Match Report: Another Match Filled with Dodgy Decisions

Rodmorg

First Team
Another Match Filled with Dodgy Decisions

After a daunting trip to Wembley Stadium on Boxing Day resulted in a 5-0 loss, Eddie and his team took another long trip up to Manchester, in which they faced Manchester United, of whom had replaced Jose Mourinho with Ole Gunnar Solskjær. The new manager had transformed the side into an impressive free-scoring side and it would eventually turn out to be a tough match for The Cherries.

Bournemouth switched to a back three after the thumping at Spurs, Eddie remained faithful to some players that may be considered as out of form, namely in Charlie Daniels and Junior Stanislas. Jordon Ibe, Josh King and Diego Rico came back into the side, with Daniels at LCB and Stanislas in centre midfield, replacing Jefferson Lerma. Jordon Ibe came back to RWB after Simon Francis’ devastating injury.

Although a win was unlikely for the away side, the team were hoping to snatch a draw, as they had done only two years ago. However, it only took 4 minutes for an inevitable goal to come, as Rashford on the left wing danced past Ake and Rico to square to POGBA who slid in from 6 yards out.

The Cherries gradually grew into the game, as a creative corner routine on the right wing allowed Ake to unleash a powerful header which was blocked by a defender and skimmed the shoulder of De Gea before clearing; a slice of luck for the Manchester side.

Roughly ten minutes after our best chance of the match, United brushed the spirit away as an affirmative cross from the left by Herrera allowed POGBA to power a header past Begovic.

Bournemouth instantly tried to get a goal back and could’ve had an extra man on the pitch after Young two-footed King by the United box, only to be punished with an arguable yellow card.

With the game approaching half-time at 2-0, another looped ball into the Bournemouth box allowed RASHFORD to creep the ball past Begovic again for their third goal. All hope was lost until Nathan AKE gave Bournemouth a lifeline as some neat play from David Brooks after a corner allowed the defender to blast in a header from 6 yards out.

Half-Time: Manchester United 3-1 Bournemouth

Bournemouth were perhaps experiencing their best spell of the match after a good block to prevent King from pulling another back. The following corner was littered in controversy. Daniels had attempted to get his head on a cross from Stanislas but was beaten by Bailly and fell to the ground instantly, with the referee waving play on. Replays show that although Bailly got to the ball, the follow through of his boot met Daniels on the face and collar bone. A certain penalty and red card that should not have been missed by the referee. Ten minutes later he would be deservedly sent off for an awful two-footed tackle on Ryan Fraser.

Only moments later, substitute LUKAKU finished off the game with a drive past Begovic – from an offside position. The spirit had been killed off instantly, with the only remaining highlight being Surman bending one just an inch or two beside the post.

Full-Time: Manchester United 4-1 Bournemouth

Player Ratings:

Asmir Begovic – 6: Not at fault for any of the goals and did well to produce a finger-tip save and a save from a 1 on 1 situation but looked relatively nervous on the ball.

Jordon Ibe – 5: Defensively poor. Did his usual of running into cul-de-sacs and losing possession when he had the opportunity to pass. Looked naïve again at RWB, but showed some good bursts forward.

Steve Cook – 6: Did okay despite the 4 conceded goals. Made some good blocks and interceptions and had a good drive forward late on, that could have easily been an assist.

Nathan Ake – 5: Quite a polarising performance given his goal but was at fault for the first and had some particularly bad marking.

Charlie Daniels – 6: Did rather well in a position he’s starting to get used to. Was unfortunate to not have a penalty given after his kick to the face and collar bone.

Diego Rico – 3: Was dominated in the first half and switched off in the second half. Is fine going forward but defensively diabolical. Looked very off-colour.

David Brooks – 6: Noticed his poor marking of Pogba in the second goal. Did look creative and was so in his assist for Ake but other than that it was probably a good idea to rest him for the next match.

Andrew Surman – 6 - MOTM: Very calm and composed throughout the match and it was showed in his passing and positioning. Had a chance to score late on that went just wide. Particularly difficult to pick a MOTM

Junior Stanislas – 5: Another off-colour performance by Stan. Had little involvement compared to other players such as Brooks and Surman.

Callum Wilson – 6: Looked very much isolated up front but made the most of it. Like Brooks, probably for the better he came off.

Josh King – 6 –: Had a couple of half chances and most likely would have scored if it had not been for an excellent block by the opposition defender.

Substitutes:

Ryan Fraser (Callum Wilson – 67) – 6: Was at victim for the opposing red card and made some excellent runs down the wing as per usual but the game was gone by the time he came on.

