Rodwell cancelled out Mata’s strike at the Stadium of Light
Sunderland's Jack Rodwell, center, scores his goal past Manchester United's goalkeeper David De Gea, left, during their English Premier League soccer match at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland
London: Manchester United secured their first Premier League point under Louis van Gaal, but were still left searching for a first competitive win of the Dutchman’s reign, after a 1-1 draw away to Sunderland on Sunday.
United, fresh from their shock 1-2 defeat by Swansea at Old Trafford on the opening day last weekend, took a 17th-minute lead at the Stadium of Light when Juan Mata turned in Antonio Valencia’s cross.
But former Manchester City midfielder Jack Rodwell equalised for Sunderland in the 30th minute when he headed in Seb Larsson’s corner after evading marker Robin van Persie. Gus Poyet’s side caused a huge upset by winning 1-0 at Old Trafford in May as part of a ‘great escape’ that saw the north-east side avoid relegation.
But despite the urging of their Uruguayan manager, Sunderland couldn’t manage a second goal, and nor could United, with van Gaal having said in midweek the team would need a “miracle” to win the league this season.
Earlier, Nacer Chadli scored twice as Tottenham Hotspur ensured there was no happy return to White Hart Lane for Harry Redknapp as they beat their former manager’s Queens Park Rangers side 4-0.
Meanwhile 10-man Hull draw 1-1 at home to Stoke. Chadli put Spurs ahead in the 12th minute when he thrashed home Emmanuel Adebayor’s cross from six yards out.
Defender Eric Dier doubled Spurs’ lead with his second goal in as many matches when he headed in Erik Lamela’s corner at the near post on the half hour. Tottenham went 3-0 up in the 37th minute.
Argentinian playmaker Lamela was again involved, his precise pass finding the head of Chadli, who nodded in from six yards. Rangers did prevent Spurs adding to their tally until the 65th minute when Togo striker Adebayor side-footed home from six yards out after a fine run and cross by Danny Rose.
( Source : AFP )
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