Izuchukwu Okosi
Manchester United’s nine-match winning run came to an end on Wednesday night with Michael Olise’s superb goal from a free kick cancelling out United’s lead at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace.
Olise’s goal earns Crystal Palace a 1-1 which hurts United’s title chances as they head to leaders Arsenal on Sunday eight points adrift and missing key midfielder Casemiro, who will be suspended after picking up a fifth booking of the season late on for a tackle on Wilfried Zaha.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Brazilian midfielder was walking on a disciplinary tightrope going into Wednesday’s match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park because he was one booking away from a suspension.
And 80 minutes into the game at Selhurst Park, Casemiro is forced to make a tackle on Wilfried Zaha outside the box. I don’t think we can have any complaints over the booking.
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United manager, Erik ten Hag has however backed his Manchester United side to cope without star midfielder Casemiro for their trip to Arsenal on Sunday.
Casemiro is out of the game at Emirates Stadium after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season during United’s 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.
Ten Hag is remaining upbeat ahead of the match with Arsenal, though, taking heart from United’s win over the Gunners back in September.
They were 3-1 winners over Arsenal then and they also did that without Casemiro being in their team that day.
“This game was important. Every game is important,” said Ten Hag.
“Every game in the Premier League is a top game. Obviously, Casemiro is a really important player for us.
“He is one of the reasons we are in the position we are now, that’s Casemiro. But also last time, we beat Arsenal without Casemiro, so we have a squad.
United moved up to third in the Premier League with this draw at Crystal Palace, moving to within eight points of Arsenal.
Ten Hag was frustrated, however, that his side did not claim the win that would’ve extended their winning streak to 10 games.
You [Palace] don’t create anything except one which was a corner and this one was a free-kick from far,” he said.
“You don’t expect to drop points. We have to invest more to get that second goal and then not be in that situation where a lucky moment costs you two points.
We were 1-0 up. In the second half, we had a lot of space to kill them and go for the second. I never saw we really went for the second goal.
“It’s difficult to say [why]. I have to criticise my team. Go for the second. Bruno [Fernandes] and Rashy (Marcus Rashford) on the wings, Garnacho, a lot of creativity, speed and power, and [Scott] McTominay with penetration behind.
“From my perspective [they should have had a penalty] but VAR and the referee make the decision. We have to accept.
The Arsenal versus Manchester United game kicks off at 5 pm Nigerian time.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
