Owen Hargreaves was impressed by Benjamin Sesko’s finish against West Ham to rescue a late point for Manchester United in the Premier League.
Manchester United drew 1-1 against West Ham at the London Stadium on Tuesday night, with Benjamin Sesko scoring a superb stoppage-time goal to save Michael Carrick’s unbeaten record.
The Red Devils came close to opening the scoring during a dull first half, played at a slow tempo, when ex-United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka was in the right place to clear Luke Shaw’s effort off the line.
However, the first goal was scored five minutes into the second half when Tomas Soucek put West Ham ahead.
What did Michael Carrick get right with his game management vs West Ham?
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Both teams had chances towards the end of the match, but a 96th-minute equaliser from Sesko meant that the points were shared between United and West Ham.
Although it comes as a blow for Carrick’s side not to make it five consecutive wins in the Premier League, United remain in the top four – thanks to Chelsea throwing away a two-goal lead against Leeds.
Benjamin Sesko and Manchester United clap the away fans
Photo by Izzy Poles – AMA/Getty Images
Benjamin Sesko impressed Owen Hargreaves with West Ham strike
Sesko has scored two stoppage-time goals since Carrick took charge of the team.
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That means the 22-year-old is making the most of his role as a substitute, but each goal will help him knock on the head coach’s door for a starting role in the team.
United were not getting enough crosses into the box in the first half, instead opting to play through the middle of the pitch, despite that area being packed with West Ham players.
The Slovenian target man, standing at 6ft 5in, was the obvious choice from the bench when Carrick was searching for players who could score a goal.
Sesko scored after a delicate flick after Bryan Mbeumo sent a cross into the box.
Former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves hailed Sesko for his sublime finish on TNT Sports, as quoted by the Premier League.
“That is a proper finish,” Hargreaves said.
“Usually players snatch at it or volley, but he did a little finesse one. That is the only thing he can do because the defender is right in front of him. If he smashes it then Disasi blocks it.
“It just shows you how instinctive footballers are. The timing and the feeling of it was executed beautifully.”
Benjamin Sesko is averaging a goal every 48 minutes over his last six appearances
Should Sesko be starting more games for United?
Benjamin Sesko stat graphic
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Sesko’s strike against West Ham is likely to be a contender for the Premier League Goal of the Month award for February.
Man Utd inflict more pain for West Ham
Although West Ham will be thankful for Tottenham losing against Newcastle, Sesko’s late winner adds to the growing number of points the Hammers have thrown away from winning positions this season.
No team has dropped as many points as West Ham (20) from winning positions.
United are the latest team to come from behind against West Ham.
It’s a trend West Ham need to address if they are to survive the dog fight at the bottom of the table.
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