Home Premier League Arsenal Manchester United and West Ham in FA Cup stalemate

Manchester United and West Ham in FA Cup stalemate

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Manchester United came from behind to draw 1-1 with West Ham United at Old Trafford today in the FA Cup Quarter-Finals.

These two clubs were aiming to join Crystal Palace, Everton and Watford, who earlier today upset Arsenal.

Red Devils manager Louis van Gaal was hoping to get his back on track after Thursday’s Europa League defeat to Liverpool.

Meanwhile, the Hammers were looking to continue their impressive season.

It was the visitors who had the first decent chance, Michael Antonio shooting wide from a through ball by Andy Carroll.

Aaron Cresswell fired in some impressive crosses which the home defence had to be alert to, one of which was met by Emmanuel Emenike, forcing a save from David De Gea.

A deep cross from Anthony Martial was volleyed wide by Ander Herrera, and the midfielder wasted another chance after good build-up play involving Martial and Marcos Rojo.

De Gea produced a fine save to deny Cresswell as the first half ended.

The home side had appeals for a penalty waved away by the referee after a shot by Herrera bounced up and hit Winston Reid on the elbow inside the box.

West Ham also had a penalty claim turned down after Dimitri Payet was brought down by Rojo.

But the Hammers fans’ frustration soon turned to joy when they took the lead in the 68th minute.

Payet fired in a fantastic free-kick that flew past De Gea.

The visiting fans started a chant of ‘Wembley’ and, after Van Gaal had thrown on Bastian Schweinsteiger and Memphis Depay in an effort to turn the tide, Guillermo Varela had to be at his best to deny Payet.

The Red Devils finally drew level with seven minutes to go. Herrera floated a cross from the right, and Martial was on hand to bundle the ball over the line.

Both sides had chances in the remaining minutes. Rojo scooped wide, Michael Carrick shot wide, while at the other end, De Gea denied Antonio.

But they would have to settle for a draw, and have to do battle again to see who makes it to the famous arch.

 

By Steve Osborne                     @BlizzardSteve75

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