Anton's own-goal rescues point for complacent Reds
K Jones made it 2-1
By Chris,
October 4 2009
Manchester United salvaged a fortunate point on Saturday evening as Anton Ferdinand's late own-goal secured a 2-2 draw with Sunderland. The Reds were guilty of complacency and had to come from behind twice against Steve Bruce’s impressive Black Cats.
Despite the international break set to get underway, Sir Alex Ferguson raised a few eyebrows with his team selection. Danny Welbeck started, whilst Rio Ferdinand was dropped to the bench and thus denied the chance to line-up against his younger brother.
Bruce's Sunderland started very brightly and deservedly took the lead after seven minutes. The on-fire Darren Bent launched a fantastic low drive from outside the box which was too powerful for Ben Foster to claw away.
United were lifeless and struggled to battle their way back into the game. Nani, Welbeck and Darren Fletcher were all hapless in midfield as the Reds lacked fluency and looked shell-shocked by Sunderland's positive start to proceedings. The visitors, however, didn't test Foster enough during the opening period despite United's poor display.
The Reds clearly had a rocket firmly put up them over the interval by an irate Fergie and started more positively. After only six second-half minutes, parity was restored as Dimitar Berbatov met John O'Shea cross with a fabulous bicycle kick which curled passed Craig Gordon.
From there, most were expecting United to seize control of proceedings and go onto grab all three points. However, just seven minutes later the Black Cats were ahead again. Andy Reid charged forward and chipped the ball into United's box, Foster came and flapped but Kenwyne Jones was quicker and headed home.
United pushed forward late on hoping for an equaliser - and there chances were boosted when ex-Red Kieran Richardson was dismissed for petulantly kicking the ball away. Sunderland panicked, and deep into injury time pressure told as Patrice Evra's drive crashed off Ferdinand and into the back of the net. Another crucial, trademark late goal - but, unlike against City, the Reds were lucky to get anything out of this one.
Full Time - Manchester United 2-2 Sunderland
Attendance - 75,114