Pogba's Goal Solidifies Manchester United At The Top Of The Standings

Paul Pogba (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Paul Pogba scored a goal to bring Manchester United back to the top of the Premier League after a 2-1 win over Fulham in Week 18 at Craven Cottage Stadium, London, England, Wednesday local time (Thursday WIB).

Launched Antara, the French national team midfielder scored his goal in the 65th minute with a curling shot that lodged into the far post area to complete the revival of United who had lagged behind the hosts.

MU fell behind first because Fulham started the match well and was able to open up the lead just five minutes after starting from Ademola Lookman's goal.

The MU defense did not seem to have heated up entering the match when it failed to anticipate Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa's through ball which was controlled by Lookman before finishing with a sharp strike into the bottom left corner of the net.

After the goal conceded, MU seemed to be more concentrated and slowly began to take over control of the game.

In the 21st minute, Edinson Cavani finally equalized for United after he meticulously grabbed a Bruno Fernandes cross which slipped from the hands of goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.

After United turned things around, Fulham almost equalized if goalkeeper David de Gea had not made a brilliant save with his foot to keep out Ruben Loftus-Cheek's shot in the 74th minute.

In the 83rd minute Fulham had another good chance from a wave of counter-attacks, but Loftus-Cheek's finishing shot this time went wildly high.

Fulham continued to struggle to equalize even Aleksandar Mitrociv almost scored with a header that hit Eric Bailly's thigh, fortunately for the Manchester United defender the ball still deviated slightly outside the goal and the Red Devils locked their victory.

The continuation of MU's trendless trend in 10 away games this season saw them return to the top with a collection of 40 points, displacing city rivals Manchester City (38) who had only been in that position for a few hours.

Meanwhile, Fulham (12), who must be willing to continue their bad trend of winning in eight consecutive matches, have not moved from 18th place, according to the official Premier League website.

The two teams will return to action on Sunday, January 24 for their FA Cup fourth round tie, when Fulham host Burnley and United meet Liverpool at Old Trafford.