be determined to come away from Wembley with the trophy.
Pundit's match predictions: (1 point for correct winner and 1 point for correct result)
1) James Stroud (Charlton fan - 2 points): 2-0 Manchester United, Southampton's defence is not as formidable as it was in recent rounds. United and particularly Zlatan will be able to exploit this.
2=) Jordan Parslow (Manchester United fan - 1 point): 1-0 Manchester United, Mata to nick the only goal of the game.
6=) Luke Marsh (Manchester United fan - 0 points): Manchester United victory. Luke refused to predict a scoreline as he 'did not want to tempt fait'
United had ridden their luck in the early stages but there was nothing lucky about their opener. Romeu took down Herrera roughly 30 yards out, allowing Ibrahimovic the chance to strike at goal. The Swedish forward looked menacing as he lined up the free kick, and he would send the United end into uproar as he unleashed an unstoppable effort which nestled in the corner of the Southampton net. (1-0)
United were perhaps undeserving of their early lead and Southampton were enjoying large periods of the play. Good hold up play from Gabbiadini led to a shooting opportunity for Ward-Prowse, but his goal-bound strike was well saved by De Gea.
Rojo was proving to be the weak link in the United defence and this proved to be the case again as Gabbiadini got the better of him on the right wing. His cross was too long for anyone in the box, but this was further evidence that Southampton were the better team and were creating problems for United at the back.
Just minutes later the Saints would create another opportunity for themselves when Tadic fired an effort at goal. It looked as if it would squirm under the body of De Gea, but the Spaniard just managed to keep the effort out with his legs.
It was all Southampton and had luck gone their way they would have drawn level from the resulting corner. Ward-Prowse whipped a wicked ball into the box and the ball bounced in the air, but it would not drop to a man in white and thus United hastily cleared the danger.
Southampton were by far the better team but they suffered a huge blow as United extended their advantage with just their second shot on target. Lingard has acres of space in the box which allowed him the time to set himself for a shot, and the English wing man showed great composure as his effort rolled through the legs of Yoshida and into the corner of the net. (2-0)
It was extremely harsh on Southampton and now they now had a mountain to climb if they were to lift the EFL trophy.
Just minutes after the restart Jack Stephens went flying into a challenge with Anthony Martial and appeared to go studs up. United's players reacted angrily to this and were begging with the referee to show Stephens a red card, but he was able to escape with only a caution.
As half time approached it looked as if United would hold a 2 goal advantage going into the half. But Southampton were piling on the pressure and they got their rewards via the boot of Gabbiadini. Redmond found space in the middle of the box and he released Ward-Prowse down the right wing. The England Under-21 Captain whipped across another menacing ball, and on hand to convert was that man Gabbiadini who poked the ball through the legs of De Gea and into the net. (2-1)
Half time 2-1
That was the last action of the opening 45 minutes, meaning United went into the half holding a goal advantage. Although they had been far from their best, the Red Devils had made their chances count and were only 45 minutes from lifting the EFL Trophy.
But they had not had their own way for large periods of the half, and Southampton went into the break very unlucky not to be leading themselves. They had shown great attacking flair throughout the first half and should have broken the deadlock, had Gabbiadini's effort not been wrongly called off for offside. As Le Tissier vented passionately on Sky Sports, this was a crucial error and one that would have changed the whole complexion of the game had it been allowed.
Nevertheless they will be buoyed by pulling a goal back just before the half time, and that goal will surely make the second half an entertaining prospect as two sides battle it out for the EFL trophy.
Manchester United made one change at half time, with Mata making way for Michael Carrick.
Southampton started the second half brightly and carved out an early corner for themselves. Initially the corner came to nothing, but the ball came back into the box to Redmond, who's venomous volley was well saved by De Gea.
Southampton were piling on the pressure once again as they went in the search of an equaliser, and they got their wishes via the boot of Gabbiadini. The Italian forward showed great predatory instincts as his swivelled effort left De Gea stranded and nestled into the corner. (2-2)
This was just rewards for Southampton who were able to make their pressure count. They had put in a herculean effort to get back level and now had the momentum as they went in search of getting another goal which would give them the lead.
United rode their luck once again as Lingard deliberately tripped up Redmond as he broke into the United half, but Redmond stayed on his feet. This was cynical trip from Lingard and he was walking a tight-rope having already recieved a caution. He made no attempt for the ball and had Redmond gone down the United winger would surely have received his marching orders.
