The English Premier League (EPL) hits a climax today with my beloved Manchester United playing Watford Football Club in what is our 1000th game since the formation of the English Premiership in 1992. This simply means Manchester United along with Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur have never been relegated since inception of the Premiership. An outstanding feat if I say so myself, which is about 26 years of constantly playing in the top flight.
As a landmark event I was not expecting the Red Devils to draw this game let alone lose so before kick-off I was praying Mourinho was not going to act funny by fielding another strange starting line-up. Yes I know he has his eyes on the FA Cup final which comes up next Saturday against Chelsea but it will be long before the 2000th game comes calling and I would like to be able to refer to the 1000th game as a great one when the time comes.
Jose Mourinho fielded a relatively strong side judging by the quality of the squad. David De Gea was rested and Sergio Romero was called upon in goal for the Red Devils. Matteo Darmian, Eric Bailly, Marcos Rojo and Ashley Young played in a back four. Michael Carrick started as the anchor of the midfield in what was his last game for the Red Devils with Scott Mc Tominay and Daley Blind supporting him. Marcus Rashford was assisted upfront on both sides by Juan Mata and Alexis Sanchez in a 4-3-3 formation.
Watford who’s place in the league was already secured weeks ago had Heurelho Gomes in goal. Jose Holebas, Christian Kabasele, Craig Cathcart and Daryl Janmaat were listed for defensive duties with Abdoulaye Doucoure playing as the defensive midfielder. The midfield also comprised of Richarlison, Roberto Pereyra, Will Hughes and Gerard Deulofeu. André Gray was deployed as the lone striker.
The first half was filled with chances for both sides though United looked the most purposely of the two. In the 34th minute the Valedictorian on the day Michael Carrick lofted a long pass towards the Watford goal and Juan Mata connected with it before squaring for Rashford to slot home calmly. 1-0 in United’s favour. Though there could have been questions of offside, but I ain’t the ref.
The Carrick pass made me wish he could get a new contract. It was that nice. Richarlson came close to getting an equalizer in 42nd minute for Watford but Romero was up to the challenge. 1 nil the first half ended.
The second half was not as eventful as the first, yes there were chances but none converted until the final whistle was blown. Not a cracker of a game but it would be on record that Man Utd won its 1000th Premier League game. Congrats to Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham as they also won their 1000th EPL game. Chelsea and Everton were however beaten by Newcastle (my 3rd best team) and West Ham respectively on this special day.
Big congrats to Manchester City. They shattered a whole lot of Premier League records from most goals in a season (106), to most wins (32) and longest winning run (18) just to mention a few.
The EPL has ended for the season. Up next for my darling Man UTD side is the Emirates FA Cup final next weekend against Chelsea.
Thanks for your time guys. Do have a fabulous week ahead.
