This season's premier league champions Manchester United did win the league in some style with a hat-trick against Aston Villa from their latest legend in the making, van Persie, but not without some audacious come backs that saw them wrest victories away from some certain defeats. In fact, comeback has become the norm this season for the Red Devils who simply refused to be beaten this season and recorded some amazing come-from-behind victories to take all three points when there were none or one for the taking!
A feeling of inevitability, of the result I sorely wouldn?t happen, surrounded me almost always whenever I bet against MANU. I went through many a match joyful that Manu were trailing but ultimately cursing the hope that made me think the team would stumble upon their quest for glory and hand their brothers in blue the title again like they did last season in the last minute. Let's take a look at the wins this season for Ferguson's men when they beat the odds.
| Opponent | Home/Away | Final Score | Number of comebacks in the match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fulham | H | 3-2 | 1 |
| Southampton | A | 3-2 | 2 |
| Liverpool | A | 2-1 | 1 |
| Stoke | H | 4-2 | 1 |
| Aston Villa | A | 3-2 | 2 |
| QPR | H | 3-1 | 1 |
| Reading | A | 4-3 | 2 |
| Newcastle | H | 4-3 | 3 |
| Southampton | H | 2-1 | 1 |
Table 1:MANU comeback wins in 2012-13 Premier League
9 victories with 14 total comebacks outline the never-say-die attitude instilled among United?s players and Sir Alex surely is a proud man (who might have been a bit more comfortable without such tension and drama)! Perhaps United play their best football when they are behind or when the odds are against them, or perhaps they need the sense of urgency and the looming fear of the famous hair-dryer treatment (purportedly less mellow these days!) to snatch victories away from hopeful opponents. Whatever may be the case, it is difficult to not admire the season they have had after the painful loss last year to Aguero?s strike when all was won and lost in the blink of an eye for United!
United have also comeback from a certain defeat to steal a point against West Ham at Boleyn Ground this month and have scored winning goals when the scores were level to crush their opponents? hopes of a point well gained. Their performance against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge was a highly entertaining affair settled by Chicarito?s goal in the 75th minute and stalled Chelsea?s ?revival.? We can also never forget the match against City at the Etihad in December 2012 when van Persie?s injury time winner laid the demons of the 1-6 mauling from last season to rest and all but destroyed City?s hopes of a Premier League Championship repeat.
| Opponent | Home/Away | Final Score | Number of comebacks in the match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chelsea | A | 3-2 | Winning goal scored by United |
| Manchester City | A | 3-2 | Winning goal scored by United |
| West Ham | A | 2-2 | 2 |
Table 2:MANU comeback draws and victories thru winning goals in 2012-13 Premier League
The season has seen some audacious and stubborn play from MANU that is sure to have sent the bookmakers? predictions in a wild frenzy of uncertainty before finally resulting in the expected. United have proved this season that they can be put down but can seldom be beaten. They are the deserving champions of the Premier League this time but too many comebacks and non-dominating performances have predictably put an end to the dream of a treble or even a double! The level of competiveness in the Premier League is sure to increase in the next season and United would surely not have an easy stroll to another triumph. For now, here?s to their 20th!
Source: DSG
Source: DSG