English Premier League: Bramble own goal helps United

Ferguson’s men record 1-0 win over Sunderland; extend unbeaten run.

SUNDERLAND:

Manchester United emerged from a potentially problematic trip to Sunderland with a 1-0 win yesterday to take another step towards an English Premier League triumph that now seems inevitable.

An own goal from Titus Bramble extended United’s unbeaten run in the league to 20 games and

Sunderland, who have now gone seven games without a win, have not scored in more than seven hours of football and rarely threatened to find that elusive goal.

In the first-half, there should have been little danger when van Persie collected the ball near the corner flag, but former United defender Phil Bardsley allowed him to advance to the edge of the area.

It was a fatal mistake, as van Persie was able to unleash a shot that clipped Bardsley before it took a decisive deflection off the knee of Bramble and flew into the net in the 27th minute.

Van Persie, who has scored 19 league goals this season but not found the net since a 2-0 win over Everton on February 10, told Sky Sports he would be claiming the strike.

“Of course, no question about it,” he said. “It’s been a while so it’s nice to score again and it was an important goal.”

The second half was a non-event as United, anxious to conserve their energy before the trip to Stamford Bridge, went into cruise control.

Their chances dried up, although Sunderland, again lacking firepower in attack, were unable to capitalise on United’s restrained approach.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson, whose side host City in their next league game on April 8, praised his players.

“It was a battle in the second-half and you have to give Sunderland credit as they had a real go at us,” said Ferguson. “We picked up two or three injuries and our goal-keeper was hurt so it was a real battling performance.

“We’ve got to win four games out of the last eight and it’s important we focus on the Manchester City game which is next at home.”

There is no relief in sight for Sunderland, who now face awkward games against Chelsea, Everton and Newcastle United.

“I can’t fault my players for the way they played in the second-half,” said Sunderland manager Martin O’ Neill. “But we were too tentative in the first half and that comes from a lack of confidence from not winning games.” 

Published in The Express Tribune, March 31^st, 2013.