Manchester United's late collapse against Chelsea sparks intense scrutiny over decision-making and defensive lapses, intensifying pressure on Erik ten Hag's tactics.
Manchester United's boss, Erik ten Hag, expressed deep disappointment and pointed to poor decision-making after his team surrendered a one-goal advantage in the dying moments, suffering a heartbreaking 4-3 defeat against Chelsea on Thursday night.
The dramatic turn of events saw United conceding two goals to Chelsea's Cole Palmer in the 100th and 101st minutes, marking a historic collapse in Premier League history.
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The clash at Stamford Bridge took an unprecedented turn when United, leading as late as 99 minutes and 17 seconds into the match, witnessed their lead evaporate in stoppage time.
Palmer's winner, timed at 100 minutes and 39 seconds, became the latest goal ever recorded in the Premier League, sealing a victory that left United and their fans in disbelief.
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This loss comes on the heels of another late-game disappointment for United, following a 1-1 draw at Brentford where they also conceded in added time.
With only three days to regroup before facing arch-rivals Liverpool, Ten Hag's side faces a significant challenge.
Reflecting on the match, Ten Hag highlighted the initial struggles and the eventual dominance that went in vain.
"We started poor, making individual errors," he admitted.
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However, he believed his team was in control for most of the game, praising the wide players, Garnacho and Antony, for their danger on the flanks.
The Dutchman stressed the importance of making better decisions, particularly in moments crucial to securing a win. "You have to do your job, you have to make the right decisions, and we didn't react quick enough to avoid this situation," he lamented.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes shared his frustration, acknowledging the difficulty in digesting such a defeat.
"We had the game in our hands and we gave it away. It's frustrating. It's difficult to take," Fernandes told TNT Sports. He underscored the necessity of improving defensively, especially in the closing moments of a match.
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On the other side, Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino celebrated the victory with visible emotion, a response to some fans' previous critiques of his passion.
Pochettino defended his calm demeanor on the touchline, emphasizing the importance of being analytical over theatrical.
"Passion is not to be a crazy guy on the touchline...I am not a clown, I am a coach," he stated.
As United lick their wounds and look ahead to their next big challenge, questions about their ability to close out games loom large.
Ten Hag's call for improved decision-making and a more resilient mindset reflects the urgency of bouncing back in a season where every point counts.
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