Lys Mousset (David Brooks – 67) – 6: Another contender for MOTM despite his 30 minute cameo had had some good chances and looks confident on the ball. Should probably start ahead of King on Wednesday.

Tyrone Mings (Nathan Ake – 81) – N/A

Overall Team Rating – 5: Defensively poor. Game was arguably off after the first goal and looked more or less like it was to prevent more going in after that. Ake gave a lifeline on the stroke of half time but it was blatant that the refereeing this evening had a major influence on the outcome.

Verdict:

So the final game of the calendar year finishes in what we usually experience against the “Top Six” – poor/biased refereeing decisions. The man in the middle – Lee Mason - got most of his major decisions wrong today; Ashley Young should’ve seen red, as well as Bailly before he was deservedly sent off, and also the final goal should not have stood.

The referee may have had a poor game but the team selection from Eddie Howe is questionable. Firstly, to have continued faith in selecting Stanislas and Daniels (of which both were out of position this evening) against a very ruthless looking United side was simply confusing. Although upon reflection Daniels had a fairly mediocre game, it must be frustrating for Mings and Simpson not to be selected, given how Daniels’ recent performances have been so poor. To provide Rico a chance tonight may have been perceived as a good thing but his performance may have proven why Eddie is doubtful to start him. Also worth noting the dire situation at RB/RWB. Although Ibe had a great performance there against Chelsea, it is beyond doubt that his defensive performance was the opposite tonight. Having to rely on Cook whenever attacks came on his side puts the whole backline at risk, and it was shown on numerous occasions, such as the third goal.

Despite his tactical decisions proving to be a major factor as to why we lose, it can be seen as a positive. Considering we’ve got to play Watford in three days’ time, his decision to rest Lerma and only give short spells to Fraser, Wilson and Brooks means that he’s more focussed on the next fixture. The likelihood of us beating Watford is far higher than that of Man United but that doesn’t dismiss the fact we could always give it a go. Personally, it was probably a good idea to rest the mentioned players, but for Eddie to continue to start Daniels (at a weakened position) than Mings is a bad move.

On a final note, outliers Mousset and Mings need to start against Watford. Although King was bright today, it’s probably for the better if Mousset is given the go ahead and he has proved it with his effort. In regard to Mings, it’s debatable which one of Daniels or Rico gets replaced but it’s certain that Mings needs to start.

In all, a poor game with bad tactical decisions on top of some questionable refereeing leaves us in 12th position halfway through the season, and 11 points clear of relegation zone. A good run of games is ahead of us and only a handful of wins next year will ensure us of Premier league status for the upcoming season.
 
I feel sorry for anyone who spent their hard earned time and money to watch the boys against Tottenham or today at Manchester.

Especially if you went to both!

Let's hope the lads make it up to us with a win over the Hornets on Wednesday night.
 
It all seems a little flat doesn’t it. I thought we were all at least 10% off personal bests at least today with King, Wilson Stanislas and Rico 20% off their bests. I will leave others to their normal story that we’d have won it 2-0 if it wasn’t for the officials.

A lot of mysteries for me today...

Why have reserve centre halfs who have been outstanding when called upon then play an out of form left back at centre half. Four goals scored from Uniteds right side today.

If you are resting players for Watford why play your first team strike duo when they are clearly knackered.

Why say continually that people have to play well to stay in the team but play an out of form Stsnislas week after week after week.
 
It all seems a little flat doesn’t it. I thought we were all at least 10% off personal bests at least today with King, Wilson Stanislas and Rico 20% off their bests. I will leave others to their normal story that we’d have won it 2-0 if it wasn’t for the officials.

A lot of mysteries for me today...

Why have reserve centre halfs who have been outstanding when called upon then play an out of form left back at centre half. Four goals scored from Uniteds right side today.

If you are resting players for Watford why play your first team strike duo when they are clearly knackered.

Why say continually that people have to play well to stay in the team but play an out of form Stsnislas week after week after week.

Who else are you going to play in midfield other than Stan? He was poor though - first touch looked well off.

My opinion is that Eddie picked a team with the following match in mind.
 
Who else are you going to play in midfield other than Stan? He was poor though - first touch looked well off.

My opinion is that Eddie picked a team with the following match in mind.

I’m not sure he did entirely SDD else he would have rested one of King or Wilson.

I would have played Ake in midfield like at Chelsea to answer r your question with Mings in at centre half to replace him.
 
Agree with the views above. Very worried about Age coming off injured and perhaps he should have come off earlier when he first went down if only as a precaution.

