Manchester United 2-1 West Ham: Paul Pogba on the spot for Red Devils but controversial decisions hinder Hammers at Old Trafford

Manchester United 2-1 West Ham: Paul Pogba on the spot for Red Devils but controversial decisions hinder Hammers at Old Trafford
Manchester United scraped past West Ham United at Old Trafford thanks to Paul Pogba and some suspect officiating.The Hammers will leave Old Trafford with their heads held high, but must be wondering how they did not earn at least a point.Paul Pogba tucked home two penalties for the hosts, but the game was shrouded in controversy. The first penalty appeared to be soft, the visitors had a ‘goal’ ruled out for offside and then there was a possible rec card not given to Paul Pogba.4

Paul Pogba celebrates scoring the winning penalty

However, the Red Devils hung on and claimed all three points to keep the pressure on their Top Four rivals before Chelsea travel to Liverpool on Sunday.United were looking slightly off the pace in the early stages and were given a let-off when Felipe Anderson rifled high past David De Gea, only to be flagged narrowly offside.Replays showed Diogo Dalot was playing the Brazilian onside when he latched onto former United striker Javier Hernandez’s header.United slowly warmed to the task and were awarded a penalty after Robert Snodgrass scythed into Mata just inside the area – replays showing that too was a controversial call.4

Paul Pogba kicked Robert Snodgrass in the head at Old Trafford

Paul Pogba eschewed his usual stuttered run-up routine, instead taking a more conventional approach and slamming past Lukasz Fabianski in the 19th minute.However, fans thought the World Cup winner should have seen red for a high challenge on Snodgrass.As the second half began, West Ham began to look more dangerous thanks to the growing influence of Manuel Lanzini on the left hand side.And the Argentine put in a delightful cross for Felipe Anderson at the back post to grab his tenth of the season.4

Felipe Anderson celebrates scoring the Hammers’ equaliser

Sensing the game slipping away from his side, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sent on Marcus Rashford and the England international forced a smart save from Fabianksi.The game became fantastic viewing for the neutral as the pendulum swung from end-to-end, with the introduction of Michail Antonio seemingly putting West Ham in control.The forward made an instant impact, hitting the bar with a left-footed drive before forcing David De Gea into a spectacular save.Two minutes later, it was heartache for the Hammers as Anthony Martial raced through only to be bought down by Ryan Fredericks. As with the first spot-kick, Pogba stepped up and dispatched his second of the game hard to the keepers right.

MAN OF THE MATCH – Declan Rice

4

Rice kept the Brazil international in his pocket all game

Yet again, the England international was superb for the Hammers at the heart of their midfield.Strong in the tackle and good on the ball, he comfortably dominated Pogba and Fred all game and seemed to be everywhere.Manuel Pellegrini will know that, with performances against higher-opposition like this, Rice’s value will continue to skyrocket for interested parties.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Was this goal offside? #MUNWHU pic.twitter.com/qLS8jixtgx— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) April 13, 2019

The decision to rule out Felipe Anderson’s goal in the first half proved to be the decisive moment at Old Trafford.After Arthur Mausaku’s cross from the left was met by Javier Hernandez, the Mexico international headed the ball back into the path of Anderson.Although replays confirmed West Ham’s record signing was kept ONSIDE by Diogo Dalot, it would have been an incredibly good call for the linesman on the far side to spot.Further evidence that the introduction of VAR cannot come soon enough.

---

Alas, the 2018/19 English Premier League season will conclude on Sunday. Brighton & Hove Albion will host Manchester City on EPL Matchday 38. Following Cardiff City's loss to Crystal Palace on EPL Matchday 37, Brighton & Hove Albion guaranteed their safety and will compete in the EPL next season

---

Manchester United have received a whopping £3.8BILLION takeover bid from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. The 33-year-old hopes to own the club by the start of next season.

---

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp questions aggressive Burnley tackling after Joe Gomez is injured in comeback victory The Liverpool defender was stretchered off with a nasty ankle injury during the
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp questions aggressive Burnley

---

Former Everton hero Tim Howard gives brutally honest answer on rivals' title charge. Howard joined Man United in 2003 Liverpool face Barcelona in the first leg
Analytic Archives - Football Premier League News
footballnote.com/category/analytic/
Liverpool news: Former Everton hero Tim Howard gives brutally honest answer on rivals' title charge showing his colours The goalkeeper spent a decade at Goodison Former Arsenal ace Robin van Persie reveals 'great stories' he's heard about Tottenham and Liverpool training
Tim Howard #1 News, Stats, Photos - United States - MSN

---

Arsenal transfer news: Galatasaray wonderkid Ozan Kabak also being tracked by Inter Milan ahead of potential move. Manchester City transfer news: Inter Milan make bid for Eliaquim Mangala.
Arsenal news and transfers live: Star 'wants to move to

---

Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats Team News & Tactics Tottenham have won 1-0 in each of their last five Premier
Preview: Tottenham Hotspur vs. Crystal Palace - prediction

---

Michy Batshuayi will not be returning to Chelsea from his Valencia loan spell in January, according to reports. Earlier this month there were suggestions the Belgium forward's loan stay in Spain
Batshuayi will not return in January - SaveChelsea.net

---

Unai Emery is "a special manager", says Michel Salgado, but the Arsenal boss has not yet learned how to handle "big names" like Mesut Ozil.
Arsenal vs Burnley: Mesut Ozil in the starting line-up for

---

Transfer news LIVE: Latest updates from Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal. The January transfer window is fast approaching, with Jose Mourinho tipped to be a big mover

---

According to The Sun, Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing an £80 million double swoop for Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson and midfielder David Brooks, with the two set to cost them £40 million each.
Spurs to launch £80m raid for Bournemouth attack duo Brooks

---

Former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte and England assistant Steve Holland are watching Watford vs Leicester together. Can anyone explain how this friendship has blossomed and why? Is Don Conte doing a bit of consultancy work for Gareth Southgate's England squad?!
Fulham 1-2 Chelsea LIVE: Jorginho and Higuain on target

---

CONFIRMED United entertain Barca in the first leg of their quarter-final tie and here are the confirmed teams for both sides Marcus Rashford has been passed fit for Manchester United's Champions League match against Barcelona as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has handed him a place in the starting XI.
Marcus Rashford starts Champions League clash, ex-Liverpool

---

Sam Allardyce has slammed Everton for what he considers a "ludicrous" decision to sack him and has warned Marco Silva that he is running out of time to save his own job. Former England boss Allardyce was dismissed by Everton at the end of last season despite guiding it to an eighth-place finish after taking over as manager from Ronald Koeman in
Allardyce slams 'ludicrous' Everton sacking and fires warning

---

Manchester City kept the pressure on Premier League leaders Liverpool by beating West Ham 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium. The midweek matches also saw Chelsea, who dropped Kepa Arrizabalaga following his antics during the Carabao Cup final, beat Tottenham, while Arsenal and Manchester United claimed victories.

---