Newcastle United ‘keeper Tim Krul was hailed as a hero on Saturday as his fantastic display between the sticks ensured that the 10 men of Tyneside left Old Trafford with a point, with a bit of controversy along the way.
Sir Alex Ferguson was left fuming after the game, calling the decision a “travesty” as the assistant referee flagged for a penalty on 68 minutes for Rio Ferdinand’s innocuous challenge on Hatem Ben Arfa, where replays have shown since that Ferdinand took only the ball.
Newcastle did not come to sit on their laurels however, creating glimmers of chances through Ben Arfa through the centre and Obertan out wide, with Demba Ba hitting a harmless volley into De Gea’s hands after a delightful chip from the afore mentioned. The Red Devils also had chances, but Hernandez couldn’t find the beating of Krul who saved twice from the little Mexican, before pulling off a fantastic diving finger tip save to deny a Ryan Giggs flick.
It was only four minutes into the second half when the United from Manchester broke the deadlock, that man Hernandez in the right place at the right time as an almost pinball-like period of play inside the Newcastle box resulted in Ryan Taylor smashing the ball against Chicarito, which then trickled into the away side’s net for his sixth of the season.
It was an unfortunate way to go behind; however lady luck soon favoured Newcastle when Ferdinand, according the assistant referee, fouled Ben Arfa inside the penalty area, though replays have since shown he took none of the man. After consultation with his assistant Mike Jones awarded the controversial spot kick, which was coolly tucked away by their top scorer- Demba Ba.
From then on Man United were in the ascendency, nevertheless David De Gea produced a first-class stop to deny a Fabricio Coloccini volley. Newcastle’s position was put into question Jonas Gutierrez was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 78th minutes, but the remaining 10 held on valiantly, with Tim Krul taking much of the plaudits
Krul made a fantastic save to deny Vidic from close range and then Evra from outside the 18 yard box, whilst fortunate continued to shine on Newcastle as Ashley Young struck the inside of the post before Hernandez had a stoppage time winner chalked off correctly for offside.
Manchester United were left frustrated and angered at full time, as they now lie four points behind leaders Manchester City who have a game in hand today against Liverpool, meanwhile Newcastle were delighted to grab a point and continued to show their potential after a terrific start to this season, and reiterating that they can compete with the big-boys at the top once more.
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