5 for Ibe is generous he is the new Rantie. Doesn't seem to comprehend with a give and go pass he is the one that then needs to go. We were mugged by Liverpool.
 
Begovic 5- denied that dancing fairy a hattrick with good save and had bad defence infront of him, 4th shouldn't stood but misjudged the PP header. but again 8 on target let in 4.
Daniels 3- Kicked in the head should be pen but it really is sad to see the decline.
Cook 3 - one good tackle, no where to be seen for the high balls united hurt us from.
Ake 4 - goal, but pretty bad performance and at part at fault for 1st
Rico - 3 ok going forward but defensively culpable.
Ibe - 2 anonymous, didn't track back, part fault for 2.
Surman - 3 went back to the old Surman today, couple good passes aside.
Brooks 5 lost ball few times, could've tracked back on 1 goal but did have a go at them least and got assist.
Wilson - 3 not in the game at all
King - 2 anonymous
Stanislas - 2 did nothing all game, liability

Fraser & Mousset - 2 Mings - 4
 
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I’m not sure he did entirely SDD else he would have rested one of King or Wilson.

I would have played Ake in midfield like at Chelsea to answer r your question with Mings in at centre half to replace him.

Ake in midfield sounds like a hindsight pick to me. Stan played well at Chelsea too and we already had five or six out of position without having Ake out of position too. Would he have tracked the runners better than Brooks and Stan? Maybe but on paper you wouldn't have thought he'd have been completely done by Rashford whilst playing in defence.

Our injury crisis is a massive issue in such a busy period that there's no obvious solutions imo. They should still get the basics right though.
 
Begovic 5- denied that dancing fairy a hattrick with good save and had bad defence infront of him, 4th shouldn't stood but misjudged the PP header. but again 8 on target let in 4.
Daniels 3- Kicked in the head should be pen but it really is sad to see the decline.
Cook 3 - one good tackle, no where to be seen for the high balls united hurt us from.
Ake 4 - goal, but pretty bad performance and at part at fault for 1st
Rico - 3 ok going forward but defensively culpable.
Ibe - 2 anonymous, didn't track back, part fault for 2.
Surman - 3 went back to the old Surman today, couple good passes aside.
Brooks 5 lost ball few times, could've tracked back on 1 goal but did have a go at them least and got assist.
Wilson - 3 not in the game at all
King - 2 anonymous
Stanislas - 2 did nothing all game, liability

Fraser & Mousset - 2 Mings - 4
A bit harsh on everyone don't you think?
I agree that Rico was very profligate in possession though.
 
Why say continually that people have to play well to stay in the team but play an out of form Stsnislas week after week after week.

I'm confused when it was Lewis Cook out of form it was play him every week because he's the best selection, play your best players into form etc.

Now with Stanislas, a player we all know needs a long run in the side to find his form, very similar to Tommy Elphick. He should be dropped, despite, on form and fit being our most creative player.
 
I’m not sure he did entirely SDD else he would have rested one of King or Wilson.

I would have played Ake in midfield like at Chelsea to answer r your question with Mings in at centre half to replace him.

On the other thread you said it was odd to have picked Daniels ahead of Mings.

On this thread you'd have played Ake in midfield and Mings in the defence.

So who's being dropped Daniels or Stanislas?
 
You all blame the red but if we cant defend we don’t have a chance against anyone. You can gift teams goals and then blame the ref, yes there were bad decisions but we did not help our selves.
Exactly what I was about to say. Yes we’ve had some poor decisions go our way of late, but there are bigger reasons as to why we’ve been poor. I understand dropping Lerma with Watford in mind, but Stan just isn’t a CM. Moving Ake forward and bringing Mings or Simpson in would’ve been my preferred choice but then, I don’t have any coaching badges, see the players in training every day or know the fitness position of every player. I’m glad that December is done and dusted.
 
On the other thread you said it was odd to have picked Daniels ahead of Mings.

On this thread you'd have played Ake in midfield and Mings in the defence.

So who's being dropped Daniels or Stanislas?

I was replying to two different issues DJ.

One was about what Eddie could have done differently and that was play Mings at centre back instead of an out of form Daniels.

I don’t for one minute think Eddie would move Ake out of defence and unsettle it further unless he had to (which he didn’t have to). However SDD asked me what I would have done which of course is hypothetical. Lerma would have marked and tracked Pogba better we all know that. So If we were going with squad rotation (more on that in a bit) i would have given Ake that role, played a defence of Mings, Simpson and Cook and had Daniels at left wing back.

SDD asks if these are hindsight picks. Yes they are! I’d have played the first team and asked a Lerma not to risk a booking and played some of the squad players v Watford. United are beatable and we have 26 points. Fans paid a lot of money to go to Old Trafford and we should honour that.
 
