The Final Contest of Match Day 16 in the EPL was held at Old Trafford, as Manchester United hosted Bournemouth. Though United were favourites to win the tie, it was expected to be a good match as Bournemouth, the Cherries, were not an easy team to play, and so the Red Devils realised.
Amad Diallo got United going with an easy header ( a goalmouth tap-in literally) as Petrovic, Bournemouth’s goalkeeper, could not keep away a Matheus Cunha header from close range. But Bournemouth responded in kind.
Antoine Semenyo, who is making waves with his sublime goal-scoring skills, further enhanced his reputation with a terrific shot from a very acute angle from the right flank. The finish was exquisite as Senne Lammens, who had an off-day in front of goal, was beaten by the sheer placement of the ball by Semenyo. It was the 40th minute, and Bournemouth had equalised, but not for long.
Just before halftime, Casemiro made it 2-1 for Manchester United with a fine header, which Petrovic, once again, could not keep out. United were ahead, but only just.
Evanilson equalised just after half-time with an excellent strike which left the fans stunned. It was yet another fine goal from the Cherries. Even before United could regroup, Marcus Tavernier, unleashed a stunner to make it 3-2, six minutes later. The match was slipping away from United, but Bruno Fernandes had other ideas.
Manchester United’s captain and Portuguese star, Bruno Fernandes struck a free-kick that sailed into the net. The quality of the goal brought the fans to life as Old Trafford erupted with Bruno’s magic. It was 3-3 after 77 minutes.
Matheus Cunha, who had a splendid match and deserved to be on the score sheet, scored two minutes later with a brilliant strike of his own, sending Old Trafford into a rapturous applause.
With the score reading 4-3 in favour of United, many believed that it was curtains for Bournemouth, but the Cherries have been a determined side, and they showed why. 19-year-old Frenchman Eli Junior Kroupi struck one fiercely past Lammens in the 84th minute to square up the match once again.
The stadium went quiet. Victory had been snatched from United, and had it not been for two crucial saves by Lammens in the end, Bournemouth might have caused an upset.
The match eventually ended in an exciting 4-4 draw. The quality of football was top notch and though Manchester United dominated possession, Bournemouth, in my opinion, played slightly better than the hosts.
It was a crazy end to Match Day 16.
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