By Valentine Amanze
(with agency report)
With five games unplayed Manchester City was on Sunday, April 15, 2018, crowned the 2017/18 Premiership league champions, when their closest rival, Manchester United, succumbed 1-0 to the superior tactical approach of the bottom of league side, West Brown, at Old Trafford.
Manchester City on Saturday, April 14, 2018, defeated Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 before the Man United-West Brom clash on Sunday.
Prior to the match, many soccer analysts had predicted a rundown on the visitors by Man United. But it was not to be as West Brom matched the Red Devils man-to-man in all departments of the game. The centre referee did not help matter as what was a clear penalty for Man United was turned down by the official.
On his assessment of the match, according to Goal.com,
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho cited his team’s hectic schedule as a reason for leaving Eric Bailly out of West Bromwich Albion tie.
Victor Lindelof was preferred to Bailly – who put in a decent shift last week against the Citizens – in Sunday’s encounter and the Portuguese tactician has explained the reason for the tweak.
“A decision again. Victor played the match against Swansea at home and it was very suited to his qualities,” Mourinho told club website.
“Normally, we are going to have more of the ball and, normally, it’s when we need somebody from the back to add extra technical quality in the middle of the back [four].
“We have three matches in a week. Bournemouth in a few days [Wednesday night] then [Tottenham] Spurs after a few days again. In that semi-final, they are having one day extra to us to recover so I need also to think about that.
“Bailly will be hoping to make his 12th Premier League appearance of the season when Manchester United visit AFC Bournemouth on Wednesday.