A draw was a draw. And it was still a point in the bag, but that was no consolation really. We should have put then game to bed, but from a toothless performance up front. Maybe it was the Xmas round the corner. Rooney especially was sluggish with both his passing and finishing. And even van Persie was not his usual deadly self.
Swansea played a clever game. They pressed United using a high line and compacted the midfield. At times, Carrick and Cleverley were overrun and struggled to get a hold of the game. This allowed Swansea forwards to run forward, especially Michu and get into good positions. It was also quite clear that Vidic could do with a couple more outings before getting his fitness back. His reading of the game was still there, it was just the speed.
Understandably, Swansea struggled to keep such a high energy game throughout, and was getting tired after the hour. We tried to capitalise with the introduction of Chicarito. But apart from a good chance that missed his stride, he was rather anonymous. And then, there was Valencia. He was really struggling. With United only have three wingers in the squad - then other two being Young and Nani if we discount Giggs - we would have problem playing our usual wide game going forward. Both Young and Valencia was below par in then crossing department yesterday as well.
Hopefully we would clear the cobweb before the next game on Boxing Day. The lead is now down to four points after our first draw of the season. But putting things into perspective, getting a point away to Swansea was never a bad thing. On their day, Swansea could play proper football and out any team under pressure. It was just not our day, with us hitting the bar twice and the Swansea defense putting their bodies on the line last-ditch defending. The real blow came with the news of Chelsea putting eight past the Villan. Now, that was an attacking display .......