Southampton were clearly missing Van Dijk at the back and their frailties were starting to show. They nearly shot themselves in the foot when Forster passed the ball straight out to Martial. The Frenchman released Ibrahimovic and he had a clear run on goal, but Forster was able atone for his error as he saved the Swede's effort.
This was proving to be a truly entertaining game and had it not been for Valencia's clearance at the back post, United would have found themselves a goal down. From the resulting corner Oriol Romeu towered above Pogba, but he watched on in despair as his effort bounced back off the post.
Minutes later Martial burst into life as he waltzed past 2 Southampton defenders, but his slipped pass through to Lingard was well cut out by Yoshida.
When Pogba was tripped up roughly 25 yards out, Ibrahimovic was presented with another good opportunity from a set piece. Could he replicate his effort from the first half? No. The Swede barely got his effort off the ground as it clattered into the wall.
United had a good opportunity to take the lead with 15 minutes to go. Martial floated in a left floated cross and it found its way to Lingard at the back post, but he blazed his shot over the bar. This was his last action as seconds later the English winger was replaced by Rashford.
This was a good spell of possession for United and it was undoubtedly their most dangerous phase of the game. With 12 minutes to go they had battled back to gain the upper hand, and it seemed as if the game would be won before the full time whistle, it would be won by United.
The game was getting tense and surely the next goal will prove to be the winner. A clever reverse pass by Ibrahimovic presented Rashford with a shot on goal, but his effort was turned wide for a corner by Forster.
The pace of the game had picked up dramatically and it was Southampton who was so close to a winner. Bertrand, who had been magnificent all game, whipped in a dangerous cross across the face of the goal but could not be diverted in by a Southampton forward. From the resulting corner Stephens rose highest and his header was on target, but it was cleared off the line by a United defender.
Southampton had given it their all but they were left heartbroken with 2 minutes to go. United had been second best for large periods of the game but looked as if they had clinched victory via the head of Ibrahimovic. Herrera, who had been one of United's better performers, clipped a delicious ball into the box and it fell invitingly to Ibrahimovic, who made no mistake from 3 yards out. (3-2)
Southampton looked dejected following the goal. Their colossal effort had not been rewarded and they simply had nothing left to give as time expired.
Full Time: (3-2)
It was extremely cruel on Southampton who with a little bit of luck, would have had this game won easily. But United dug in and dug deep, and it was that man Ibrahimovic who had bailed them out for the umpteenth time this season.
Regardless of the result, this was a thoroughly entertaining Cup final with both sides giving it their all from the 1st minute to the last. Southampton had given a good account of themselves, but ultimately it was United who prevailed thanks to their legendary striker.
Player Ratings:
Man Utd: De Gea(6) Valencia(6) Bailly(6) Smalling(6) Rojo(5) Herrera(7) Pogba(5) Lingard(6) Mata(5) Martial(5) Ibrahimovic(8)
Subs: Carrick(6) Fellaini(6) Rashford(6)
Manchester United will enter the contest as heavy favourites. Despite a poor start to the season, United have come on strong in recent months and have started to put together a run that has seen them produce a steady series of results. In fact, the Red Devil's have only tasted defeat once in the last 25 games (against Hull in the 2nd leg of their semi final). Although many of those have been draws, Mourinho is starting to find his feet at Old Trafford and his philosophy of making his team hard to beat is becoming evident. They will go into this game as heavy favourites, but will Zlatan and co produce the goods and bring the trophy back to Manchester?
Southampton have gone on a remarkable run in the EFL Cup which has seen them decimate all in their path. Despite performing to a mediocre standard in the league, Southampton have been superb in their cup run as they have disposed of 4 Premier League teams on their journey to the final: Crystal Palace, Sunderland, Arsenal and Liverpool. Even more impressively, Southampton have not conceded a goal in any of these games. However, a key part in that run was the solid partnership of Virgil Van Dijk and Jose Fonte, both of which are unavailable for today's game. They could prove to be a big miss for Southampton and if they are to win, Jack Stephens and Maya Yoshida will have to be at the top of their game to quell the threat of the plethora of talent in the United ranks.
1) James Stroud (Charlton fan - 2 points): 2-0 Manchester United, Southampton's defence is not as formidable as it was in recent rounds. United and particularly Zlatan will be able to exploit this.
