Benjamin Sesko‘s late strike secured a dramatic point for Manchester United against West Ham in a Premier League thriller.
West Ham Dominates Early
West Ham started strongly at the London Stadium. Crysencio Summerville tested goalkeeper Senne Lammens with a curling shot in the 13th minute. Then Aaron Wan-Bissaka cleared a shot from Luke Shaw off the line after a corner from Bruno Fernandes.
Manchester United struggled to create chances. Amad fired a shot into the side netting just before halftime. The first half ended goalless with low expected goals.
Soucek Breaks Deadlock
However West Ham took the lead early in the second half. Jarrod Bowen won the ball from Luke Shaw and crossed low for Tomás Soucek. The midfielder tapped in the opener in the 50th minute. Diogo Dalot received a yellow card for fouling Summerville soon after. West Ham defended resolutely against United’s pressure.
VAR Controversy Arises
Manchester United thought they equalized in the 62nd minute. Kobbie Mainoo crossed for Casemiro, who headed home. But VAR ruled the goal offside after a review. Casemiro reacted with frustration to the decision.
Meanwhile Harry Maguire left the field with a hamstring concern in the 68th minute. Substitutes entered as United pushed forward.
Sesko Rescues Point
Then Benjamin Sesko leveled the score in the 96th minute. The striker converted a cross from Bryan Mbeumo with a brilliant first-touch finish into the top corner. The goal ended United’s four game winning streak but extended their unbeaten run to nine matches.
Managerial Reactions
Michael Carrick expressed disappointment over the poor performance. The Manchester United manager stated he needed to go back to the drawing board to understand the issues and wished the team had increased intensity in the second half.
Nuno Espirito Santo saw his West Ham side drop points despite a strong display. The result left United in fourth with 45 points and West Ham in 18th with 24 points.
