Moyes’ side has not scored from open play in the Premier League since their 4-1 victory at Swansea City on the opening weekend of the season. PHOTO: AFP
Manchester United manager David Moyes admits his team’s lack of cutting edge is giving him serious grounds for concern following a shock home defeat by West Bromwich Albion.
United were deservedly beaten 2-1 by West Brom on Saturday, making it three defeats in Moyes’ first six league games in charge and United’s worst start to a season since 1989.
“I’m concerned, but only because we didn’t play well,” said Moyes. “There’s a lot of games to go and we can put it right in the games to come.
“It’s not from the lack of trying or lack of forward players. There are plenty of forward players out there. It’s just not opening teams up the way we would like and we need to try to do that better.
“We missed that spark, which would have been something just to go on and make the difference and make it happen. If we’d got the goal, it would have changed.
“West Brom deserved it no question, and I can’t argue with that.”
Pellegrini vows to keep calm despite City defeat
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini refused to panic after his side lost 3-2 at Aston Villa as their wait for a first away win in the Premier League this season goes on.
The Chilean coach refused to let his stuttering side’s form on the road worry him despite a run of only three victories from their last 11 away league games dating back to last season.
City have picked up only one point from three of those games this term after defeat to Cardiff City and a draw at Stoke City, and have slipped to fifth spot, five points off leaders Arsenal.
“It’s important to keep calm,” he said. “In general I was very happy with the way my team played today and we deserved a different score. We played very well and deserved to win.”
Wenger never doubted Ramsey
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said he was never in any doubt Aaron Ramsey would return to his best form after the midfielder’s goal helped secure a 2-1 win at Swansea for the Premier League leaders.
Ramsey spent nearly eight months on the sidelines after suffering a broken leg in February 2010. This season he has been in irrepressible form, scoring eight times in league and European football.
“We must remember that Aaron’s career was a bit disturbed by a big injury,” said Wenger.
“After that he had some bad points and I think the turning point was when people started to question him. It is always an important time in your life.
“That’s when I saw him responding and I kept the faith in him because I knew he would come back.”
Results
Tottenham 1-1 Chelsea
Aston Villa 3-2 Man City
Fulham 1-2 Cardiff
Hull 1-0 West Ham
United 1-0 West Brom
Soton 2-0 Crystal Palace
Swansea 1-2 Arsenal
Stoke 0-1 Norwich
Sunderland 1-3 Liverpool
Published in The Express Tribune, September 30th, 2013.
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