Javier Hernandez’s first half strike proved to be the match winner as Manchester United ended Swansea’s unbeaten record at home to keep pace with rivals City at the top of the table.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s side recorded a 1-0 win for the third Premier League running since their derby day humiliation last month and had their Mexican striker to thank for seeing them through this one. Hernandez was on hand to tap home Ryan Giggs cross from close range after an error from Angel Rangel gifted the veteran winger possession on the left. United were rarely threatened by the Swans who at least kept the score at one although the game will be remembered for a less than vintage performance from the champions. The Red Devil’s once again failed to find any sort of cohesion in midfield and are crying out for a holding midfielder and playmaker to add stability and a dash of flair. Despite that they still controlled a vast majority of the contest and will be heading home delighted that they’ve managed to secure another three points. With City beating Newcastle earlier in the day to extend their five point lead to eight it was imperative that they came away from their first visit to Wales with maximum points.
They couldn’t have got off to a better start after Hernandez showed his killer touch on 11 minutes to stab home Giggs’ cross for his 5th of the season and 13th goal on the road since moving to Old Trafford last season. The Swans’ slick passing game has won many a plaudit this season but it’s there willingness to do so in dangerous areas that cost them dearly against United with Rangel’s giving the ball in the lead up to United’s opener – only the second goal they have conceded at home. Brendan Rodger’s side responded well to going a goal behind and should have levelled within 10 minutes but Scott Sinclair couldn’t replicate Hernandez’s predatory finish fluffing his lines from close range after being picked out by Wayne Routledge. Both side’s faded towards the end of the first half with Patrice Evra’s low drive failing to test Michael Vorm sufficiently as United’s central midfield pairing of Giggs and Michael Carrick started to dictate the pace of the game.
Rodgers clearly identified that the duo were making the difference and sent on Joe Allen for Routledge after the restart and the young Welshman had an immediate impact teeing Sinclair who forced David de Gea into a save at his near post. The Swan’s upped the ante and their attacking intensity put the away side on the back foot with captain Nemanja Vidic displaying his aerial prowess snuffing out two attacks in quick succession. Danny Graham then had a chance to restore parity but the striker saw his shot blocked superbly by Carrick as United clung on to their lead for dear life. Wayne Rooney then tried his luck from range with a couple of pot shots on the Swansea goal before coming close to connecting with Phil Jones’ cross from the right. Thankfully for Ferguson his side held on to end the home side’s five-game unbeaten record at the Liberty Stadium and restore the five-point gap between themselves and their noisy neighbours at the summit.
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