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I will leave others to their normal story that we’d have won it 2-0 if it wasn’t for the officials.

As the instigator of the top six decisions thread I guess I should respond to that.

1. We deserved nothing from the match. We were poor. I've no qualms about saying that or acknowledging it. On both a team level and numerous individuals as well.

2. We can all recall many matches down the years where we've deserved nothing and picked up a point, or even three. And vice versa. If a team doesn't put a match to bed when dominating they leave themselves open to throwing away a result.

3. Even if the ref had given a penalty (I don't go with the Young red card, I think yellow was correct although, of course, I'm bound to wonder what would have happened if the player's shirts were reversed), we'd still need to score it and that would only make it 3-2. Still a long way from getting something from the match.

4. Having said all that, the run of ridiculous key decisions in favour of the big six has kept going only compounded by the offside goal after the penalty non-decision. If I was in a casino and red came up this many times in a row I'd smell a rat and be putting the house on red.

Picking up points in these matches is tough. Really tough. Add in the fact that we had no fit right back and no fit forward thinking CM I can see why the decision was made to protect Lerma for other matches, thus leaving us even weaker. Then factor in Man Utd as a completely different team to who they were two weeks ago and the crowd being so on-side.

Yet, having said all that, if we had undeservedly but fairly clawed it back to 3-2 (assuming the pen went in) a few nerves may have crept in for them and it's one of those 'you just never know' situations where we might have snatched a point. I doubt it but it would have been nice to have been given the opportunity.
 
I'm confused when it was Lewis Cook out of form it was play him every week because he's the best selection, play your best players into form etc.

Now with Stanislas, a player we all know needs a long run in the side to find his form, very similar to Tommy Elphick. He should be dropped, despite, on form and fit being our most creative player.

Don’t be confused...I can explain simply with two paragraphs.

Firstly...an out of form Cook (greatness and poor errors combined) is nowhere near like an out of form Stanislas (invisible man).

Secondly...I don’t think we have Premier League replacements for Cook but we have plenty for Stan.
 
As the instigator of the top six decisions thread I guess I should respond to that.

1. We deserved nothing from the match. We were poor. I've no qualms about saying that or acknowledging it. On both a team level and numerous individuals as well.

2. We can all recall many matches down the years where we've deserved nothing and picked up a point, or even three. And vice versa. If a team doesn't put a match to bed when dominating they leave themselves open to throwing away a result.

3. Even if the ref had given a penalty (I don't go with the Young red card, I think yellow was correct although, of course, I'm bound to wonder what would have happened if the player's shirts were reversed), we'd still need to score it and that would only make it 3-2. Still a long way from getting something from the match.

4. Having said all that, the run of ridiculous key decisions in favour of the big six has kept going only compounded by the offside goal after the penalty non-decision. If I was in a casino and red came up this many times in a row I'd smell a rat and be putting the house on red.

Picking up points in these matches is tough. Really tough. Add in the fact that we had no fit right back and no fit forward thinking CM I can see why the decision was made to protect Lerma for other matches, thus leaving us even weaker. Then factor in Man Utd as a completely different team to who they were two weeks ago and the crowd being so on-side.

Yet, having said all that, if we had undeservedly but fairly clawed it back to 3-2 (assuming the pen went in) a few nerves may have crept in for them and it's one of those 'you just never know' situations where we might have snatched a point. I doubt it but it would have been nice to have been given the opportunity.

I 100% agree the bias towards big teams is unacceptable. It’s even made me change what I thought was an entrenched dislike of VAR!

Poor defensive errors, low energy and not tracking back cost us far more goals in the last two games than refereeing decisions. That’s what we should concentrate on.

I don’t think we would have beaten United yesterday had the ref got things right. They would have stepped back up to their first half gear.

Its far more likely Brighton may have equalised had the referee not made an error in our favour and sent off Dunk by mistake but we all seem to have conveniently forgotten that to keep up the mantra that it’s referees that are hurting us.
 
Don’t be confused...I can explain simply with two paragraphs.

Firstly...an out of form Cook (greatness and poor errors combined) is nowhere near like an out of form Stanislas (invisible man).

Secondly...I don’t think we have Premier League replacements for Cook but we have plenty for Stan.

Would agree with that, some players when off form are invisible, some are just making mistakes. Strangely rightly wrongly whatever, I prefer the latter, at least they're in the match not hiding
 
Can only guess he was terrible at playing hide and seek when he was a kid considering he had efforts to score in both games. Hardly hiding.
 

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