2=) James Rolt (Chelsea fan - 1 point): 1-0 Manchester United, I'm predicting a cagey affair which United will luckily edge 1-0 with a fellaini/Ibrahimvoic header
2=) James Kaye (Arsenal fan - 1 point): 2-1 Manchester United, Ibra to kick things off
2=) David Stroud (Chelsea fan - 1 point): 2-0 Manchester United, Ibrahimovic will prove to be the difference
2=) James Kaye (Arsenal fan - 1 point): 2-1 Manchester United, Ibra to kick things off
2=) David Stroud (Chelsea fan - 1 point): 2-0 Manchester United, Ibrahimovic will prove to be the difference
2=) Jordan Parslow (Manchester United fan - 1 point): 1-0 Manchester United, Mata to nick the only goal of the game.
6=) Luke Marsh (Manchester United fan - 0 points): Manchester United victory. Luke refused to predict a scoreline as he 'did not want to tempt fait'
6=) Adrian Ross (Chelsea fan - 0 points): 1-0 Manchester United, It's been a good run but I think the Saints will fall at the final hurdle.
As our pundits have predicted United will come into the game as favourites, but Southampton will be looking to add United to their list of scalps in this year's competition in a list that already includes Arsenal and Liverpool. Although this is a trophy that both sides would want to win, the game perhaps has more significance for Southampton. This is because if they win they will also secure qualification to next seasons Europa League. United are looking as if they will secure a spot in Europe via the league and therefore this is not their only shot of playing in Europe next year. So more will be riding on the game for the Saints and therefore this could give them the edge; but will their resolute defence perform one last time and upset the odds once again?
The teams lined up as follows:
Man Utd: De Gea, Valencia, Bailly, Smalling, Rojo, Herrera, Pogba, Lingard, Mata, Martial, Ibrahimovic.
Subs: Romero, Blind, Young, Carrick, Fellaini, Rooney, Rashford
Southampton: Forster, Cedric, Yoshida, Stephens, Bertrand, Romeu, Davis, Ward-Prowse, Tadic, Redmond, Gabbiadini
Subs: Hassen, Long, Rodriguez, Caceres, Boufal, Hojbjerg, McQueen
Kick off
Southampton had started brightly and should have found themselves 1-0 up after 11 minutes. After a dangerous run and cross from Bertrand had eluded everyone in the box, Cedric won a key 50/50 with Rojo. He drove into the box and fired a low cross to Gabbiadini, but despite converting from a few yards his effort was ruled out for offside. Replays showed that the Italian was being kept onside by Smalling and thus it was a lucky escape for United.
United were perhaps undeserving of their early lead and Southampton were enjoying large periods of the play. Good hold up play from Gabbiadini led to a shooting opportunity for Ward-Prowse, but his goal-bound strike was well saved by De Gea.
Rojo was proving to be the weak link in the United defence and this proved to be the case again as Gabbiadini got the better of him on the right wing. His cross was too long for anyone in the box, but this was further evidence that Southampton were the better team and were creating problems for United at the back.
Just minutes later the Saints would create another opportunity for themselves when Tadic fired an effort at goal. It looked as if it would squirm under the body of De Gea, but the Spaniard just managed to keep the effort out with his legs.
It was all Southampton and had luck gone their way they would have drawn level from the resulting corner. Ward-Prowse whipped a wicked ball into the box and the ball bounced in the air, but it would not drop to a man in white and thus United hastily cleared the danger.
Southampton were by far the better team but they suffered a huge blow as United extended their advantage with just their second shot on target. Lingard has acres of space in the box which allowed him the time to set himself for a shot, and the English wing man showed great composure as his effort rolled through the legs of Yoshida and into the corner of the net. (2-0)
It was extremely harsh on Southampton and now they now had a mountain to climb if they were to lift the EFL trophy.
Just minutes after the restart Jack Stephens went flying into a challenge with Anthony Martial and appeared to go studs up. United's players reacted angrily to this and were begging with the referee to show Stephens a red card, but he was able to escape with only a caution.
As half time approached it looked as if United would hold a 2 goal advantage going into the half. But Southampton were piling on the pressure and they got their rewards via the boot of Gabbiadini. Redmond found space in the middle of the box and he released Ward-Prowse down the right wing. The England Under-21 Captain whipped across another menacing ball, and on hand to convert was that man Gabbiadini who poked the ball through the legs of De Gea and into the net. (2-1)
Half time 2-1
That was the last action of the opening 45 minutes, meaning United went into the half holding a goal advantage. Although they had been far from their best, the Red Devils had made their chances count and were only 45 minutes from lifting the EFL Trophy.
But they had not had their own way for large periods of the half, and Southampton went into the break very unlucky not to be leading themselves. They had shown great attacking flair throughout the first half and should have broken the deadlock, had Gabbiadini's effort not been wrongly called off for offside. As Le Tissier vented passionately on Sky Sports, this was a crucial error and one that would have changed the whole complexion of the game had it been allowed.
