For me this is a super result, where contrary to some views I was hearing during the game, we had lost this at half time.
When you consider that we went down to ten men and United can replace the likes of Van Persie with someone like Di Maria, this point was frankly stunning.
Of course, we can say that we ought to be able bring decent quality on to replace our players.
But the fact is we can’t, which is what makes this point so juicy for me.
So Lambert lined up with a supposed back three in a 3-4-3, but I never saw it like that.
For me, it’s a back five, which can hopefully change to a three when the full backs get chance to go forward. Or even Okore on the right wing!
Whatever, I’m not convinced the numbers in the system made that much difference, but the actual rearguard performance did.
The game started off in pretty standard format, with us on the back foot and Utd making their midfield presence felt. The opposition sprayed it around and we let them.
For all Utd’s effort though, I didn’t particularly feel like we we massively threatened.
Yes, of course they’re always dangerous, but I wasn’t massively worried.
And then came our goal around 18 mins.
Benteke received the ball nicely on his chest, played it with his left, played it with his right and then hit a curler into the top left of the net.
I know some of you might not agree with me when I rave about the player, but it was the way he looked like he had an age to go about his business in a cluttered box, that made this goal so good for me.
That’s the sign of a genuine top class player.
As I’ve said before, the type of player that will score a boatload when afforded the numerous chances you get in a top side. A potential World class player, in my opinion.
One-nil it was then and we then went on the front foot and took it to the opposition for most of the rest of the first half.
Contrary to some saying we would lose, we looked okay to me and I was beginning to think of us ending our miserable 19 year run of not beating Manchester Utd at home.
It wasn’t to be though and Man U, after applying pressure straight from the second half whistle equalised with a goal from Falcao, who seemed to be left in a load of space.
And then Gabby’s tackle.
While I don’t think it was a straight red, it was poor.
And this time, I don’t think Ashley Young caused it either. He’s just so slightly built that any harsh tackle will seem to scythe through him.
The simple fact is Gabby should have pulled out of it as he never looked likely to win it, in my opinion.
While we’re on the subject of cards, Weimann ought to be told to keep his big trap shut during these sort of incidents. The rules are there and the Captain is supposed to be the one doing the complaining/debating. Weimann was lucky to not get a card and Guzan fully deserved his.
Anyway, it was pretty much one way from Utd in the second half, but we did have our moments and indeed looked dangerous at times.
What impressed me during this game was that I was beginning to see signs.
Apart from decent passing, I noticed movement. Lots of it.
Of course, it was fleeting, but you could see we were trying to pass it around and actually play.
That’s encouraging.
The best part of the game is I’m finding it difficult to really criticise anyone, as frankly I thought all the players played quite well.
At the end of the day, who do I think will be more annoyed about having not taken all three points?
That’ll be Utd, who on paper should have won this one easily.
Yet they didn’t, which is one in the eye for them and a point I never really expected.
That can’t be bad.
