da spicy bet：
da pinup bet： Manchester United lost ground on the race to finish in the top four as they fell to a frustrating 1-0 loss at the Hawthorns against West Bromwich Albion this afternoon.After a mini revival had sprung the beleaguered Red Devils back into life over the past 10 days or so, it was an all too familiar reminder that things under Louis van Gaal are not great.While the Dutchman cannot be blamed for the completely out of character petulance that saw Juan Mata dismissed after just 25 minutes, his side continued to lack any kind of cutting edge.Clearly, the absence of the Spanish playmaker had an effect on the team as a whole, though surely cannot be the only reason his teammates could not break a stubborn home side down.As stoutly as the Baggies defended in numbers, there was a distinct lack of dynamism in the United ranks going forward.Chris Smalling, as he has been all season, returned to the side after three games out and continued to be one of their most solid performers.However, therein lies the problem. Solidity is all well and good, but the rigidness up and down the spine of the Red Devils does not allow for much fluidity.Smalling battled well with Salomon Rondon, who is finally proving his worth in a West Brom shirt. The Venezuelan, whose well executed volley was the difference today, was a handful with his pace and power for most of the game.So, United failed to keep the pace and go level on points with Manchester City in fourth position. But, what else did today’s 1-0 loss teach us?Here are FIVE things we learned this afternoon.
NO GUILE, NO STYLE
The first half dismissal of Juan Mata invariably had an effect on the side today, in terms much more significant than merely the numerical disadvantage.
Though he’s not been firing on all cylinders an awful lot in recent months, the World Cup winner is clearly a threat in the opposition final third with his vision and passing range.
While the likes of Anthony Martial, Jesse Lingard and even Marcus Rashford worked hard enough, the dearth in creativity was painfully evident.
RONDON A REAL THREAT
It took a while for things to click for Salomon Rondon at the Hawthorns, though the former Zenit St. Petersburg is now proving to be an ideal striker for Tony Pulis.
He’s fast, strong and works his sicks off. Crucially now, however, the bulking Venezuelan marksman is adding goals to his game.
While Chris Smalling proved to be a worthy adversary, the 26-year old forward ultimately proved the difference. He controlled a wicked cross very well while under pressure from the Red Devils’ rearguard, before dispatching his effort with a cool finish.
He is proving to be an excellent outlet for the Baggies when under pressure, while he boasts the strength required to hold play up while his teammates push out.
CLOCK TICKING ON CARRICK?
Michael Carrick is without doubt a wonderfully gifted footballer who has been an excellent servant for Manchester United over the past decade.
However, the England international looked as if the game had passed him by today. All too often, his passing slowed proceedings down and forced the team backwards.
There was no daring dynamism in his place, it was painfully methodical to watch. While that’s an issue that has dogged the Red Devils all season, the 34-year old pass master looked left in the past.
What the club need is hunger, fight and speed. With Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford plugging away, constantly looking to break behind enemy lines, they are not best served by having Carrick in the side.
DARMIAN A LIABILITY
When Matteo Darmian arrived from Torino in the summer, many expected him to finally fill the right-back berth for the Red Devils with ease.
It’s been a problem position for the club ever since Gary Neville hung up his boots and his performance against England in the World Cup lives long in the memory.
However, the Italian has been a huge disappointment. Today, he was constantly found out of position and failed to cover for Smalling in the lead up to West Brom’s goal.
Any sign of attacking enterprise on his behalf was not evident either, compounding his dreadful day at the office.
Who’d have thought United could miss Antonio Valencia as a right-back so much?
FULL BACKS TO GET FULL BACKING?
Tony Pulis, in typical Tony Pulis fashion, prefers playing with a flat back four, consisting of solely centre-backs. Clearly, that largely eliminates the sort of problems Matteo Darmian’s mistake creates, though it barely gives the Baggies much going forward.
James Chester, a right footed centre-half, was deployed in the role today and did an admirable enough job. However, the Welsh international is not one to push forward and create problems.
When he was forced off with an injury, Pulis opted to replace him with a more natural full-back in the shape of Sebastien Pocognoli – a move that paid off.
The Belgian international added another ten yards to the Baggies’ attacks and provided the assist for Rondon with a rasping cross.
Perhaps, with survival all but certain, Pulis will be tempted to tinker with more natural full-backs.