Nevertheless they will be buoyed by pulling a goal back just before the half time, and that goal will surely make the second half an entertaining prospect as two sides battle it out for the EFL trophy.
Manchester United made one change at half time, with Mata making way for Michael Carrick.
Southampton started the second half brightly and carved out an early corner for themselves. Initially the corner came to nothing, but the ball came back into the box to Redmond, who's venomous volley was well saved by De Gea.
Southampton were piling on the pressure once again as they went in the search of an equaliser, and they got their wishes via the boot of Gabbiadini. The Italian forward showed great predatory instincts as his swivelled effort left De Gea stranded and nestled into the corner. (2-2)
This was just rewards for Southampton who were able to make their pressure count. They had put in a herculean effort to get back level and now had the momentum as they went in search of getting another goal which would give them the lead.
United rode their luck once again as Lingard deliberately tripped up Redmond as he broke into the United half, but Redmond stayed on his feet. This was cynical trip from Lingard and he was walking a tight-rope having already recieved a caution. He made no attempt for the ball and had Redmond gone down the United winger would surely have received his marching orders.
Southampton were clearly missing Van Dijk at the back and their frailties were starting to show. They nearly shot themselves in the foot when Forster passed the ball straight out to Martial. The Frenchman released Ibrahimovic and he had a clear run on goal, but Forster was able atone for his error as he saved the Swede's effort.
This was proving to be a truly entertaining game and had it not been for Valencia's clearance at the back post, United would have found themselves a goal down. From the resulting corner Oriol Romeu towered above Pogba, but he watched on in despair as his effort bounced back off the post.
Minutes later Martial burst into life as he waltzed past 2 Southampton defenders, but his slipped pass through to Lingard was well cut out by Yoshida.
When Pogba was tripped up roughly 25 yards out, Ibrahimovic was presented with another good opportunity from a set piece. Could he replicate his effort from the first half? No. The Swede barely got his effort off the ground as it clattered into the wall.
United had a good opportunity to take the lead with 15 minutes to go. Martial floated in a left floated cross and it found its way to Lingard at the back post, but he blazed his shot over the bar. This was his last action as seconds later the English winger was replaced by Rashford.
This was a good spell of possession for United and it was undoubtedly their most dangerous phase of the game. With 12 minutes to go they had battled back to gain the upper hand, and it seemed as if the game would be won before the full time whistle, it would be won by United.
The game was getting tense and surely the next goal will prove to be the winner. A clever reverse pass by Ibrahimovic presented Rashford with a shot on goal, but his effort was turned wide for a corner by Forster.
The pace of the game had picked up dramatically and it was Southampton who was so close to a winner. Bertrand, who had been magnificent all game, whipped in a dangerous cross across the face of the goal but could not be diverted in by a Southampton forward. From the resulting corner Stephens rose highest and his header was on target, but it was cleared off the line by a United defender.
Southampton had given it their all but they were left heartbroken with 2 minutes to go. United had been second best for large periods of the game but looked as if they had clinched victory via the head of Ibrahimovic. Herrera, who had been one of United's better performers, clipped a delicious ball into the box and it fell invitingly to Ibrahimovic, who made no mistake from 3 yards out. (3-2)
Southampton looked dejected following the goal. Their colossal effort had not been rewarded and they simply had nothing left to give as time expired.
Full Time: (3-2)
It was extremely cruel on Southampton who with a little bit of luck, would have had this game won easily. But United dug in and dug deep, and it was that man Ibrahimovic who had bailed them out for the umpteenth time this season.
Regardless of the result, this was a thoroughly entertaining Cup final with both sides giving it their all from the 1st minute to the last. Southampton had given a good account of themselves, but ultimately it was United who prevailed thanks to their legendary striker.
Player Ratings:
Man Utd: De Gea(6) Valencia(6) Bailly(6) Smalling(6) Rojo(5) Herrera(7) Pogba(5) Lingard(6) Mata(5) Martial(5) Ibrahimovic(8)
Subs: Carrick(6) Fellaini(6) Rashford(6)
Southampton: Forster(6) Cedric(7) Yoshida(6) Stephens(6) Bertrand(8) Romeu(7) Davis(6) Ward-Prowse(8) Tadic(6) Redmond(7) Gabbiadini(8)
Subs: Long(5) Rodriguez(6) Boufal(6)
Man of the match: James Ward-Prowse
Honourable mention: Manolo Gabbiadini
Comments
Post a Comment