Manchester United’s aspiration for a European qualifying spot received a major setback on Saturday, as they struggled and settled for a 1-1 draw against Burnley, a team grappling with relegation fears. The substitute Zeki Amdouni equalised with a penalty at the 87th minute, helping Burnley to earn a much-needed point.
Burnley received the penalty due to a foul by goalkeeper Andre Onana on Amdouni. This helped erase Antony’s late goal and left Erik ten Hag’s squad stagnant at the sixth place in the Premier League. This result does not augur well for Manchester United as they still remain six points shy of Tottenham Hotspur, currently occupying the fifth spot with an added advantage of two extra games.
Burnley, positioned at 19th, clings on to the hopes of survival following the tie at Old Trafford. Despite Manchester United missing multiple chances, they had goalkeeper Onana to credit for averting Burnley’s several scoring attempts until Antony pounced upon a defective pass to score in the 79th minute. His successful strike resulted in the crowd erupting in cheer at Old Trafford with a Sonic the Hedgehog toy being held high in merriment.
However, the jubilation didn’t last long as Onana’s attempt to clear the ball resulted in an accidental hit on Amdouni in the 87th minute leading to a penalty. After consultation with Video Assistant Referee (VAR), Amdouni calmly netted the penalty kick providing Burnley the much-needed respite.
Amdouni voiced his relief post-match saying that he knew how challenging it would be at Old Trafford, yet felt his side deserved the draw. He mentioned the significance of the final games of the season and emphasised the team’s determination to put up a tough fight till the end. Despite being cornered several times, Onana managed to showcase his agility making numerous saves, crucial to the final scoreline.
Newcastle United triumphed 5-1 over Sheffield United at St James’ Park on Saturday, with Alexander Isak contributing two goals, and additional scores by Bruno Guimaraes and Callum Wilson, confirming Sheffield’s relegation from the Premier League. Newcastle also benefited from an errant own goal by Ben Osborn. The victory lifts Newcastle to 53 points from 34 matches this season while Sheffield remains on the bottom three with 16 points from 35 games.
As such, Newcastle maintains its ambition for a spot in European football next season. They are now only one point behind sixth spot Manchester United. Although Newcastle managed to score a total of 13 goals against Sheffield this season, Sheffield was the superior side in the first half of this match.
The away side took the early advantage with Anel Ahmedhodzic’s head into the net within the first five minutes with a well-positioned cross from Gustavo Hamer. Sheffield kept the pressure, but Dan Burn blocked Cameron Archer’s goal attempt.
Newcastle wasn’t impressive in the first 25 minutes but managed to equalise when Jacob Murphy offered an extraordinary pass to Isak who masterfully beat the goalkeeper Wes Foderingham. Newcastle took the lead in the 53rd minute thanks to a rare header from Guimaraes, with Anthony Gordon’s pinpoint cross.
Newcastle secured their victory just before the hour-mark when former Everton teammates Mason Holgate and Anthony Gordon collided, leading to Isak extending Newcastle’s lead to 3-1.
Making the most of a lacklustre defence, Osborn inadvertently scored an own goal during a disorderly play in the penalty area, and a fifth goal was fiercely struck by Wilson. This happened due to him being granted excessive room and time by the faltering defence team.
In a clash between Fulham and Crystal Palace, the score was even at one goal apiece. Crystal Palace managed to scrape a last-minute draw, thanks to Jeffrey Schlupp’s blazing finish with his left foot against Fulham. The match took place on Saturday in the Premier League.
In the 87th minute of the game, Schlupp received a pass from Adam Wharton just outside the penalty area and mercilessly drove the ball twenty yards into the back of the net. Earlier, in the 52nd minute, Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz had taken advantage of a cross from Timothy Castagne, heading the ball into the goal from the border of the six-yard box, giving Fulham the lead.
Post-game, Fulham held the 13th position with a tally of 43 points from 35 games, leading Crystal Palace by one place and three points.
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