Sunderland 2-1 Manchester United: 5 talking points
Sunderland piled more misery on Louis van Gaal, as Wahbi Khazri and Lamine Kone both scored from set-pieces to inspire the Black Cats to a famous 2-1 victory over Manchester United. In addition to being their first ever league success over Manchester United at the Stadium of Light, it will be a massive boost of confidence in their relegation dogfight.This victory takes them to within a single point of north-east rivals Newcastle United. Manchester United, on the other hand, remain fifth 6 points adrift of fourth-placed neighbours Manchester City and having played the extra game.The top 4 looks almost an impossible task for Louis van Gaal, and this result will most definitely shift United’s focus towards the Europa League as their ticket to next season’ÂÂs Champions League.We look at the 5 talking points that shaped up a famous victory for Big Sam and his boys:
#1 Wahbi Khazri\'s electric performance
Sunderland’s January signing from Bordeaux was a force to reckon with in the first half, as right-backs Matteo Darmian and Donald Love found out. He was key to Sunderland’s intensity in the early stages of the game, beating Darmian for pace in one-on-one duels and winning a lot of fouls from the Italian.
His enthusiastic approaches towards the Manchester United penalty area threatened to open up their defence on a number of occasions. He missed a good chance in the 27th minute after being sent clear by Jermain Defoe. His clash with Darmian in the 37th minute meant that the fullback had to go off with a dislocated shoulder. A typical knockout blow, if one would like to call it that way.
It was all the same with Love in the second half. Sunderland were easily the better side throughout the 45 minutes, as they pressed hard and took the game to Manchester United. The Tunisian winger exploited Love’s inexperience at the senior level, drawing him to commit challenges and dribbling past him in the process. A day to cherish for the 25-year old in his eaely days at the Stadium of Light.