Sunderland Tahan Imbang Manchester United
Jack Rodwell Cancels Out Juan Mata`s Opening Goal
Editor : Ismail Gani
Translator : Novita Cahyadi
MANCHESTER United, yang berusaha bangkit dari kekalahan pada pertandingan sebelumnya, kembali gagal memenangi pertandingan ketika mereka hanya bermain imbang 1-1 lawan tuan rumah Sunderland di Stadium of Light, Minggu, (24/8).
United yang diperkuat van Persie sejak awal laga, unggul lebih dulu lewat gol Juan Mata menit 17, sebelum Jack Rodwell menyamakan kedudukan pada menit 30, seperti dilansir Yahoo Sports.
Manchester United memulai babak kedua dengan membangun serangan lewat sayap. Bola akhirnya sampai di kaki Van Persie yang sudah berada di area pinalti, tetapi pemain Belanda itu terperangkap offside.
Sunderland membalas menit ke-52. Pertahanan yang buruk yang diperagakan skuat United memberikan Wickham kesempatan untuk membuat Sunderland unggul, tetapi tendangannya diblok Blackett dan bola melebar.
Sunderland beberapa kali mengambil keuntungan dari lemahnya pertahanan United, di antaranya ketika Larsson berada di area kotak pinalti, tetapi tendangannya bisa diblok Januzaj.
Sementara United yang menguasai jalannya pertandingan di babak kedua, tak bisa membuat penyelesaian akhir.
Pada pertandingan ini Michael Keane (21) membuat debutnya kembali bersama United setalah menghabiskan musim lalu dipinjamkan ke Blackburn.
Sepanjangan pertandingan Manchester United melancarkan enam kali serangan ke gawang, sementara Sunderland lima kali.
MANCHESTER United´s stuttering start to life under manager Louis van Gaal continued with a Premier League draw at Sunderland.
Mata´s 17th-minute strike failed to settle the visitors and their nervy backline was given a warning when Connor Wickham turned on a throw in yards of space and shot wide.
United were exposed moments later when Rodwell, whose opportunities were limited at Manchester City before his summer move to the Stadium of Light, beat Valencia at the near post to power a header past David De Gea.
United, without ineligible new signing Marcos Rojo, lost defender Chris Smalling to a hamstring injury to add to an injury list that now features eight first-team players, including midfielder Ander Herrera.
In a second half high on energy but low on quality, Wickham volleyed at youngster Tyler Blackett, who saw the ball rebound past De Gea´s near post.
Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone had to be quick off his line to deny Young as both sides pressed for a winner in a tense finale.
The Black Cats have not beaten United in a Premier League match at home since 1997, but there were several positives for manager Gus Poyet after a vibrant performance.
Winger Will Buckley, signed from Brighton in the summer, was a constant menace, while Rodwell´s goal was a welcome reward for 63 minutes´ action following his unsuccessful spell at Etihad Stadium.
