English Premier League : Falcao, De Gea keep United on track
Falcao had failed to score in his first three appearances following a loan move from AS Monaco but came good with the second-half goal which also gave United successive league wins for the first time under Louis van Gaal.
Everton, with only one league victory all season, missed a penalty and cancelled out Angel Di Maria’s early goal through the in-form Steven Naismith but were denied any reward by Falcao and the brilliance of goalkeeper David De Gea as United edged towards the top four.
Di Maria was named man of the match but he dedicated the award to teammate De Gea, whose heroics paved the way for United’s win.
“I think De Gea deserves the Man of the Match award rather than myself,” said Di Maria. He saved us throughout the game, not only at the end.”
With Wayne Rooney serving the first game of his three-match ban and vice-captain Darren Fletcher on the bench, Van Gaal made Robin van Persie captain with Juan Mata replacing Rooney in the starting line-up.
De Gea made two superb late saves from Everton substitute Leon Osman and Bryan Oviedo to make sure that United stayed on track.
“In the last 10 minutes they pressed a lot and they had some chances, but I saved the chances and I’m happy for that, for the win,” said the ecstatic De Gea after the match. “I think the back four, defenders, all the team played very well. A great match and great three points.”
City boss wants more from Toure
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has urged Yaya Toure to build on his performance against Aston Villa after he notched his first goal of the season in their 2-0 victory.
The Ivory Coast midfielder has started the season slowly, but looked like something back to his best as City kept the pressure up on Premier League leaders Chelsea.
City had been frustrated for large periods of the game at Villa Park till Toure put City ahead at Villa Park in the 82nd minute with a confident finish before Sergio Aguero made the points safe late on.
“It is very important for him to score his first goal,” said Pellegrini. “Yaya is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League without any doubt. Maybe like any player he can have good games or not so good games but I never have any doubts.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 6th, 2014.
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