FANS have slammed referee Stuart Attwell after Southampton’s Cameron Archer had to wait 51 SECONDS to take his penalty against Manchester United.
The match was level at 0-0 when Diogo Dalot chopped Saints kid Tyler Dibling down in the box.
After a VAR check, the spot-kick was confirmed and Archer stepped up for the Saints.
The striker put the ball on the spot but was made to wait almost a minute before being allowed to take it.
And, when he was finally allowed to strike towards goal, Archer’s limp low shot was kept out by a stretching Andre Onana.
He managed to get onto the rebound but his header too was caught by the United stopper, to the delight of a thrilled Lisandro Martinez.
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In total, the time between the penalty being awarded and it being taken was over TWO AND A HALF MINUTES.
And Southampton fans were fuming with Attwell for making Archer wait, with one saying: “Why was there such a huge delay before he could take it?
“It’d been checked, no one was in the box? That was ridiculous, seemed to be the ref deliberately waiting.”
A second wrote: “That’s a disgrace. Why did the referee make Archer wait for so long?”
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A third added: “You could see Archer getting more restless as he was made to wait. This is so annoying.”
Another chimed in: “You knew he was going to miss. Was too long. Refs need to control those situations better.”
Man Utd ratings vs Southampton as Onana saves a penalty and Rashford finally scores
MARCUS RASHFORD scored his first Premier League goal in 189 days as Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 victory at Southampton.
The Red Devils got back to winning ways after suffering defeats in their last two Prem games, with Matthijs de Ligt notching his first Man Utd goal.
But United had Andre Onana to thank as the keeper kept out Cameron Archer’s penalty at 0-0.
Here’s how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett rated United’s stars…
Andre Onana – 7
Saved the penalty by Cameron Archer, albeit a poor one from the Southampton forward.
But that stop and the stopped rebound proved to be absolutely crucial.
Noussair Mazraouri – 7
Needed treatment after falling awkwardly in the first half but that did not stop him from delivering a solid performance.
Also got forward to good effect before being one of three United defenders to be subbed off.
Matthijs De Ligt – 8
Shaky start defensively but was unmarked to score from Bruno Fernandes cross to calm United’s nerves with the opener.
He was delighted to get his first United goal and dedicated his celebration to his wife’s birthday today.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Not been in great form so anything was an improvement – although Saints’ attack was toothless.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Suffered an absolute shocker of a first half courtesy of Southampton’s tricky wingers.
Conceded the penalty after bringing down Tyler Dibling but was also constantly exposed throughout the half.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6
United continue to lean far too heavily on such a young player. And this defensive role does not really suit him.
Christian Eriksen – 7
A surprise starter although United’s two goals came from his corners.
The system, though, still does not play to his strengths as he is too deep.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Cracking corner cross ball from Eriksen who plonked the ball on the head of De Ligt.
Amad Diallo – 7
Looked lively throughout – really encouraging. Teed up Rashford for the second goal.
Joshua Zirkzee – 6
Forced a couple of saves by Aaron Ramsdale but does not look like a 25 goal-a-season striker.
Marcus Rashford – 7
Hopefully the second goal will give him a real confidence boost. Also forced a couple of saves from Aaron Ramsdale.
SUBS
Garnacho (for Rashford 73 mins) 7
Was brutally fouled by Stephens who saw red shortly after coming on. Notched United’s third goal of the game in the final minute.
He struck high into Ramsdale’s high corner after a brilliant ball from Casemiro.
Manuel Ugarte (for Eriksen 73 mins) 6
Harry Maguire (for Mazraouri 74 mins) 6
Jonny Evans (for Martinez 77 mins) 6
The Saints had an early spring in their step and after dominating the ball and attacking play before the penalty was awarded.
United were camped in their own half for most of the first 30 minutes, with Dalot particularly struggling down his left hand side.
But Premier League football is cruel and momentum immediately switched on Onana’s save.
New United defender Matthijs de Ligt’s header put Erik ten Hag’s side 1-0 up through a Bruno Fernandes assist just two minutes later.
Marcus Rashford then doubled the lead for the visitors.
It was the 26-year-old’s first Prem goal since his penalty against Everton at Old Trafford on March 9.
Alejandro Garnacho made it three at the death, as Saints failed to even have another SHOT after the penalty.
And speaking after full-time Ten Hag admitted the penalty was the “turning point”.
He said: “The start was not easy.
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“I think the penalty was the turning point in the game and not so far after we scored and that was very important.
“From that moment on, the game was all ours.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
