Mount Completes United's Comeback at Selhurst Park
Puntos Clave
- Manchester United secured a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park
- Bruno Fernandes assisted both United goals from set piece situations
- Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta converted a penalty to give hosts the lead
- United climbed above Palace despite trailing 11th to their opponents' 6th
The floodlights pierced through the South London evening as Selhurst Park prepared for a crucial Premier League encounter. Crystal Palace, sitting comfortably in 6th place with 20 points, welcomed a struggling Manchester United side languishing in 11th with just 18 points. What unfolded was a captivating tale of resilience as the visitors secured a vital 2-1 victory that lifted them above their hosts in the table.
Palace seized control in the 36th minute when Jean-Philippe Mateta stepped up to convert a penalty with clinical precision, sending his right-footed effort into the bottom right corner. The Selhurst Park faithful erupted as their side took a deserved lead against opponents who had struggled for consistency all season. However, United's response proved swift and decisive. Joshua Zirkzee restored parity in the 54th minute, finishing brilliantly from a difficult angle on the left after Bruno Fernandes' set piece delivery found him perfectly positioned. The Dutch striker's left-footed strike nestled into the bottom right corner, silencing the home crowd.
The decisive moment arrived in the 63rd minute when Mason Mount completed United's remarkable turnaround. Following another Bruno Fernandes set piece, Mount unleashed a thunderous right-footed drive from outside the box that arrowed into the bottom left corner, leaving Dean Henderson with no chance. The England midfielder's celebration was one of pure relief as United took the lead for the first time.
United's dominance showed in the statistics, controlling 56.6% of possession while matching Palace's 14 shots. Both sides registered identical numbers for shots on target, but United's clinical finishing from set pieces proved the difference. Bruno Fernandes orchestrated the comeback masterfully, his delivery from dead ball situations causing Palace constant problems throughout the second half.
The turning point came with United's tactical adjustment at halftime and the introduction of fresh legs. Noussair Mazraoui's substitution for Leny Yoro in the 54th minute coincided with their equalizer, providing the spark that ignited their comeback. Palace pushed desperately for an equalizer in the final stages, with Eddie Nketiah's header in the 69th minute sailing just wide of the target.
The final 10 minutes proved nervy for United as Palace threw everything forward. Justin Devenny's blocked effort in the 90th minute epitomized Palace's frustration as they couldn't find the breakthrough despite sustained pressure.
Looking ahead, Crystal Palace will host Burnley on December 3rd, needing to bounce back quickly from this disappointing defeat. Manchester United travel to face West Ham United on December 4th, hoping this comeback victory can provide the momentum for a sustained climb up the table.