Crystal Palace’s Michael Olize broke Manchester United’s winning streak with a phenomenal free kick in stoppage time. If the Red Devils had managed to prevent the equalizer in the last minute, they would have won their 10th victory in 10 games.
Before Olize outshone everyone, United seemed to have won another victory, leaving only a few minutes of compensated time on the clock.
The ball was placed about 30 yards from the field.
Many would appreciate David de Gea’s chances, especially since he has already made some spectacular saves in the game.
A far free kick requires a lot of force and gives the goalkeeper time to adjust or see the flight of the ball.
However, United decided to have Alejandro Garnacho and Fred accompany Casemiro in the wall. Larger and more impressive players could be depicted on the wall to intimidate Olize.
At least, former United defender and Sky Sports expert Gary Neville believed that United’s tiny wall gave Oliza the impetus to score a goal.
Unimpressed and steaming
The 1992 graduate and former United captain slammed the wall and expressed his disappointment in a series of tweets.
Neville’s first reaction to the equalizer was a tweet expletive: “FFS!”
FFS!
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) January 18, 2023
Neville then stressed that the wall should have been more imposing, saying, “This wall has never been big enough. I will always shoot!”
That wall was never big enough. Always going to shoot!
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) January 18, 2023
Finally, Neville chastised United for not taking the opportunity to unsettle Olize with a more formidable wall.
Disappointed, he tweeted: ” Remove the taker !!! A massive wall with big players complicates the task for the taker! This wall lacked presence, and it looked attractive!”
Put the taker off !!! A massive wall with big players in makes it more difficult for a taker! That wall lacked presence and made it look inviting! https://t.co/Ew5ozSVceM
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) January 18, 2023
The show must go on
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal would have been pleased with the scenes at Selhurst Park last night. The draw weakened any title ambitions of United.
On Sunday, the Red Devils will face the Gunners in the top four. The wards of Eric ten Hag will go to the Emirates Stadium with care and a desire to return to the winning path.
