Manchester United dropped points for the first time in ten Premier League games as a goal-of-the-season contender restricted them to a draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
In a largely balanced first half, United were the beneficiary of two vital moments. Firstly, David de Gea excellently tipped an effort from Odsonne Edouard over the crossbar from the edge of the penalty area.
Then, moments later, Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure switched off, allowing Christian Eriksen to find a yard of space inside the Eagles’ penalty area. The Dane found Bruno Fernandes with his cutback, who in turn found the back of the net to send his side into the break in the lead.
For the early part of the second half, United looked well in control, with Casemiro excelling in the centre of midfield. And, midway through the second 45, they had a strong shout for a penalty turned down when Chris Richards brought down Scott McTominay.
But, things began to go wrong for the Red Devils 10 minutes from time. First, Casemiro saw yellow for a lunge on Wilfried Zaha, which means he will miss the top of the table clash with Arsenal. Minutes later, United’s failure to capitalise on their dominance was punished when Michael Olise curled in an excellent free kick from 25 yard out to bring the sides level, and hand Palace what was, in the end, a well deserved point.
It could have been more too, with only an inch perfect sliding challenge from Aaron Wan-Bissaka preventing Wilfried Zaha from grabbing a winner in stoppage time, and Ten Hag’s side were left ruing what could have been as they lost more ground on the top of the Premier League.
