If there is ever a game that sums up United's season then the boxing day clash would surely sum it up. A game of bad defending, bad decisions and pure attacking and a win in the end, the net result saw united go 7 points clear after Man City lost at Sunderland.
The game started with the news Wayne Rooney was going to be out for a few weeks with a knee injury and that Ashley Young and Danny Welbeck were out.
The game got off to an awful start when De Gea palmed out a long range shot only for James Perch to prod home the opener, once again United were behind. The game flowed really well and the rain helped make the game a more slick event. United eventually equalised when a free kick on the United right was floated in and after a scramble the ball fell to Jonny Evans who calmly slotted in front of the Stretford End.
The game saw a controversial moment when a Danny Simpson shot was deflected in by Jonny Evans, the linesman correctly called offside as Cisse was offside between Evans and De Gea. However, after consultation between Mike Dean and the linesman, the ref over ruled the decision and the goal stood. United players were confused and Sir Alex was incensed at half time and the beginning of the second half.
United brushed themselves down and started the second half on the attack and were rewarded when Patrice Evra scored his 4th goal of the season with a well crafted long shot from outside the box. United got themselves back into it and no sooner that happened they fell behind again. Another ex United player Gabriel Obertan crossed in and Cisse lashed in a unstoppable shot and Newcastle now leading 3-2.
The last 20 minutes saw wave upon wave of attack from United and the odd threat from Newcastle. United got a third equaliser when Van Persie first effort was saved and the rebound eventually fell to him again and he duly smashed the ball in and relief again was prevalent around Old Trafford.
Hernandez went close on a few occasion's and Newcastle with minutes remaining hit the post via Amoebi shot which pinged back into De Gea grateful arms. The 90th minute was seconds away when Michael Carrick pass was latched onto by Hernandez who diverted the ball into the net and the game was up for a gallant Newcastle. The relief was noticeable and Sir Alex danced around the Manchester rain.
The halfway point season completed and the only blight is the goals against column where 28 goals have been conceded, some seasons they would concede that after 38 games! the goals are flowing and the lead at the top is 7 points. United may have defensive problems but winning is the aim and that is what they are doing.
The busy festive period will see 2 more games and for United and an opportunity to press home that advantage and increase the lead at the top. Next up West Brom at home and Wigan away.
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