Premier League: 5 things learnt as Stoke City draws with Manchester United
Straffordshire: League-leaders Manchester United were held to a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Stoke City in the Premier League at the Bet365 stadium here on Saturday. Throughout the match, both teams kept fighting hard, but in the end, points were shared by both teams, as it ended in a thrilling draw. With the result, this has become the third consecutive draw in the Premier League consisting of both the teams, with both of the previous head-to-head matches ending in 1-1.
Here, we look at five talking points from the match.
1) Maxim Choupo-Moting makes early impact
Cameroon international Maxim Choupo-Moting made an early impact for the Potters, scoring both the goals for the home side. It was in the 43rd minute when the former Schalke forward gave the lead for Stoke, only for Marcus Rashford to equalise just before half-time. In the second half, Romelu Lukaku gave United the lead with a brace for United, but a full three points for the visitors were denied after Moting equalised yet again, thereby sharing points.
2) Goal number 150 for Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku. (Photo: AP)
Just into his early days with the Red Devils, Romelu Lukaku has showed signs for the club that he is here to stay with the Europa League champions. His goal-scoring menace for United continued when he netted his 150th club career goal, helping Jose Mourinho’s side take a 2-1 lead.
Lukaku, who joined United from Everton for £75m, has boosted the Manchester side’s chances of winning the Premier League with his recent performances for the club.
3) Mark Hughes remains to be unbeaten
With the 2-2 draw, Stoke City manager Mark Hughes became only the second manager to remain unbeaten for four consecutive Premier League games against Jose Mourinho, with Everton manger Ronald Koeman leading the charts.
4) Despite missing out on win, United stay on top
Jose Mourinho’s men continue to remain on top of the Premier League standings despite a 2-2 draw, with only the goal-difference separating both United and rivals Manchester City. United (12 goals) have scored two goals more than Manchester City (10 goals), and thanks to that, they continue their stay at pole position.
5) United winless at Stoke since 2013
Manchester United are yet to break the jinx of winning on Stoke soil since 2013. The last time the Red Devils defeated Stoke on their home turf was back in April 2013, when Michael Carrick and Robin Van Persie starred for the Reds. Since then, Stoke have won on two occasions whereas the clash has ended in draws for as many as four times, including the latest result.
