Manchester United’s defensive frailties were laid bare in the most embarrassing fashion as Leicester romped to a 5-3 win over Louis van Gaal’s shell-shocked side at the King Power Stadium.
United’s stellar cast of attacking talent allowed them to race into a 3-1 lead thanks to goals from Robin van Persie, Ander Herrera and Angel di Maria, who scored a stunning chip over Kasper Schmeichel.
But, however impressive United’s Galacticos are on the attack, the fact remains this squad is woefully sub-standard at the back. Leicester took full advantage to record their first home victory over the 20-time champions since 1985.
Leonardo Ulloa headed in at the back post in the first half and David Nugent also found the net from the penalty spot after a needless foul by Rafael on Jamie Vardy.
Esteban Cambiasso equalised on his full debut before Vardy slotted the ball past De Gea after a counter-attack in which United’s defence was all over the place.
Tyler Blackett was then sent off for hacking Vardy down in the box and Ulloa converted the penalty to make it 5-3.
The defeat brought Van Gaal back down to earth following his first victory against QPR last week. Much work clearly has to be done if he is to achieve his target of a top-three finish.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 0 WEST BROMWICH ALBION 1
Under-fire Alan Irvine secured his first league win at the West Brom helm after deservedly overcoming sloppy and ponderous Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
Eyebrows were raised when the Scot was named Pepe Mel’s successor in the summer, with West Brom’s alarming start to the season exacerbating fans’ concerns.
Supporters booed West Brom after Everton’s 2-0 win at the Hawthorns last weekend, although they had a smile on their face on Sunday as James Morrison’s second-half header secured a 1-0 win at Tottenham.
It was their first win at White Hart Lane since 1984 and one which looked likely from the outset, with Joleon Lescott denied a goal on an impressive debut after an unfortunate block by teammate Craig Dawson.
West Brom should have had a first-half penalty when Emmanuel Adebayor handled a Dawson header, but they continued to press after the break in a display that belied their lowly standing.
A header from Morrison, left unmarked at a corner by Erik Lamela, in the 74th minute proved the difference, condemning Spurs to back-to-back home defeats in the league for the first time since November 2012.
EVERTON 2 CRYSTAL PALACE 3
Neil Warnock came away happy on a day of upsets after Crystal Palace rallied for their first Premier League win of the season, beating Everton 3-2 at Goodison Park. Winger Yannick Bolasie was instrumental in his side’s surging second-half performance which he capped with the teams’ final goal in the 69th minute. Romelu Lukaku had given Everton a ninth-minute lead, but Mile Jedinak equalized from the spot and Fraizer Campbell took advantage of an error by Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard to change the game’s course. Bolasie’s display sealed the win despite Leighton Baines’ late penalty which reduced the deficit.
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