Manchester United have stretched a massive eight point lead over their top four rivals Liverpool. After Liverpool lost at Anfield, United made the most of it by beating Aston Villa 3-1 at home to gain a grip hold of the coveted top four positions.
Following Herrera and Rooney goals, United were crusing with a 2-0 lead, but an immediate response through Benteke gave Villa hope whcih turned out be a false one as a late Herrera goal sealed the three points for the Red Devils.
Let us look at the talking points of Manchester United v Aston Villa:
Herrera looks the real deal
Ander Herrera continued his recent impressive performance with another solid display on the day. He was a constant threat for Manchester United with his movement and passing. No wonder he broke the deadlock just before the break to send United ahead hand at half-time. He also grabbed the third to kill the game as a contest. For some reason Van Gaal has not played Herrera much, but when he was given the opportunity, he always seems to take them. In United’s five consecutive premier league victories, Herrera played a crucial role and Van Gaal will hope for the same if United are to get over the finishing line.
Defence is still a worry for the Reds
United may have the third best defensive record in the league, but it does not mean the Reds are defending well. Largely due to De Gea and other factors the Reds have not conceded more. The same was evident in the match against Villa. United had most of the possession, but when they lose it Villa had acres of space to run into to trouble United defenders. Whenever they had the ball, the Villains always looked like creating a chance. The only goal scored by Villa in the second half also justified this case as no United player were able to clear a low cross. If United defend in the same way against better opponents, they may get punished severely.
Plenty of possession deprives many openings
Louis Van Gaal’s philosophy to have plenty of possession is evident as the Reds are looking to keep the ball at all cost. Be it in opposition half or in United’s penalty box, the Reds are reluctant to clear the ball away and are looking to play their way from the back. Due to which, the opponents are always prepared to park the bus against the Reds. As a result, the Reds are unable to create many openings in the limited available space. During Ferguson era, Manchester United always allowed the opponents to have a fair share of the ball, so that when the Reds win it, they will always have the necessary space to counter attack. But, now United are having a lot of possession without creating much.
The chemistry between the Spaniards is a joy to watch
This season both Juan Mata and Ander Herrera have struggled to cement a regular starting place. Only till recently neither managed to get a continuous run of games in the team. But when give a chance they made the most of it with impressive performances. The lnik-up play between the duo has been a joy to watch. The understanding between the two Spaniards was pleasing in the eye. It was evident with United’s third goal. When Rooney found Mata in the box, the former Chelsea man set it up delightfully for Herrera, who scored the goal without even taking a touch. It was not just the goal, but the understanding between the pair was evident throughout the match. If Herrera stays in, Mata drops out and if Mata comes into the park Herrera makes the overlapping runs. Regularly these two have been overlooked by Vicente Del Bosque, perhaps it is time for him to include them both in the Spain squads.
Stage perfectly set for the deadly run-in
With Liverpool losing at Emirates, United made the most of it by beating Villa to generate a eight-point lead over their Anfield rivals. Despite being in a comfortable position, nothing can be taken for granted. Their next three fixtures are City (home), Chelsea (away) and Everton (away). If the Reds overcome these fixtures with less damage, then no one can take the top four away from United. But, to continue their five game winning run, United have to maintain their focus. The stage is perfectly set for the grand finale.