Premier League roundup: Misery for Moyes at Old Trafford as valiant Villa upset City
Manchester United’s poor start to the season continued with a defeat to West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford. Rivals Manchester City also lost after twice letting their lead slip at Villa Park.
Questions that surrounded the appointment of David Moyes at Old Trafford seem to be finding justification following a second straight humiliating victory for the former Everton boss. Plucky West Brom looked like a team brimming with confidence as they took the game to their opponents.
A stunning solo effort from on-loan star Morgan Amilfitano stunned the Old Trafford faithful. The Frenchman took the ball from near the halfway line skipping past the United defence; delightfully dinking the ball beyond David De Gea.
Parity was restored almost instantaneously when Wayne Rooney’s expertly whipped-in free kick evaded everyone to find the bottom corner of the net. The England international had given Moyes a brief spell of breathing space as criticism of his position continues to prevail.
The Baggies weren’t interested in how the script usually unfolds, and the party was well and truly spoilt when promising youngster Saido Berahino smashed home an unstoppable shot from the edge of the box.
Back-to-back defeats have condemned Manchester United to a lowly 12th place in the Premier League. It’s been far from a honeymoon start for the boss who has succeeded arguably the greatest manager of all time.
The blue half of Manchester were certainly left feeling exactly that following defeat at Villa Park. On-form Yaya Touré had Pellegrini’s side in front in the first half and they looked on-course to go top of the table.
Karim El Ahmadi equalised with a close-range finish early on in the second 45, only for Edin Džeko to fire City back in front. The former champions looked on-course to claim an expected victory until Leandro Bacuna curled in a wonderful free kick that had Joe Hart firmly rooted to the spot.
The tide was now strongly in Villa’s favour. Paul Lambert’s young and energetic side went ahead just two minutes after Bacuna’s leveller, when Andreas Weimann latched onto a long and hopeful ball from Brad Guzan.
The American keeper had the Manchester City defence at sixes and sevens as Weimann poked the ball past Hart and into the net. It was yet another stumble from a team that sits in a disappointing fifth place after four games.
Both Manchester teams will be hoping to bounce back in the Champions League over the coming week – with both sides feeling the pressure so-far this season.
Thomas Bradley, football correspondent
Results
Aston Villa 3 Man City 2
Fulham 1 Cardiff 2
Hull 1 West Ham 0
Man Utd 1 WBA 2
Southampton 2 Crystal Palace 0
Swansea 1 Arsenal 2
Tottenham 1 Chelsea 1
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