RVP's brace crucial

By Chris
December 29 2014

Manchester United's winning run continues, but Southampton, beaten by a Robin van Persie brace, will feel aggrieved by the 2-1 scoreline.

RVP showed poacher's instinct to seize on Jose Fonte's slack backpass and break the deadlock after only twelve minutes.

However, surprise package Southampton fought back strongly and were worthy of their equaliser as Graziano Pelle fired home.

The hosts controlled the game for long periods and had a series of excellent chances, but failed to find the net for a second time.

United's shakiness in defence raises question marks about their ability to challenge for honours this season, but the Saints will be fuming they failed to win despite having 15 shots.

Louis van Gaal's men, meanwhile, had only three shots - but that was enough to bag the win, as RVP volleyed home Wayne Rooney's free-kick to settle the contest on 71 minutes.

United's clear vulnerability is a cause for concern, and had wasteful Southampton punished that, the scoreline would have been very different. However, the result - a fifth victory on the spin - lifts the Red Devils to third in the Premier League.

Full Time - Southampton 1-2 Manchester United
Attendance - 31,420