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Antony proved to be the difference-maker as Manchester United managed to hold on for a 1-1 draw against Burnley. It was another disappointing afternoon for Erik ten Hag’s side, as they were unable to score more despite dominating proceedings.
Although Burnley found the net through a penalty and several calls went against Man United, the home team could not complain of injustice after consistently failing to capitalise on their scoring opportunities.
While United may only have had 47% possession, they had a mammoth 27 shots in total, with 10 on target and nine being blocked.
Ultimately, it was Antony who proved to be United’s most effective attacker up front, saving the team from humiliation against relegation strugglers Burnley.
Despite what has been a torrid season to date, the Brazilian appeared to be in better form, taking six shots on target with one off target and another shot blocked.
While he missed three big chances, Antony’s torment of the Burnley defence finally paid off when he put United in front in the 79th minute.
Showing great awareness, the winger pounced on a loose ball in Burnley’s final third, sprinting past the defence and slotting his shot past the keeper and into the back of the net.
It was a great exhibition of focus and acceleration from Antony, who scored just his second-ever goal at Old Trafford for United.
Still, it wasn’t only on the attack that the winger was effective. He completed 30 of his 34 passes, for an 88% passing accuracy, while also completing one key pass that could have resulted in another goal.
While he only completed one of two dribbles, Antony showed great physicality against his opponents, winning 10 of 15 duels, including nine of 13 ground duels.
Unexpectedly, the attacker proved particularly effective in defence. He made four tackles – the most of either team – along with two interceptions. He was also only dribbled past on one occasion.
Ultimately, it was a poor performance from United, managing only a draw at home against one of the weakest teams in the league. Still, it wasn’t all poor as Antony finally appears to be improving in performance following a prolonged spell of poor form.
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