Manchester United vs Watford LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction today
Follow all the latest updates as the hosts look to keep up momentum in the top-four race
It may still be the case that Manchester United have only lost once since the 4-1 defeat at Vicarage Road which led to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking and Ralf Rangnick’s interim appointment but draws like these are slowly eroding hopes of playing in next season’s Champions League.
Solskjaer’s conquerors Watford, under new management themselves, will celebrate this goalless draw at Old Trafford, even if the point does little to help Roy Hodgson’s side in their battle against the drop. It was yet another afternoon when United had their chances but did not take them.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s form is especially concerning. The Portuguese looked every inch the 37-year-old centre-forward that he is and may be contemplating whether he can stomach a season outside of European football’s elite competition. If he decides not, that may be the best thing for all parties concerned.
United remain fourth, two points clear of fifth-place Arsenal, but have played three games more. And worryingly, this visit of a Watford side sat second-bottom could be viewed as the last in a run of favourable fixtures dating all the way back to early December.
After next week’s derby at the Etihad, top-four rivals Tottenham pay a visit with the return leg against Atletico Madrid following three days later. Even if the subsequent trip to Anfield is postponed due to the FA Cup quarter-finals, as seems likely, Rangnick is entering a defining period. Follow reaction from Manchester United vs Watford below and coverage of Everton vs Man City:
Phil Foden goal takes Manchester City six points clear at top of Premier League
Manchester City moved six points clear at the top of the Premier League but only after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over stubborn Everton at Goodison Park.
Frank Lampard’s side defended resolutely for more than 80 minutes but a deflection to a Bernardo Silva cross left Michael Keane flat-footed and Phil Foden pounced on the Everton defender’s lack of control to finish from close range.
Moments later there was controversy when the ball appeared to spin up and hit Rodri on the arm as he went to clear in the box, but after a lengthy VAR check no penalty was given.
Phil Foden goal takes Manchester City six points clear at top of Premier League
Pep Guardiola’s team had to work hard for victory at Everton.
Man City squeeze past Everton to extend lead at top of Premier League
Everton have 22 points from 24 Premier League matches this season (W6 D4 L14), their lowest tally at this stage of a league campaign (assuming 3 pts/win all-time) since 1929-30 (also 22), when they were relegated from the top-flight.
Roman Abramovich handing ‘care of Chelsea’ to trustees of charitable foundation
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has said he is giving trustees of the club’s charitable foundation “the stewardship and care of Chelsea” in a statement.
Abramovich will remain as Chelsea owner, but will not be involved in any decision-making at the Stamford Bridge club.
The PA news agency understands Abramovich took the decision in order to protect Chelsea from continual links to the wider situation amid the conflict in Ukraine.
Roman Abramovich handing ‘care of Chelsea’ to trustees of charitable foundation
Abramovich will remain as Chelsea owner, but will not be involved in any decision-making at the Stamford Bridge club.
Everton 0 - 1 Man City
Pep Guardiola enjoyed that win. He went over to the Manchester City fans to encourage them to raise the volumes of their cheers. This title race could come down to the wire and Guardiola will know that every point could be vital.
Everton 0 - 1 Man City
Everton’s assistant coach, Ashley Cole, isn’t at all pleased with the officiating from that game. He strides out onto the pitch and gives the referees a mouthful earning himself a yellow card.
Rodri’s handball incident was definitely a penalty but the decision went against Everton.
Manchester City open up a six point lead at the top of the table once again but Liverpool still have a game in hand on them. Everton remain one point above the relegation zone.
Everton 0 - 1 Man City
90+8 mins: Michael Keane hits a hopeful ball up the pitch for Richarlison but Ruben Dias gets to the loose ball first and finally runs down the clock.
It took a mistake from Everton to let Manchester City in on goal and Phil Foden took advantage. He found the back of the net and has given City a crucial three points in the title race.
Everton 0 - 1 Man City
90+5 mins: John Stones takes time out of the game but going to ground and needing a bit of treatment for his hand. The commentary team are talking about a dislocated finger but it doesn’t seem as drastic as that.
When the game continues Dele Alli goes in the book for a reckless tackle on Ederson and Man City’s goalkeeper takes more time out of the game by staying on the floor.
Everton 0 - 1 Man City
90+3 mins: Mason Holgate pushes up the pitch for Everton and floats a teasing cross into the box. Anwar El Ghazi leaps at the ball but it just trickles over his head and bounces behind for a goal kick.
Everton 0 - 1 Man City
90 mins: Five minutes of added time to play at Goodison Park. Time for Everton to earn an equaliser? They’ve put in a performance worthy of at least a draw.
Everton 0 - 1 Man City
86 mins: No penalty! VAR comes to Manchester City’s rescue. It’s a poor decision. At the very least the referee should have been sent over to the pitch side monitor. Rodri stuck out his arm in an attempt to control the ball and it hits his arm below the t-line on his sleeve. Manchester City have got away with one, it will be interesting to see how the VAR came to that decision.
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