MU led three times but still got held to a draw by their opponents in the 16th round of the Premier League

16/12/2025 07:19:00 esportapi

MU took the lead three times but failed to keep it, allowing Bournemouth to leave Old Trafford with a thrilling 4-4 draw in the 16th round of the Premier League.

It was a truly wild night of football where the emotions of the "Red Devils" supporters were repeatedly lifted high and then dropped low within just over 90 minutes.

The clash at Old Trafford on the evening of December 15 was regarded as one of the most emotionally intense and eventful matches since the season started. Both teams engaged in a breathtaking goal chase, scoring eight goals in total, exchanging blows repeatedly, and producing heart-stopping moments in stoppage time when Man Utd nearly conceded a fifth goal at home.

In the first half alone, Man Utd showed a rarely seen explosive attacking display. The hosts unleashed 17 shots in the opening 45 minutes—the highest number any team has recorded in a single half this Premier League season. The game was played at a fast pace, leaving little room for tactical restraint, and the tension was pushed to the extreme.

MU took the lead three times but still could not hold on, allowing Bournemouth to escape with a dramatic 4-4 draw in the 16th round of the Premier League.

The first-half statistics clearly demonstrated the "madness" of the game. Both teams combined for 41 touches inside the box, took 24 shots, and had a non-penalty expected goals (xG) value of 3.6—all record highs for a first half in this Premier League season.

Man Utd quickly converted their advantage by scoring the opener in the 13th minute. From a left-wing cross by Diogo Dalot, Bournemouth’s defense was caught off guard, allowing Amad Diallo to rush in and head into an empty net. However, the visitors showed no fear under the pressure at the "Theatre of Dreams." In the 30th minute, Antoine Semenyo fired a sharp angled shot to bring the score back to level.

Just as the first half seemed set to end in a draw, Bruno Fernandes made a difference from a set-piece. The corner was delivered to the far post where Casemiro leapt to head from a tight angle, beating goalkeeper Dorde Petrovic and restoring Man Utd’s lead as they went into halftime 2-1 up, with confidence spreading among the fans.

However, the second half turned into a nightmare for the home defense. Bournemouth suddenly accelerated, scoring back-to-back goals through Evanilson and Marcus Tavernier, quickly reversing the momentum. In response, Bruno Fernandes once again became the savior with a classy free-kick, before Matheus Cunha capitalized on a defensive error to score close range, putting Man Utd ahead 4-3.

Just when it seemed the three points were secured for the "Red Devils," Bournemouth refused to give up. In the 84th minute, substitute Eli Junior Kroupi skillfully maneuvered inside the box and calmly finished with his left foot to equalize 4-4. The drama peaked in stoppage time when David Brooks had two close-range chances, but goalkeeper Senne Lammens made superb saves to preserve a point for the hosts.

This draw made history for Bournemouth, becoming the first team to score three or more goals in three consecutive matches at Old Trafford in the English top flight. In the previous two seasons, they even shocked the crowd by winning 3-0 twice on Man Utd’s home turf.

For the hosts, Man Utd maintain their unbeaten streak at Old Trafford in the Premier League whenever leading at halftime, with 302 wins and 26 draws out of 328 such occasions. However, conceding four goals again revealed serious defensive weaknesses and raised big questions about the "Red Devils" chances of competing for a top-four spot during this critical stage of the season.

After round 16, Man Utd sit sixth in the table with 26 points, level with Crystal Palace, reigning champions Liverpool, and newcomers Sunderland. Their next challenge awaits this weekend as they travel to face Aston Villa—a team currently in excellent form with 10 wins in their last 11 Premier League games, including six straight victories recently.

+Goalscorers: Diallo 13', Casemiro 45'+4 (Fernandes), Fernandes 77', Cunha 79' - Semenyo 40' (Smith), Evanilson 46' (Tavernier), Tavernier 52', Kroupi 84' (Jimenez)

+Starting lineups

MU: Lammens, Dalot, Heaven, Yoro, Shaw, Casemiro, Fernandes, Mount, Amad Diallo, Mbeumo, Cunha.

Bournemouth: Petrovic, Smith, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert, Adams, Kluivert, Tavernier, Jimenez, Semenyo, Evanilson.

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