Garnacho hit the crossbar as United flunked the chance for victory in an highly vital clash.
There has been a tensed premier league match-up between Manchester United and their arch-rival West Ham United at London Stadium, which was indeed full of missed chances controversy, and high tension because at a time when such two clubs were in an extreme need to climb their respective tables, United almost had most of the ball possession but failed to be at the right moment where it could have caught Garnacho’s shot from near close range that just got bashed into the cross bar after 10 minutes.
Clearly, the game result puts pressure on United in terms of questions surrounding the missed opportunities and the strategy, where West Ham gets away with a point that feels like victory.
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Early Miss by Garnacho Sets the Tone
Manchester United came out firing from the get-go, pressuring West Ham’s defense from the onset. Garnacho made a statement with a clear shot at goal in the 9th minute when the ball cannoned off the crossbar, leaving United fans groaning in frustration.
United were in possession and dictated the tempo but failed to translate their chances into goals, something that has dogged them all season long.
West Ham Survives the Early Tempest Storm
West Ham survived the tempest of the early phases and began mounting the frustration on the visitors through tight defending. Though not all smooth, however, drama ensued in the second half after a possible handball at West Ham’s penalty box was waved off by the referee after a brief review by VAR, and many United players and fans went up in arms against the referee’s decision.
“Anything other than that’s a clear penalty in any league,” one United fan responded to the decision through social media.
West Ham defended with all their might as attacks continued to pour their way. They managed to keep level terms during that critical game, but in so many ways, the discussion that would dominate post-match will be the contentious call by the referee.
It was one of those kinds of matches where both sides struggled to deliver a killer blow.
United struggled again at the other end when Alphonse Areola thwarted Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes during some magnificent late action at West Ham.
West Ham replied with a few attempts, and it was the striker Michail Antonio who nearly scored as his shot went inches from hitting the target. The two sides played to their best level, but neither could get that one touch that would bring home the three points.
United Faces Growing Pressure
It remains a 0-0 stalemate, and this only puts Manchester United’s ambitions of finishing in the top four in jeopardy, which is a big question over manager Erik ten Hag on his side’s inability to convert dominance into results. West Ham will be pleased with a hard-fought point that underlines the defensive strength and tactical discipline of the team.
The non-penalty decision at the heart of the debate will certainly go on after the final whistle, bringing more drama to United’s campaign. Key fixtures have to come now for the two teams; United have to reactivate their claims for the top, and West Ham has to win the games that will anchor them firmly in midtable.
Missing such opportunities might cost Premier League teams valuable points in their bid for a place in Europe.
