Matic scores last minute goal, MU wins thrillingly against Crystal Palace
As predicted by experts, MU encountered countless difficulties when visiting Crystal Palace, who are very good at blocking the way of the "big guys". It was thanks to a goal in the 90+1 minute by midfielder Nemanja Matic that they were able to beat the home team 3-2 in a thrilling way.
MU:Smalling (55'), Lukaku (76'), Matic (90'+1)
Crystal Palace:Townsend (11'), Van Aanholt (48')
Although MU has not played well away from home this season (losing 4 matches, including the last 2), with their higher level, few people expected them to be so confused against Crystal Palace. In the 11th minute, the team that had not won against MU in the Premier League since 1991 broke the deadlock.
In this situation, Andros Townsend was lucky when his left-footed shot from outside the box hit Victor Lindelof and changed direction, becoming too difficult for David De Gea.
 |
| Townsend opened the scoring with a lucky shot. |
According to statistics, this is the first time Crystal Palace has taken the lead against MU in the Premier League. The opening goal helped the home team to be more excited. In the 48th minute, they continued to increase the gap with a quick free kick and the player who broke through to finish past De Gea in a one-on-one situation was Patrick van Aanholt.
7 minutes later, hope of a point was rekindled for MU when Chris Smalling received a cross from Antonio Valencia and headed past goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey. With the ball possession rate at times reaching 70, MU continuously put pressure on the opponent's goal and in the 76th minute they also found the equalizer thanks to striker Romelu Lukaku.
 |
| Lukaku scored the equalizer for MU |
Despite facing many home players in the penalty area, the tall Belgian striker still put the ball into the Crystal Palace net with a low left-footed shot after Alexis Sanchez's shot hit the crossbar.
Losing the advantage after leading by 2 goals, Crystal Palace focused on defense in the remaining minutes. This policy caused MU many difficulties. However, when the match entered the 90+1 minute, midfielder Matic shined with a "cannon shot" from outside the penalty area, bringing a dramatic victory to the Red Devils.
 |
| Matic sealed a 3-2 victory for MU in injury time. |
The 3 points earned helped MU reclaim the second place in the rankings from Liverpool with 2 more points (62 compared to 60). Meanwhile, Crystal Palace still only has 27 points and has not been able to escape the "red light" zone (ranked 17th).
Line-up
Crystal Palace (4-4-2):Hennessey; Wan Bissaka, Kelly, Tomkins, Van Aanholt; Townsend, Milivojevic, McArthur, Schlupp (Riedewald 80); Benteke, Sorloth
MU (4-3-2-1):De Gea; Valencia (Shaw 67), Smalling, Lindelof, Young (Mata 67); McTominay (Rashford 46), Matic, Pogba; Lingard, Sanchez; Lukaku
Premier League standings after round 29
