Review

Olise’s superb free-kick denies Man Utd second place

18 Jan 2023

Palace winger's stoppage-time goal secures 1-1 draw that stops Red Devils’ winning run

A sensational free-kick from Michael Olise in second-half stoppage time earned Crystal Palace a 1-1 home draw with Manchester United that prevented the visitors from moving up to second in the Premier League.

CRY

1-1

MUN

Bruno Fernandes put Man Utd in front just before half-time with an emphatic finish from Christian Eriksen's cut-back.

United’s new signing Wout Weghorst played a part role in the the opener, drawing defenders away to leave Fernandes the space to beat Vicente Guaita.

However, United were indebted to their goalkeeper, David De Gea, who made two crucial saves in either half, the first, in which he brilliantly tipped Odsonne Edouard's fierce shot on to the bar.

But as Man Utd closed in on a victory that would have cut the gap to leaders Arsenal to six points, Olise struck from 20 yards with a superb free-kick that went in off the bar.

Casemiro missed a chance to restore United’s lead from point-blank range when he failed to connect with a corner. To compound matters, this came after the Brazilian had received his fifth booking of the season, ruling him out of Sunday's trip to Arsenal.

Palace might have won it themselves in a frantic finale as Wilfried Zaha raced clear on goal, only for former Palace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka to produce a brilliant last-ditch tackle.

The draw, which ends Man Utd's five-match winning streak in the Premier League, takes them above Newcastle United into third, level on 39 points with Manchester City. Palace remain in 12th on 23 points.